Saudia advances fleet expansion with 12 aircraft deliveries in 2026
Mon, 01 Jun 2026
Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, continues its fleet expansion through ongoing planned deliveries of 12 new aircraft throughout 2026, reinforcing its long-term transformation strategy focused on growth, operational efficiency, and enhanced global connectivity.
1.7 million pilgrims perform Hajj this season
Wed, 27 May 2026
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) of Saudi Arabia announced on Wednesday that the total number of pilgrims for the 1447 AH Hajj season reached 1,707,301.
Saudia receives first Airbus A321XLR in Middle East and Africa
Tue, 26 May 2026
Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has welcomed its first Airbus A321XLR, becoming the first airline in the Middle East and Africa to take delivery of the extra long-range narrow-body aircraft.
AD Ports Group launches cruise, ferry terminal services in Egypt
Tue, 19 May 2026
AD Ports Group has announced the commencement of cruise services at its three terminals in Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Safaga in Egypt, in addition to facilitating ferry services connecting Safaga and NEOM ports to support transport of Hajj workers between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi GACA highlights handling of 12.1m passengers during crisis period
Sat, 16 May 2026
Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector handled more than 12.1 million passengers between February 18 (Ramadan 1) and March 28 (Shawwal 9), maintaining strong operational performance during a recent regional crisis, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said.
Saudi Cluster 2 Airports advance in carbon accreditation
Thu, 14 May 2026
Several airports within Saudi Arabia’s Cluster 2 Airports have earned Airport Carbon Accreditation from the Airports Council International (ACI), demonstrating their growing commitment to environmental sustainability at different stages of progress.
Dream of the Desert opens Riyadh HQ, appoints GM
Thu, 14 May 2026
Arsenale Group’s Dream of the Desert, Saudi Arabia’s first ultra-luxury train, opened its Riyadh headquarters and appointed Raffaele Breschi as General Manager and CEO of Arsenale International, marking a key development milestone.
Saudi ministry issues global alert against fake Hajj permits
Tue, 12 May 2026
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched a global awareness campaign warning pilgrims against falling victim to fraudulent advertisements and "fake" Hajj permits.
Visa-free travel takes effect between Saudi Arabia, Russia
Mon, 11 May 2026
Building on the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia, the mutual visa exemption agreement between the two countries entered into force on May 11, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing tourism and cultural exchange.
Saudi entertainment sector surpasses 320m visitors
Sun, 10 May 2026
Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector has recorded one of the region’s fastest growth rates in less than a decade, surpassing 320 million visitors through more than 60 entertainment seasons and programmes.
Bahrain Airport Services set to launch Saudi operations
Sun, 10 May 2026
Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) has announced plans to launch operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a strategic move that reflects the company’s drive to expand beyond Bahrain and solidify its position as a leading regional aviation services provider.
Key entertainment destination Al-Khobar Terrace opens
Wed, 06 May 2026
Saudi Arabia's Eastern Region Municipality has inaugurated Al-Khobar Terrace, a landmark waterfront development project, which aims to enhance Al-Khobar’s position as a leading tourism and entertainment destination.
Sumou seals lease agreement with Saudi Airlines Real Estate Development
Tue, 05 May 2026
Saudi Arabia’s Sumou Real Estate has signed a 35-year-long lease agreement with Saudi Airlines Real Estate Development Company (SARED) for a 78,374 sq m land plot in Jeddah. As per the deal, Sumou will develop an integrated mixed-use project on the land, located in the southwestern corner of a master-planned area.
Saudi Arabia launches Makkah route gateway in Morocco
Tue, 05 May 2026
Saudi Arabia launched the second gateway of the Makkah Route Initiative in Morocco at the initiative’s hall at Rabat-Salé International Airport. The Makkah Route Initiative aims to provide high-quality services to pilgrims from beneficiary countries travelling to the Kingdom.
Saudi Airports Cluster 2 sees 7pc rise in passengers in Q1 2026
Tue, 05 May 2026
Airports Cluster 2, operating 22 Saudi airports, reported strong Q1 2026 growth. Passenger numbers reached nearly five million, up 7% year-on-year, while flights exceeded 37,000, marking a 9% increase.
TDF launches hackathons to boost Saudi tourism solutions
Mon, 04 May 2026
The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) launched its Tourism Hackathons Programme on April 28, 2026, through TDF Grow, to foster innovative, entrepreneur-led solutions that support Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector and contribute to Vision 2030 economic goals.
Saudi GACA logs 2,033 airline complaints in March 2026
Wed, 29 Apr 2026
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) released its March 2026 classification index for airlines and airports based on passenger complaints, reporting a total of 2,033 complaints filed against airlines during the month.
Kempinski Residences expands into Saudi Arabia with Makkah project
Wed, 29 Apr 2026
Kempinski Group has announced its first branded residences in Saudi Arabia, Kempinski Residences at Masar, Makkah. The project includes 302 serviced units with flexible ownership options targeting high-end buyers and investors.
Vision 2030 turns Saudi Arabia into tourism hotspot
Tue, 28 Apr 2026
Saudi Arabia’s tourism, hospitality, and events sectors have transformed under Vision 2030. By 2025, tourism contributed 5% of GDP, attracted 123 million visitors, generated SAR300 billion ($80 billion), and supported strong non-oil economic growth.
Saudi Arabia drives Mideast tourism growth with $178bn contribution: WTTC
Tue, 28 Apr 2026
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reports that Middle East Travel & Tourism grew 5.3% in 2025, surpassing global rates. Strong visitor spending lifted the GDP contribution to $385.8 billion and supported 7.1 million jobs, with Saudi Arabia leading regional growth, accounting for $178 billion in GDP.
Saudi Arabia joins Beijing Convention to boost aviation security
Mon, 27 Apr 2026
Saudi Arabia has joined the Convention on the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Relating to International Civil Aviation (Beijing Convention, 2010), affiliated with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).