Latest news with #AbdulazizbinAbdullahAl-Duailej
Arab News
29-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudia Cargo, Henan Aviation Group ink deal to bolster routes between Riyadh, Zhengzhou
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and China are strengthening their air cargo cooperation through a new agreement to create a joint freight hub as part of the Air Silk Road initiative. The deal, inked between Saudia Cargo and Henan Aviation Group, will see new new routes opened between Riyadh and Zhengzhou, according to a statement. This correlates with the Saudi Aviation Strategy, which recognizes the need to increase air connectivity with key markets such as China as part of the Kingdom's goal of transporting 4.5 million tonnes of air cargo by 2030. The statement further highlighted that the agreement aims to 'support integrated logistics services and free trade zone development' and 'advance sustainability and cross-border e-commerce through logistics innovation.' It also seeks to explore investment opportunities in the high-tech and aviation sectors in Zhengzhou. The MoU came during a meeting held by President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej in Riyadh with Henan Province Vice Governor Sun Shougang to bolster investments between the two countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported. During the discussion, the two sides discussed strengthening economic relations, focusing on fostering high-quality investments for leading firms and empowering the private sector to seize available opportunities. Both parties also explored enhancing Saudi-Chinese air transport in alignment with Vision 2030 and the Saudi Aviation Strategy. GACA also held a Saudi-Chinese roundtable to explore collaboration opportunities in logistics zones and air cargo. The meeting included the Chairman of China Henan Aviation Group, along with representatives from national carriers and logistics firms. The roundtable also included various Saudi government entities, such as the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Investment, and the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, as well as the Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade, the Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority, the Industrial Center, and the Air Connectivity Program. The Chinese delegation conducted a field visit to the Special Integrated Logistics Zone in Riyadh and the cargo zones at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, where they observed operational capabilities, cargo-handling facilities and zones, e-commerce shipments, and the digital capabilities and mechanisms in use. The delegation also visited King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, where they toured the Airport Operations Control Center to observe the services provided as well as explored the commercial areas, and duty-free store. China's COSCO Shipping unveils Dammam office Chinese company COSCO Shipping has launched its first office in the Kingdom in Dammam in an attempt to enhance operational efficiency and logistical connectivity. This move also strengthens the firm's partnership with the Saudi Ports Authority, or Mawani, supports trade growth, and achieves the goals of the nation's Vision 2030 of consolidating the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub. Saudi NHC continues house building deal with Chinese firm Saudi Arabia's National Housing Co. has extended its partnership with China State Construction Engineering Corporation, which aims to build 20,000 housing units within NHC destinations. The partnership has been realized through the launch of multiple projects across NHC sites in the Eastern Region, Riyadh, and Jeddah, delivering over 3,800 housing units. It comes as an extension of the Saudi-Chinese partnership series and several agreements signed with Chinese firms during the official visit to China by Minister Al-Hogail and NHC CEO Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Buty. NHC stated that the partnership extends its efforts to enhance the real estate supply and inject more housing units through quality partnerships with major international companies to establish urban destinations with high-quality standards across the Kingdom.
Arab News
28-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi aviation surpasses localization goals, boosts women in leadership
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia's aviation industry exceeded its 2024 Saudization target, reaching 14,317 national employees — 124 percent of its 2025 goal — as the Kingdom accelerates efforts to become a global aviation hub. The General Authority of Civil Aviation said women hold 17 percent of leadership roles across airports, airlines, and ground services. The initiative is part of a broader labor market strategy to boost Saudization, a program launched in 2011 to increase domestic employment in the private sector through industry-specific quotas. It has helped reduce Saudi unemployment from 12.8 percent in 2018 to 7.1 percent by mid-2024, surpassing the Vision 2030 goal of 8 percent. The Kingdom has set a new target of 5 percent unemployment by 2030. In an official release, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, GACA's president, noted that the authority had succeeded in its 'Saudization of Aviation Jobs' initiative, achieving notable results in 2024. He emphasized that this progress reflects the depth and inclusiveness of the Vision (2030) and embodies the Kingdom's comprehensive development across all sectors, the release added. His comments coincided with the release of the 2024 annual report on Saudi Vision 2030, which showed that the Kingdom had achieved 93 percent of its strategic goals over the past nine years. According to the annual report, Saudi Arabia's airports handled 128 million passengers in 2024, marking a 45.8 percent increase since the launch of Vision 2030 in 2016, while air cargo volumes topped 1.2 million tonnes. GACA president stated that the authority achieved 100 percent of its key performance indicators and initiatives under the Vision Realization Programs. Saudi Arabia ranked 17th globally in the International Air Transport Association's Air Connectivity Index — surpassing the 2024 target by two ranks. According to the press release, GACA, during the 1445 Hajj season, launched the Kingdom's first aerial taxi trial and granted licenses for cutting-edge aviation technologies. 'Several new terminals were opened, and expansions were made to various regional airports as part of the Kingdom's efforts to adopt future-forward solutions and enhance sustainability in air transport,' it added. The GACA chief further highlighted the sector's advancements since the launch of the National Aviation Strategy, including the privatization of airports, the development of King Salman International Airport, the establishment of Riyadh Air, and the ordering of 548 new aircraft.
