黑料社区

黑料社区鈥檚 flyadeal boosts Dammam network with 3 domestic routes

黑料社区鈥檚 flyadeal boosts Dammam network with 3 domestic routes
The airline鈥檚 fleet comprises 36 modern Airbus A320 narrowbody aircraft. Shutterstock
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Updated 10 November 2024

黑料社区鈥檚 flyadeal boosts Dammam network with 3 domestic routes

黑料社区鈥檚 flyadeal boosts Dammam network with 3 domestic routes
  • The new destinations, Najran, Tabuk, and Yanbu, are strategically significant
  • Expansion marks the first phase of flyadeal鈥檚 2025 growth plan

RIYADH: 黑料社区鈥檚 low-cost airline, flyadeal, will launch three new domestic routes from Dammam starting in January, aligning with the Kingdom鈥檚 Vision 2030 objectives.聽

The airline will launch daily flights from Dammam to Najran and four weekly services to Tabuk on Jan. 1, followed by three weekly flights to Yanbu starting Jan. 2.

The announcement was made by Steven Greenway, CEO of flyadeal, on the sidelines of the World Travel Market in London.

Greenway said the new routes are part of flyadeal鈥檚 mission to connect smaller towns and cities across the Kingdom, catering to populations under 400,000 that are underserved yet have a growing demand for air travel.

鈥淗aving well-established bases in Riyadh and Jeddah, flyadeal is now strengthening its presence in the Eastern Province by increasing frequencies on existing routes and adding three new destinations connected to Dammam,鈥 Greenway said.

He added: 鈥淥ur new flights will facilitate travel for business and leisure purposes, support the growing desire among Saudis and international visitors to discover the rich diversity that the country offers, and attract a growing expatriate population to explore the Kingdom.鈥

The expansion complements Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify 黑料社区鈥檚 economy and transform the Kingdom into a global transportation and logistics hub.

By enhancing access to remote and economically vital cities, flyadeal supports Vision 2030 objectives to strengthen tourism, stimulate business opportunities, and increase domestic mobility.

The new routes will also advance the nation鈥檚 strategy to welcome 150 million visitors annually by 2030.

The expansion marks the first phase of flyadeal鈥檚 2025 growth plan, which includes adding more domestic routes and launching international flights from its primary hubs in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam in the coming months.

The developments align with 黑料社区鈥檚 broad national efforts to establish itself as a key player in the aviation sector, with enhanced infrastructure, expanded air service networks, and a focus on customer experience.

Operating from its three main bases, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, flyadeal serves nearly 30 year-round and seasonal destinations across the Kingdom and select cities in the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa.

The airline鈥檚 fleet comprises 36 modern Airbus A320 narrowbody aircraft, optimized for efficiency and passenger comfort, reinforcing 黑料社区鈥檚 commitment to advancing sustainable and high-quality air travel.

The new destinations, Najran, Tabuk, and Yanbu, are strategically significant. Najran, an agricultural hub in the southwest, contributes substantially to the local economy.

Tabuk serves as a gateway to the Red Sea coast and plays a pivotal role in the Kingdom鈥檚 large-scale tourism and development projects.

Yanbu, 黑料社区鈥檚 second-largest port in the Madinah province, is a hub for petroleum and petrochemical industries, supporting national economic objectives and Vision 2030鈥檚 goals for diversified growth.

With international routes to Amman, Cairo, and Istanbul, flyadeal positions itself as a crucial connector between the Kingdom and key regional and international destinations, advancing Vision 2030鈥檚 ambition of creating an integrated, globally connected 黑料社区.


Saudi economy minister holds talks with EU officials

Saudi economy minister holds talks with EU officials
Updated 17 September 2025

Saudi economy minister holds talks with EU officials

Saudi economy minister holds talks with EU officials

JEDDAH: Saudi-EU ties have been further strengthened after the Kingdom鈥檚 minister of economy and planning held a range of high-level meetings with leading figures from the institution.

Faisal Al-Ibrahim met European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno in Brussels on Sept. 17 to discuss enhancing collaboration between the Kingdom and the EU on key areas of mutual interest, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The minister also held talks with the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica aimed at boosting cooperation across several sectors and reviewing developments of mutual interest, and with EU Special Representative for the Gulf Luigi Di Maio to strengthen bilateral economic and trade relations.

A day earlier, Al-Ibrahim met European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity Valdis Dombrovskis to discuss bilateral cooperation within the framework of 黑料社区鈥檚 Vision 2030 and recent global economic developments.

In July, the EU announced a 鈧42.5 billion ($46.4 billion) commitment to renewable energy, border security, and socio-economic development across the Middle East and North Africa from 2028.

The funding, aimed at fostering stability and mutual prosperity, opens further opportunities for Saudi-EU collaboration, particularly in renewable energy and sustainable development initiatives aligned with Vision 2030.

