Saudi Arabia signs deals to localize aerospace manufacturing, enhancing aviation hub status
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has signed multiple deals to localize aerospace manufacturing, including aircraft maintenance, air taxis, vertical take-off and landing systems, and helicopter production.
During the Aerospace Connect Forum, held in Jeddah from Feb. 24 to 25, the National Industrial Development Center signed a memorandum of understanding with European aerospace company Airbus to advance helicopter development and localization in the Kingdom.
This agreement, along with others, supports Saudi Vision 2030 by advancing aerospace localization and reinforcing its position as a global leader in the sector. It also aligns with the Kingdom's broader aviation and industrial strategies, promoting local manufacturing, attracting investment, and reducing reliance on imports.
Additionally, these deals contribute to the General Authority for Military Industries' goal of localizing 50 percent of military spending by 2030.
By partnering with global aerospace leaders, Saudi Arabia is fostering technological advancement, high-skilled jobs, and industrial growth.
The Industrial Center has also signed a MoU with Kingdom Aero Industries and Doroni, focusing on localizing and manufacturing light-sport aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.
This partnership is a significant move for both parties as they aim to develop the H1-X flying car and strengthen Saudi Arabia's position inthe aerospace sector.
مذكرة تفاهم بين #المركز_الوطني_للتنمية_الصناعية وLife Shield وAuto Gyro تنص على توطين ونقل تقنية صناعة طائرات التاكسي والهليكوبتر.#نُمكن_صناعة_الطيران#ملتقى_صناعة_الطيران
An MOU between the #NIDC, Life Shield, and Auto Gyro outlines the localization and technology transfer… pic.twitter.com/PhDwwYVF78
— Aerospace Connect Forum (@Aerosforum2025) February 24, 2025
US startup Doroni has secured a promising partnership with Innovation Wings Industries, operating as KAI in the Kingdom.
The deal involves a $30 million investment, with KAI contributing $5 million initially and up to $25 million over the next two years, in exchange for a 40 percent stake in Doroni.
This partnership is set to accelerate the development of the H1-X, with commercial-scale manufacturing planned in Saudi Arabia starting in 2027.
Both companies plan to establish a joint venture to manufacture and distribute the flying car globally.
For the startup, this represents a major step in realizing its vision, while for KAI, it offers the opportunity to create a world-class production hub in the Kingdom, supporting the nation's aviation ambitions.
The NIDC also signed a deal with the Second Airport Cluster Co. to localize national industries in the aerospace sector by enabling and incentivizing investors by providing dedicated spaces within airports to establish specialized aircraft maintenance centers.
The strategic partnership represents a significant advancement in airport operations by uniting government efforts and fostering the localization of aircraft component manufacturing in the Kingdom, aligning with the National Aviation Strategy and the National Industry Strategy, according to Cluster2.
As part of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program's efforts to localize the manufacturing of titanium sponge metal-melting process pipes, the center signed an MoU with AIC STEEL and AMIC to strengthen local capabilities in advanced materials production and support industrial supply chains.
The NIDC also inked an agreement with Life Shield, a Saudi company with extensive experience in the defense, military, and security sectors.
Moreover, another deal was made with Auto Gyro, a firm which specializes in the innovation, production, and distribution of gyroplanes. These pacts focus on localization and technology transfer for manufacturing air taxis and helicopters.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
10 hours ago
- Arab News
Lulu opens new stores near holy sites to enhance pilgrim experience
Saudi Arabia is hosting millions of pilgrims for this year's Hajj, which is taking place from June 4 to 9. The Kingdom continues to ensure an organized, safe, and spiritually fulfilling experience for all pilgrims. As part of efforts to enhance pilgrim services, Lulu Group has partnered with Kidanh Development Company, under the supervision of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, to open new retail stores near key pilgrimage locations, including Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. These stores are already operational, providing easy access to essential items such as food, beverages, and personal care products. The agreement was signed by Muhammed Al-Mejmaj, executive manager at Kidanh, and Bashar Naseer Al-Besher, executive administration manager of Lulu Group. The project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which focuses on improving quality of life and expanding private sector involvement in national development. This partnership marks a significant step toward enhancing the overall Hajj experience through effective public-private collaboration. Kidanh's development strategy includes modernizing traditional market areas near the holy sites to better serve the needs of pilgrims through modern infrastructure and organized retail services. More than 122,000 Indian pilgrims, including over 16,000 from Kerala, are performing Hajj this year. The new Lulu outlets are designed to meet the needs of this diverse and growing pilgrim community by offering trusted products in strategically located stores. Retail outlets have already opened, and shopping is underway, making Lulu one of the first major retailers to begin operating in close proximity to the holy sites. This reinforces Lulu's commitment to service excellence and community support.
Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Simone Inzaghi leaves Inter after four years
MILAN — Simone Inzaghi has officially parted ways with Inter Milan on Tuesday, ending a remarkable four-year tenure marked by six trophies, memorable European runs, and a deep bond with the Nerazzurri faithful. The decision was made following a meeting held earlier today between Inzaghi and the club's top leadership, including Inter Chairman Giuseppe Marotta, who praised the coach for his professionalism, transparency, and passion. 'Only when you have fought together every day to achieve success can you have an open and honest dialogue,' said Marotta. 'On behalf of our main shareholder, Oaktree, and the entire Club, I want to thank Simone Inzaghi for his hard work, passion, and sincerity.' Inzaghi's departure comes just days after Inter's heavy 5–0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final — a bitter end to what had otherwise been a glittering era under the 48-year-old tactician. During his time at the helm, Inzaghi guided Inter to one Serie A title — the historic Second-Star Scudetto — as well as two Coppa Italia trophies and three Italian Super also took the club to back-to-back Champions League finals in 2023 and 2025, restoring Inter's standing among Europe's who leaves as one of the longest-serving and most successful coaches in the club's modern history, joins a prestigious list that includes legends like Helenio Herrera, Giovanni Trapattoni, Roberto Mancini, and José his farewell statement, Inzaghi expressed deep gratitude: 'Every day, my first and last thought was always about Inter,' he said.'The six trophies we won, along with our Champions League runs, are proof of the unity and hard work shared across the club. I want to thank the shareholders, the President, the staff, and most of all, the fans — those who cried and celebrated with us. I will never forget you. Forza Inter.'
Leaders
3 days ago
- Leaders
Investment Ministry Expands Global Engagement at MESIF London 2025
The Ministry of Investment strengthened its global footprint by serving as the official sponsor and active participant at the Middle East Sports Investment Forum (MESIF) in London 2025. This initiative is part of the ministry's broader mission to develop the investment landscape within the Kingdom's sports sector, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. MESIF is a premier international platform that brings together leading figures from the global sports and investment communities. Moreover, the ministry's delegation played a central role in the forum, working closely with event organizers and international partners to advance shared objectives. Throughout the event, the ministry showcased progress on key strategic initiatives, including the Qiddiya Stadium and infrastructure developments in preparation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. It also presented a range of high-potential investment opportunities spanning sports clubs, infrastructure, women's sports, sports tourism, and emerging sports technologies. The ministry's involvement underscores its commitment to attracting high-quality investments and fostering international collaborations in high-growth sectors—supporting the Kingdom's economic diversification and positioning Saudi Arabia as a global investment destination. Related Topics : A Top Concern for Voters Worldwide: Is Migration a Serious Problem? King Salman Congratulates Sri Lankan President on National Day Insulators Installed in Farasan Islands Reserve to Protect Birds Saudi FM Takes Part in GCC Ministerial Meeting in Kuwait Short link : Post Views: 5 Related Stories
