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MADINAH: Saudi academics at the 25th Scientific Forum for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit Research, presented innovative ideas in the form of research projects and studies in Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The forum was aimed at improving the experience of pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors.

Researcher Dr. Abdulaziz bin Awad Al-Majnouni told SPA that his participation in the forum was an opportunity to present his research project, which discusses the concept of “Sustainability of Hotel Buildings in the Central Area of Makkah,” by analyzing sustainability performance in hotels in terms of alternative transportation, energy efficiency, water efficiency, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.

Al-Majnouni said that the study, conducted under the supervision of Umm Al-Qura University, revealed that integrating renewable energy faces financial and technical obstacles when implemented in hotels. 

He noted that hotels are gradually adopting sustainability practices, waste management, and indoor air quality improvement. 

He also highlighted the importance of enhancing energy efficiency through advanced monitoring systems, renewable energy initiatives, improved water management using sub-meters, recycling, awareness campaigns, and establishing more comprehensive waste management systems while improving air quality. He further praised the progress achieved by hotels in Makkah’s central area in the fields of energy and water services.

RIYADH: Flynas is set to launch direct flights between Jeddah and Moscow, expanding on its Riyadh-Moscow route that opened in August.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday, the low-cost airline said it would operate three flights a week between Moscow’s Vnukovo International Airport and Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport, starting Dec. 23.

The route is being undertaken in collaboration with the Saudi Tourism Authority and the Air Connectivity Program, Flynas said.

The ACP was launched in 2021 to develop new routes that would help expand the Kingdom’s tourism sector.

The plan is in line with the objectives of the National Civil Aviation Strategy to have national air carriers connect �������� with 250 international destinations.

The goal is for national air carriers to accommodate 330 million passengers and to host 150 million tourists yearly by 2030.

�������� also wants to ensure access to the two holy mosques under the Pilgrims Experience Program.

Established in 2007, Flynas is now the largest budget carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, connecting 72 destinations across the region, Europe and Asia, and it has a strong presence in the domestic market.

The airline has been recognized as the Middle East’s Leading Low-Cost Airline by the World Travel Awards, and achieved a four-star score by APEX rating.