In October, the first EU-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit was held in Brussels, marking a historic moment with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attending. 

In May 2024, the European Chamber of Commerce in 黑料社区 was launched, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region.


Closing Bell: Saudi main market climbs 1.25% as Aramco shares rise

Closing Bell: Saudi main market climbs 1.25% as Aramco shares rise
Updated 17 September 2025

Closing Bell: Saudi main market climbs 1.25% as Aramco shares rise

Closing Bell: Saudi main market climbs 1.25% as Aramco shares rise

RIYADH: 黑料社区鈥檚 Tadawul All Share Index ended higher on Wednesday, increasing 131.66 points, or 1.25 percent, to close at 10,650.39. 

Total trading turnover reached SR4.64 billion ($1.23 billion). A total of 205 stocks advanced, while 43 declined.

The MSCI Tadawul 30 Index gained 14.30 points, or 1.04 percent, to finish at 1,383.42

The Kingdom鈥檚 parallel market, Nomu, however gained 100.63 points, or 0.4 percent, to settle at 25,123.21, with 41 gainers against 44 fallers.

Shares of Saudi Aramco recorded their sharpest increase in two years, rising by 3.21 percent to close at SR24.10 and lifting the Tadawul All Share Index above the 10,600-point mark.

Among the top performers, National Gypsum Co. surged 9.97 percent to SR20.29, while National Metal Manufacturing and Casting Co. climbed 8.86 percent to SR17.7. 

Arabian Internet and Communications Services Co. rose 5.44 percent to SR248.20, Derayah Financial Co. gained 4.66 percent to SR26.48, and BinDawood Holding Co. advanced 4.49 percent to SR5.59.

Among those to see decreases, Saudi Cable Co. dropped 2.47 percent to SR138.20, while Leejam Sports Co. fell 1.29 percent to SR138.20.

 

 


Jeddah airport opens expanded duty-free with global, local brands聽

Jeddah airport opens expanded duty-free with global, local brands聽
Updated 17 September 2025

Jeddah airport opens expanded duty-free with global, local brands聽

Jeddah airport opens expanded duty-free with global, local brands聽

JEDDAH: Passengers traveling through Jeddah airport are set to experience a new duty-free zone, offering global and local brands as 黑料社区 expands its aviation sector. 

The project is managed by JAH Arabia International Duty-Free LLC, a joint venture between Germany鈥檚 Gebr. Heinemann, 黑料社区鈥檚 Astra Group, and Jordanian Duty-Free Shops. The group holds a seven-year license to operate the duty-free shop across Terminal 1 and the North Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport. 

The launch is part of 黑料社区鈥檚 broader push to modernize its aviation sector, enhance passenger experience, and diversify revenue streams, while also showcasing local culture alongside global brands.  

The new duty-free underscores the Kingdom鈥檚 bid to attract international travelers, strengthen its position as a regional hub, and generate jobs and investment across tourism and retail. 

Mazen Johar, CEO of Jeddah Airports Co., which operates King Abdulaziz International Airport, told Arab News that about 100 young Saudis are employed as merchandisers at the facility. 

鈥淭he pilot opening took place in August last year, focusing on the key products passengers are most likely to demand. Following the full launch, monthly reviews will track sales, assess demand, and identify emerging passenger needs,鈥 he said. 

Johar emphasized that the duty-free reflects the status of King Abdulaziz International Airport and Jeddah鈥檚 rich culture. 鈥淭he new duty-free aims to deliver exceptional shopping options and enhance services available to passengers at the airport.鈥 

He added that the zone will help increase revenues, diversify income sources, create investment opportunities for local and international investors, and generate direct and indirect jobs for Saudi youth, in line with the National Aviation Strategy and Vision 2030. 

Spanning about 8,000 sq. meters, the zone showcases more than 335 international brands across 35 outlets and boutiques.  

Simon Forde, CEO of JAH Arabia International Duty-Free LLC, told Arab News that they carry all the main global brands, while also highlighting regional products. 

鈥淚 think maybe we need a few more Saudi made products. We have a Saudi-made area. We sell a lot of dates and souvenirs.鈥 

Categories include cosmetics, confectionery, gourmet foods, tobacco, souvenirs, fashion, accessories, and jewelry. Standalone stores include Longchamp, Michael Kors, and Swarovski. Other brands featured are BOSS, Ralph Lauren, and Lacoste. 

He added that Saudi products account for 10 to 15 percent of the duty-free鈥檚 overall displays, noting that the company is still learning about the region and the Kingdom. 

Speaking at the launch, Forde added: 鈥淲e are committed to offer passengers a shopping experience that reflects the uniqueness of the Jeddah airport by striking the perfect balance between a global mindset and local culture.鈥


U20 mayors call on universities to launch Saudi-proposed course

U20 mayors call on universities to launch Saudi-proposed course
Updated 17 September 2025

U20 mayors call on universities to launch Saudi-proposed course

U20 mayors call on universities to launch Saudi-proposed course

RIYADH: Mayors and city leaders worldwide are urging universities to introduce a Master of City Administration degree, an initiative pioneered by 黑料社区 aimed at transforming urban leadership.

