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RIYADH: The launch of direct flynas flights between Jeddah and Pristina is more than a tourism milestone — it signals Kosovo’s rise as a new destination for Saudi business and investment, according to the country’s ambassador. 

Kosovo’s Ambassador to ��������, Lulzim Mjeku, told Arab News the new air link, which will begin operating three times a week on Oct. 1, represents a historic step in building commercial bridges between the two nations. 

“The most frequent question asked of me from both countries’ business communities was: Is there a direct flight between KSA and RKS? It wasn’t until last year that both states signed the Agreement on Air Services.” Mjeku said.  

He added: “Today, as both countries have concluded several basic agreements with a focus on business, I may say that through this work, both governments have paved the way for business communities to start exploring avenues of cooperation.” 

While the connection opens Kosovo’s mountains and Ottoman heritage to Saudi tourists, Mjeku emphasized that the real opportunities lie in the country’s investment climate. 

Kosovo boasts the highest internet penetration rate in Europe at 96.4 percent, a multilingual and skilled workforce, and a streamlined business environment, positioning itself as a gateway for Saudi investors entering the Western Balkans. 

“Kosovo is a vibrant country emerging in the global market,” the ambassador said. “Our workforce is skilled and multilingual, and our economy is diversifying, from construction and textiles to advanced information technology.” 

When asked whether the new connectivity would encourage Saudi investors to explore opportunities in Kosovo, Mjeku pointed to early successes in technology partnerships. 

He noted that Kosovar firms have already contributed to the Tawakkalna application in cooperation with Saudi partners and developed cybersecurity systems for hospitals in Riyadh. 

“I expect more Kosovar IT companies will find their way to the Saudi market. I also strongly believe both sides can find a win-win modus operandi and have their share in the market,” he said, adding: “Whoever moves first has the chance to succeed faster and better.” 

The competitive framework is another draw. Corporate tax is set at just 10 percent, while starting a business takes an average of 4.5 days. Investments account for 36 percent of Kosovo’s gross domestic product, with an average economic growth rate of 4.1 percent over the past eight years. “Whoever moves first has the chance to succeed faster and better,” the ambassador stressed. 

The launch of flights follows last year’s Agreement on Air Services and coincided with the first visit of a Saudi business delegation to Kosovo, led by the Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce, marking the 15th anniversary of diplomatic ties. 

The Kingdom’s leading low-cost carrier will operate the Jeddah–Pristina route as part of its expansion strategy, “We Connect the World to the Kingdom,” aligned with the Kingdom’s National Civil Aviation Strategy.  

The plan aims to link the Kingdom to 250 international destinations, accommodate 330 million passengers, and host 150 million tourists annually by 2030. 

For Mjeku, these developments herald a new phase in Saudi–Kosovar relations. “With these flights come opportunities, and with opportunities, we get better results and solidify our relationship on an inter-human level,” he said. 

RIYADH: Professional services firm PwC has unveiled its new 22,400 sq. meters regional headquarters in Laysen Valley, Riyadh, as the Kingdom’s capital city continues to position itself as a thriving business destination. 

The company, in its annual partners’ meeting in Riyadh on Sept.10, also reaffirmed its commitment to �������� and said that it is dedicated to working with the Kingdom in various spheres, which include investment in people, innovation, and infrastructure, according to a press statement. 

��������’s regional headquarters program has been attracting international firms over the past few years, with 600 international companies, including Northern Trust, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Deloitte, already establishing their bases in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported in March. 

The regional HQ program offers a 30-year corporate tax exemption, withholding tax relief, and regulatory support, reflecting efforts to position the Kingdom as a regional business hub and attract multinational corporations to the capital. 

“Our regional headquarters in Riyadh is more than just a building; it is an investment in the future. It has been designed to empower our people, enable our clients, and support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030,” said Riyadh Al-Najjar, PwC Middle East chairman of the board and Saudi country senior partner. 

He added: “This milestone marks a new chapter for PwC in ��������, reflecting both the scale of our growth and our sustained commitment to playing a long-term role in the Kingdom’s transformation journey.” 

The regional headquarters also showcases the Middle East’s largest Experience Center, and is marketed under the phrase, ElDar Darak — meaning “our home is yours.” 

“The center is positioned as a true community space for innovation and ideation; where clients, government, and partners can co-create solutions, test prototypes, and design transformative experiences,” said PwC. 

The professional services firm further said that the regional headquarters also houses a forensics lab, PwC Academy, Majlis, and wellness-first spaces, establishing it as Riyadh’s most advanced professional services hub.

According to the press statement, PwC has over 2,600 professionals in its workforce in the Kingdom, out of which 56 percent are Saudi nationals, underscoring its commitment toward Saudization. 

The company added that more than 2,400 Saudi nationals have joined through PwC’s training programs over the past three years, with 80 percent of female nationals already on leadership development pathways. 

The press statement further said that initiatives like Hemam 2.0, which accelerates youth skills development, and Foundation for the Future, which equips graduates for leadership roles, underscore the firm’s long-term investment in the people of ��������. 

“�������� is home to one of PwC’s largest alumni networks in the region; with many nationals now leading across government, business and cultural institutions. The Kingdom has always been at the heart of our business, and we will continue to create lasting impact for our clients and communities,” said Hani Ashkar, PwC Middle East senior partner. 

He added: “Our commitment goes beyond providing services, it is about developing talent, investing in infrastructure and supporting the Kingdom’s transformation in ways that deliver lasting value.”