Saudia adds 11 new global destinations

Saudia adds 11 new global destinations
Saudia operates more than 530 daily flights. Shutterstock
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Updated 11 February 2025
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Saudia adds 11 new global destinations

Saudia adds 11 new global destinations

JEDDAH: Saudia airline is adding 11 new destinations to its network this year — including Vienna, Bali, and El-Alamein — as part of its global expansion strategy, the company announced. 

The new routes also include Venice in Italy, Larnaca in Cyprus, and the Greek destinations of  Athens and Heraklion.

Nice in France and Malaga in Spain have also been added to the list.

The expansion follows a 16 percent rise in international passenger numbers last year, with the newly added destinations offering travelers more options across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, further strengthening Saudia’s position in the aviation industry. 

The move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s National Tourism Strategy, which aims to attract 150 million tourists by 2030, create 1.6 million jobs, and boost tourism’s contribution to gross domestic product. 

Ibrahim Al-Omar, director general of Saudia Group, said: “Following last year’s operational success, we've implemented a strategic plan for 2025 to ensure continued excellence and meet rising international travel demand.”  

He added: “Our destination selection is based on comprehensive feasibility studies and guest preferences. We are committed to providing our international guests with exceptional travel experiences that combine comfort, efficiency, and authentic Saudi hospitality.” 

Also joining the network are Antalya in Turkiye, Salalah in Oman, and Bali in Indonesia, expanding Saudia’s reach to over 100 destinations across four continents. 

By growing its global network, Saudia is supporting the Air Connectivity Program, which has introduced over 60 new direct routes since its launch in 2021. 

This development strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a key travel hub under Vision 2030 and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s aviation strategy, which includes multi-billion-dollar investments to diversify the economy and support the private sector. 

Saudia said the expansion is supported by its fleet of 147 Boeing and Airbus aircraft, with plans to receive 118 new aircraft in the coming years to further enhance operational capacity. 

With more than 530 daily flights, Saudia’s ongoing international development plan aims to increase its global market share and strengthen connectivity between the Kingdom and the world. 


Saudi Arabia, China explore joint investment opportunities in advanced industries

Saudi Arabia, China explore joint investment opportunities in advanced industries
Updated 9 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia, China explore joint investment opportunities in advanced industries

Saudi Arabia, China explore joint investment opportunities in advanced industries

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and China are deepening their industrial cooperation as the Kingdom accelerates efforts to attract high-value investments and strengthen global partnerships in advanced manufacturing and technology.

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources and Board Chairman of the National Industrial Development Center Bandar Alkhorayef chaired a meeting of the center with a delegation comprising leaders of more than 30 Chinese companies, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The two sides discussed ways to enhance industrial cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China and explored joint investment opportunities in several high-value industries, notably machinery and equipment, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

Held in the Saudi capital, the meeting reviewed the Kingdom’s competitive advantages in the industrial investment landscape, the key enablers offered by the industrial ecosystem to facilitate investments, and promising opportunities across advanced sectors.

It also discussed avenues for knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and innovative industrial solutions, in addition to cooperation in supply chains and other areas of mutual interest.

Several entities within the Saudi industrial ecosystem presented overviews of their capabilities and services to support industrial investors, including the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority, and the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, known as MODON, as well as the Saudi Industrial Development Fund, and the Saudi EXIM Bank.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Saudi industrial sector and a Chinese delegation led by the vice president of Tsinghua University, along with executives from around 30 Chinese companies specializing in industry and technology.

The gathering comes as part of the center’s efforts to strengthen international industrial partnerships, attract high-quality investments, and connect local and international investors with promising opportunities in targeted sectors — supporting sustainable industrial development and enhancing the sector’s role in diversifying the national economy in line with Saudi Vision 2030.