According to a press statement, the MCA is designed as an MBA-equivalent program for city leaders, equipping them to navigate complex urban challenges and guide their cities amid rapid population growth.

The initiative was unveiled at the Urban 20 Global Summit in Johannesburg as a collaboration between the South African co-chairs and 黑料社区鈥檚 U20 delegation.

Fahd Al-Rasheed, head of the Kingdom鈥檚 U20 delegation, initially proposed the program during the 2024 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in a paper published by the Brazilian Center for International Relations and the 2024 U20 co-chairs. Since then, the concept has garnered widespread support from mayors, urbanists, and academics.

鈥淐ities are uniquely consequential. They are where we live, work, raise our families and chase our dreams. The need for robust educational programs, tailored to the complexities of city administration, has never been greater,鈥 said Al-Rasheed.

He added: 鈥淭he MCA initiative represents an opportunity to transform the leadership of our cities, to the betterment of those that live in them.鈥

The summit also called on universities to train 290,000 urban leaders by 2050, providing them with a skill set that combines executive, political, and technical expertise.

鈥淭he MCA is not just about creating a degree program. The legacy of South Africa鈥檚 chairmanship of the U20 will be a global movement that transforms how we prepare urban leaders, contributing to more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities worldwide,鈥 said Dada Morero, mayor of Johannesburg and U20 co-chair.

The press statement emphasized that MCA will be an interdisciplinary program, blending core curriculum standards with region-specific adaptations to give graduates the technical knowledge, systems thinking, and governance skills needed to lead effectively.

The program will be offered through top international universities, combining academic rigor with practical insights from former mayors and senior administrators.

鈥淭he MBA is the base standard for corporate executive leadership. It is time that the leaders of the world鈥檚 cities, which are at the heart of future human development and prosperity, have an equally rigorous, specialized and respected program for leading our cities into a sustainable future,鈥 said Nasiphi Moya, executive mayor of Tshwane and U20 co-chair.


Jordan tourism revenue rises 7.5% to $5.33bn聽

Jordan tourism revenue rises 7.5% to $5.33bn聽
Updated 17 September 2025

Jordan tourism revenue rises 7.5% to $5.33bn聽

Jordan tourism revenue rises 7.5% to $5.33bn聽

RIYADH: Jordan鈥檚 tourism sector reversed its declining revenue trajectory in the first eight months of 2025, posting a 7.5 percent increase as it pulled in $5.33 billion.

This was in contrast to the 3.7 percent drop seen in the same period of 2024.

Tourism income in August reached $932.2 million, up 2.6 percent from the same month of the previous year, which had seen a 0.3 percent decline, Jordan News Agency, or Petra, reported, citing preliminary data from the country鈥檚 central bank.

The growth was supported by a 14.9 percent increase in tourist arrivals. 

These figures reflect Jordan鈥檚 momentum in tourism recovery, supported by improved international air connectivity, greater marketing efforts and infrastructure investment, in line with its National Tourism Strategy 2021-25 and Economic Modernization Vision. 

鈥淭he data indicated growth in tourism revenue from Asian nationalities (38.4 percent), European (30.2 percent), American (18.6 percent), Arab (5.5 percent), and other nationalities (34.0 percent),鈥 the Petra report stated. 

It added: 鈥淢eanwhile, revenue from Jordanian expatriates dropped by 1.3 percent.鈥 

Outbound tourism expenditure 鈥 money spent by Jordanians abroad 鈥 rose 4 percent in the first eight months to $1.44 billion. In August alone, spending increased 4.5 percent to $196.8 million. 

Jordan maintained a steady upward trend in tourism performance earlier in 2025. In the first quarter, revenues rose about 8.9 percent year-on-year, with international arrivals up nearly 19 percent, supported by improved air connectivity, expanded marketing efforts, and infrastructure investments. 

In the first half of 2025, tourism revenues increased 11.9 percent to $3.67 billion, despite regional headwinds and other external pressures. 

January alone saw revenues surge 22.8 percent to $680.5 million, driven by higher spending from Jordanian expatriates, Arab visitors, and non-Arab international tourists. 

Jordan鈥檚 performance mirrors a wider tourism surge across the Middle East. 

A May release from the World Travel & Tourism Council showed the sector contributed $341.9 billion to regional gross domestic product and supported 7.3 million jobs in 2024, with projections rising to $367.3 billion and 7.7 million jobs in 2025. 

黑料社区 led the region with a 148 percent jump in international tourism revenue in 2024, according to its Ministry of Tourism, while Oman, the UAE, and Qatar continued to draw strong visitor flows through investment, improved connectivity, and major events.