Red Sea International Airport announces first overseas flights

Red Sea International Airport announces first overseas flights
Red Sea International Airport has announced the commencement of its inaugural international flights. (SPA)
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Updated 29 March 2024
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Red Sea International Airport announces first overseas flights

Red Sea International Airport announces first overseas flights
  • New twice-weekly service operated by flydubai commences April 18
  • “Situated within three hours flying time of 250 million people, RSI will serve 1 million guests a year at full capacity,” said John Pagano, group CEO at Red Sea Global

TABUK: Red Sea International Airport has announced the commencement of its inaugural international flights.
A regular schedule of domestic flights operated by Saudia has been servicing RSI since September 2023.
The first international arrival — operated by flydubai — will land April 18, marking the start of a new twice-weekly flight from Dubai to RSI.
The addition of flydubai services means RSI will now facilitate eight regular flights per week, further enhancing connectivity for residents of the Red Sea regions along the western coast of Saudi Arabia.
“Situated within three hours flying time of 250 million people, RSI will serve 1 million guests a year at full capacity. Our inaugural flight just six months ago was the start of our journey toward reaching that goal, and this first international flight is a further step in making Saudi Arabia one of the top tourism destinations globally,” said John Pagano, group CEO at Red Sea Global.
“We are looking forward to truly opening up to the world and welcoming visitors from the UAE, the wider Middle East region, and beyond,” he added. “RSI is also essential for providing connectivity for our employees, partners, and the wider local community.”
Michael White, RSI’s chief commercial officer, said: “The arrival of international travelers represents an exciting next phase in RSI’s development, following our first domestic flights touching down in September last year.
“We are committed to providing exceptional services to passengers and airlines alike and we look forward to further expanding our network to serve the Red Sea and travelers from around the world.”


Riyadh to host 19th Internet Governance Forum in December

Riyadh to host 19th Internet Governance Forum in December
Updated 12 sec ago
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Riyadh to host 19th Internet Governance Forum in December

Riyadh to host 19th Internet Governance Forum in December
  • UN-run event seeks to harness innovation, reduce risk in digital space
  • More than 10,000 people from 160 countries set to attend

RIYADH: The 19th Internet Governance Forum organized by the UN will be held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh in December.

This year’s event will encompass discussions on public policy issues related to the internet, information and experience sharing and problem solving under the umbrella of “building our multi-stakeholder digital future.”

The platform aims to achieve consensus among governments, the private sector and nonprofit organizations on policies for stronger internet governance around the world.

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the event reflects its commitment to digital development and leading role in information and communications technology and digital governance. It positions the Kingdom as a global destination for international conferences and showcases its commitment to the UN’s sustainable development goals.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology said on X: “To strengthen the Kingdom’s role as a regional hub for technology and innovation, Riyadh will host the Internet Governance Forum #IGF2024. This event reflects our vision of spearheading global digital transformation and leading efforts to develop sustainable solutions and a robust, secure digital infrastructure.”

According to the IGF, key themes will include harnessing innovation and balancing risks in the digital space, enhancing the digital contribution to peace, development and sustainability, advancing human rights and inclusion in the digital age, and improving digital governance.

More than 10,000 people from 160 countries are expected to attend the forum, which runs from Dec. 15-19.

Further information and details of how to register are available from the IGF website at https://igfriyadh2024.sa.


14th Gulf Theater Festival to showcase top plays, creators

14th Gulf Theater Festival to showcase top plays, creators
Updated 15 min 49 sec ago
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14th Gulf Theater Festival to showcase top plays, creators

14th Gulf Theater Festival to showcase top plays, creators

Riyadh: The Theater and Performing Arts Commission has announced that the 14th Gulf Theater Festival in Riyadh from Sept. 10 to 17 will showcase some of the region’s top shows and creators. 

At a press conference, the commission’s representatives said the event is aimed at fostering artistic collaborations and the exchange of expertise in the GCC. 

The event was attended by Sultan Al-Bazai, CEO of the commission, Khalid Al-Baz, general manager of the festival, and other officials.

The festival will feature six plays, as well as programs and workshops on topics including management and generating creative ideas. 

Notable plays include “The Sea” from Saudi Arabia, “I See You” from the UAE, and “On the Other Side” from Bahrain.

The Kingdom is hosting the festival, under the direction of Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, for the first time.

The commission’s mission is to host international festivals to enrich and promote Saudi Arabia and Gulf theater.


Initiative launched to enhance tourism education, training

Initiative launched to enhance tourism education, training
Updated 25 min 43 sec ago
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Initiative launched to enhance tourism education, training

Initiative launched to enhance tourism education, training
  • 102 programs to be assessed, boosting national and international standards

RIYADH: Saudi Vice Minister of Tourism Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Saud has launched a comprehensive accreditation initiative to enhance education and training standards in the tourism sector.

The initiative will focus on improving educational programs and aligning them with labor market needs, according to the Ministry of Tourism.

Princess Haifa described the launch as a key step toward advancing the ministry’s goals, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

She said that 102 national tourism education and training programs would be assessed in 2024 by UN Tourism, the Education and Training Evaluation Commission, and the Technical and Vocational Training Corp.

The goal is to help tourism institutions gain both international and local accreditations and professional certificates.

Princess Haifa outlined several targets: 31 programs will achieve national and international accreditation in 2024; 200 trainers and staff will receive professional certificates to teach and manage tourism programs; 37 Ministry of Tourism employees will earn professional management certificates; and 27 programs will gain accreditations in 2025.

She said that the ministry was working with local and international partners to meet the initiative’s goals, boosting the tourism labor market’s competitiveness, enhancing the Kingdom’s global tourism status, and providing job opportunities.

The ministry also introduced the Tourism National Occupational Skills Standards under the “Ahluha” initiative in June. This aims to establish professional standards to improve tourism education and training and address industry supply and demand gaps.


Saudi crown prince sends letter to Tonga PM

Saudi crown prince sends letter to Tonga PM
Updated 18 min 45 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince sends letter to Tonga PM

Saudi crown prince sends letter to Tonga PM

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has sent a letter to Tonga’s Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni, also known as Hu’akavameiliku, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The message was delivered by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Member of the Cabinet and Climate Affairs Envoy Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir at a reception.

Al-Jubeir conveyed the greetings and best wishes of King Salman and the crown prince to the country’s government and people.

During the reception, the officials discussed efforts to boost relations, including ways to tackle climate change.


3 arrested in Saudi drug busts

3 arrested in Saudi drug busts
Updated 28 August 2024
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3 arrested in Saudi drug busts

3 arrested in Saudi drug busts

RIYADH: Three people were arrested in Saudi Arabia and charged with drug trafficking, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

An Eritrean man was arrested in Jeddah in possession of hashish and was referred to the appropriate authorities, the SPA said.

Two Saudi citizens were arrested in the Eastern Province for promoting shabu, or methamphetamine.

Legal procedures were taken against them, the SPA added.