Saudi Arabia's THC orders 11 more Leonardo helicopters
Tue, 21 Jul 2026
The Helicopter Company (THC), a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company and Saudi Arabia’s leading commercial helicopter operator, today announced an additional order of 11 Leonardo helicopters at Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia partners with Vertical Aerospace to advance air mobility
Tue, 21 Jul 2026
Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with UK-based Vertical Aerospace to support the development of the Kingdom's advanced air mobility (AAM) sector.
Saudi Arabia launches one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa
Tue, 21 Jul 2026
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a new multiple-entry Umrah visa valid for 365 days from the date of issuance, allowing pilgrims to enter the Kingdom several times within a year.
THC orders eight Airbus H145 helicopters to expand Saudi aviation operations
Mon, 20 Jul 2026
The Helicopter Company (THC), a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company and Saudi Arabia’s leading commercial helicopter operator, has placed a firm order for eight additional Airbus H145 helicopters during the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK.
Global Airports Forum 2026 to drive aviation innovation in Saudi Arabia
Mon, 20 Jul 2026
Global Airports Forum (GAF) 2026 is set to reinforce its position as Saudi Arabia’s leading platform for airport business, collaboration and aviation innovation, bringing together industry leaders, decision-makers and global stakeholders to shape the future of airport development.
W Hotels opens first Saudi Arabia property in Riyadh’s KAFD
Sun, 19 Jul 2026
W Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio, has opened W Riyadh – KAFD, marking the brand’s debut in Saudi Arabia. Located in King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), the hotel combines luxury hospitality, dining and social experiences with locally inspired design.
Saudi Arabia's Qassim University partners with IATA for ground operations training
Thu, 16 Jul 2026
The Applied College at Qassim University in Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), will launch two specialised ground services training courses under their existing cooperation agreement.
Saudia adds Tokyo to network with new direct Riyadh flights
Thu, 16 Jul 2026
Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, has announced the launch of direct flights between Riyadh and Tokyo in partnership with the Air Connectivity Programme (ACP) and the Saudi Tourism Authority. The new service will begin in November 2026, operating three weekly flights.
King Abdulaziz Foundation expands historical audio initiative across Saudi Airports
Wed, 15 Jul 2026
The King Abdulaziz Foundation (Darah) has signed a cooperation agreement with Cluster2 Airports to expand its historical audio summaries initiative across airports managed by the cluster in several regions of Saudi Arabia.
King Salman International Airport achieves major construction milestone
Tue, 14 Jul 2026
King Salman International Airport has achieved a major construction milestone with the completion of Phase Zero of its Private Aviation Terminal Apron, thus strengthening operational readiness as Saudi Arabia accelerates work on one of the world's largest airport developments.
Star, Hilton forge partnership to develop Saudi hospitality talent
Mon, 13 Jul 2026
Star, a human capability development company headquartered in Riyadh, and global hospitality group Hilton have announced a strategic partnership dedicated to human capital development within Saudi Arabia's hospitality industry.
flynas to start direct flights between Riyadh, Aleppo
Sun, 12 Jul 2026
flynas will launch twice-weekly direct flights between Riyadh and Aleppo from August 1, expanding its regional network, improving Saudi Arabia-Syria air connectivity, and supporting tourism.
Madinah leads Saudi Arabia in hotel occupancy during Q1 2026
Sun, 12 Jul 2026
Madinah recorded Saudi Arabia’s highest occupancy rate for tourist accommodation facilities in the first quarter of 2026, with hotels, serviced apartments and other lodging establishments achieving an 82% occupancy rate, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
Abha Airport ranks first globally for on-time performance in June
Sun, 12 Jul 2026
Abha International Airport, operated by Cluster2 Airports, ranked first globally in its category for on-time performance in June 2026, achieving a 93.84 per cent departure punctuality rate, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.
Abha Airport sets record with over 130 flights in a single day
Thu, 09 Jul 2026
Abha International Airport set a new operational record on 5 July, handling more than 130 flights in one day. The milestone included 117 domestic and 15 international flights, marking its highest-ever daily traffic volume.
flynas inaugurates direct flights between Riyadh, Alexandria
Wed, 08 Jul 2026
flynas has inaugurated its first direct flights between Riyadh and Alexandria, Egypt, further expanding air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and regional destinations. The airline will operate three weekly services between Riyadh and Alexandria International Airport.
flynas launches Saudi Experiences platform with Saudi Tourism Authority
Wed, 08 Jul 2026
flynas and the Saudi Tourism Authority have launched Saudi Experiences, a digital platform enabling travellers to discover and book tourism packages while promoting local businesses, creating economic opportunities and supporting Saudi Arabia’s tourism growth and economic diversification goals.
Saudi Arabia signs MoUs with global hotels to train hospitality talent abroad
Wed, 08 Jul 2026
The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Tourism has signed a series of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with leading global hotel brands to launch the “Hospitality Ambassadors” programme, an initiative aimed at strengthening the Kingdom’s hospitality workforce through international on-the-job training (OJT).
Saudi Arabia unveils plan for $135m ferris wheel in Madinah
Tue, 07 Jul 2026
Saudi Arabia is looking for private investors to fund a $135 million ferris wheel in Madinah, as the kingdom pushes to expand attractions for pilgrims and domestic travellers beyond its holy sites, said a report. The project, Hijaz Eye, would be built on a 33,700 sq m plot, roughly the size of five football pitches.
Saudi Arabia’s licensed tourism facilities rise 22.7pc in Q1 2026
Tue, 07 Jul 2026
Saudi Arabia’s licensed tourism hospitality facilities increased 22.7% year-on-year to 6,122 in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting continued growth in the Kingdom’s tourism sector, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).
Qiddiya City expands Esports World Cup partnership with Paris showcase
Tue, 07 Jul 2026
The Esports Foundation and Qiddiya Investment Company have expanded their partnership for Esports World Cup 2026, with Qiddiya City showcased in Paris as the event’s founding partner and naming rights sponsor of a competition stage hosting leading esports titles.