Arab News
16-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia signs aviation deals at ICAO Conference in Doha
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation has signed multiple air transport agreements at the International Civil Aviation Organization Facilitation Conference in Doha, as part of its strategy to bolster international cooperation and expand the Kingdom's global aviation footprint. Held from April 14 to 17 in Qatar, the conference brought together officials from 190 countries, including more than 120 ministers of transport and heads of civil aviation authorities. The agreements aim to establish regulatory frameworks for air transport, reinforce civil aviation safety and security standards, and offer travelers more connectivity options, according to the Saudi Press Agency. These developments are aligned with Saudi Arabia's ambitious aviation strategy, which targets seamless travel for 330 million passengers to over 250 destinations and the transportation of 4.5 million tonnes of air cargo annually by 2030. The Kingdom also aims to attract 150 million tourists by the end of the decade. As part of the latest agreements, GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej signed air services deals with Liberia and Grenada, and a record of discussions in the field of air transport with Samoa and Fiji. A separate agreement with Ecuador was signed on behalf of GACA by Ali bin Mohammed Rajab, executive vice president for Air Transport and International Cooperation. 'These agreements aim to strengthen ties between Saudi Arabia and participating nations, facilitate the operation of air transport services, and support the safe and orderly growth of the sector in line with the 1944 Chicago Convention,' SPA reported. The accords also reflect Saudi Arabia's broader goals of becoming a leading aviation hub in the Middle East and a global player in civil aviation, while maintaining a strong focus on air safety and environmental sustainability. In addition to signing new agreements, GACA held bilateral meetings with aviation authorities from Qatar, the UAE, Egypt, Syria, Yemen, and Seychelles. Discussions focused on enhancing joint cooperation, forming strategic partnerships, and advancing safety and facilitation standards in the aviation sector. Organized by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority in collaboration with ICAO, this year's conference—held under the theme 'Facilitating the Future of Air Transport: Collaboration, Efficiency, and Inclusiveness'—served as a platform for global dialogue on the evolving landscape of civil aviation.
Leaders
10-04-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Sign MoU in Field of Civil Aviation
The President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Wednesday with the Government of the State of Kuwait, marking a new chapter in civil aviation cooperation between the two nations. Representing Kuwait, Sheikh Humoud Mubarak Humoud Al-Sabah, Head of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), attended the signing ceremony which took place during an official visit to Kuwait. The event was also attended by Saudi Ambassador to Kuwait, Prince Sultan bin Saad bin Khaled. The MoU is designed to enhance bilateral collaboration in civil aviation, with a focus on technical, administrative, regulatory, operational, and technological areas. It also emphasizes the promotion of aviation safety and security. A bilateral meeting was held alongside the signing ceremony to address shared interests and explore further opportunities for cooperation in the aviation sector. This agreement aligns with ongoing efforts to expand international partnerships and exchange expertise in civil aviation, supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and its goal of becoming a global aviation and air transport hub. Related Topics : Chairman of Civil Aviation Visits BETA Technologies Factory in Vermont, USA US Imposes New Sanctions on Iran ahead of Oman Talks Khaled Al-Otaishan on Kuwait Invasion: Iraqi Forces Bomb Khafji, Destroy His House -3 Former Khafji Governor Khaled Al-Otaishan Reveals Untold Details of Kuwait Invasion Short link : Post Views: 24
Arab News
10-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Malham Airport approved to join Saudi Arabia's expanding aviation network
RIYADH: Malham Airport is set to begin serving the Saudi public after the General Authority of Civil Aviation approved the site to be added to the Kingdom's air transport network. The facility has been designated a specialized general aviation airport, a move that aligns with Saudi Vision 2030's goals to transform the Kingdom into a global nexus for business and tourism. Situated approximately 70 km north of downtown Riyadh and spanning 1.44 million sq. meters, the facility is built to accommodate over 25,000 flights per year. The airport will serve as a comprehensive hub, offering integrated services aimed at attracting investors, nurturing local talent, and reinforcing the Kingdom's position in the global aviation industry. Located in a rapidly developing region, the facility benefits from proximity to major international events such as the World Defense Exhibition and the LEAP Tech Conference. This development is part of a broader strategy to diversify the Kingdom's economy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and strengthen its logistics and connectivity framework. The announcement comes amid a period of unprecedented growth for Saudi Arabia's aviation industry. In 2024, the sector achieved record-breaking milestones, including a surge in passenger traffic, the expansion of airline fleets, and the launch of Riyadh Air— the Kingdom's newest flagship carrier, which recently secured its Air Operator Certificate. Backed by the Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air aims to connect over 100 international destinations by 2030, contributing an estimated $20 billion to the national economy. Saudi Arabia's aviation strategy is a cornerstone of Vision 2030, with targets to serve 330 million passengers across 250 destinations and transport 4.5 million tonnes of air cargo annually by the end of the decade. Speaking in February, GACA's President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej stressed the importance of continuing to develop local aviation expertise, noting that GACA's human capital development strategy estimates that the Kingdom's aviation sector will require 274,000 direct jobs by 2030 — up from the current 104,000 jobs. Al-Duailej reaffirmed the commitment to building a strong and sustainable aviation industry, ensuring the Kingdom remains at the forefront of global aviation development. Saudi Arabia is also investing billions in infrastructure in the aviation sector, including the development of King Salman International Airport.
