Air Arabia Alliance to launch new low-cost airline from Dammam
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Saudi Arabia has announced the launch of a new national low-cost airline based at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, aimed at enhancing air connectivity in the Eastern Province and offering more competitive pricing options for travellers.The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said in a statement posted on X that a consortium comprising Air Arabia, Kun Investment Holding, and Nesma has won the bid to establish and operate the new carrier. The initiative is part of the Kingdom's broader efforts to position its civil aviation sector as the leading one in the Middle East by 2030.Air Arabia, a leading low-cost airline based in the UAE, brings operational experience in affordable air travel across the region. Kun Investment Holding is a Saudi investment firm focused on developing strategic national projects, while Nesma is a diversified Saudi conglomerate with existing experience in the aviation sector.According to GACA, the new airline will operate both domestic and international flights to and from Dammam, with an ambitious plan to serve 24 domestic and 57 international destinations by 2030. The airline is expected to transport up to 10 million passengers annually, create more than 2,400 direct jobs, and maintain a fleet of 45 aircraft.
The project aligns with the Kingdom's aviation sector goals, which include enhancing air connectivity for the Eastern Region, fostering a competitive environment with more travel options, and improving the overall quality of passenger services.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
13 hours ago
- Zawya
Zain KSA reports 28% increase in H1 net profit
With revenues Reaching SAR 5.344 Billion Zain KSA, a leading provider of telecommunications and digital services in Saudi Arabia, announced its financial results for the first half of 2025. The Company reported a 5% year-on-year growth in total revenues to SAR 5.344 billion. This drove a 28% y-o-y surge in net profit, reaching SAR 220 million for the period. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) also rose by 7%, to SAR 1.664 billion. These results reflect the Company's sustained positive financial performance, driven by revenue from growing business operations and ongoing investments that aim to deliver a superior user experience. The sustained growth stems from Zain KSA's expanding portfolio of 5G products, solutions, and services. This is also a result of the broader reach of 4G and 5G networks across the Kingdom, as well as a higher demand for direct consumer offerings, particularly through the all-digital service Yaqoot. The Company continues to see strong performance from its investments in adjacent markets, including FinTech, led by the increasing demand for services offered by Tamam. Commenting on the results, Eng. Saad bin Abdulrahman AlSadhan, CEO of Zain KSA, stated: 'Innovation and progress centered on national and human development are at the heart of Zain KSA's strategy. Our commitment is to support nationwide progress and enrich the lives of people, and we place these priorities at the forefront of every strategic investment, in line with Saudi Vision 2030's economic, social, and digital goals.' AlSadhan added: 'Our H1 2025 financial results reaffirm the continued growth of our operations and financial metrics, anchored in sustainability and effective governance. This performance has further cemented our position as the telecoms and digital services provider of choice in the Kingdom. During Hajj season 1446H, Zain KSA demonstrated its digital leadership by enhancing pilgrims' experiences through AI-powered services, delivering a truly exceptional digital journey backed by our advanced 5G infrastructure. We began deploying 5G Stand-Alone network over the 600 MHz low band and successfully extended 4G and 5G coverage within Riyadh's Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Tunnel, one of the longest tunnels in the Middle East.' 'Within Zain KSA, we remain focused on building a healthy, sustainable workplace that prioritizes employee wellbeing and supports professional growth. Our efforts were honored at the Council of Health Insurance (CHI) Excellence Awards 2024, where we received two accolades for Best Employer Health & Wellbeing Program for Large Enterprises and Health Awareness Excellence for Large Enterprises.' Committed to delivering a best-in-class digital experience, Zain KSA has launched a pioneering service enabling visitors to Saudi Arabia to register and verify their SIM cards through Yaqoot, using the Ministry of Interior's 'Absher' app authentication service (WTHIQ). This innovative integration makes Yaqoot the first digital telecom service in Saudi Arabia to offer online SIM verification.
Gulf Today
a day ago
- Gulf Today
Gulf rail projects paving the way for connected, sustainable future
The Gulf region is witnessing an unprecedented rail boom that is setting the stage for a new era of regional integration and sustainable economic growth, according to David Franks, Managing Director of Keolis MHI. He said the transformation is being powered by multi-billion-dollar investments in modern infrastructure across the GCC. Franks noted that projects such as Etihad Rail in the UAE, the Hafeet Rail connection with Oman, and Saudi Arabia's Landbridge are central to a broader vision of regional connectivity. These initiatives, he added, are designed to link cities, ports, and economic hubs through a seamless network. The 2,177-kilometre GCC Railway project, he explained, reflects the shared ambition of Gulf states to create an integrated transport ecosystem. He highlighted the role of rail in achieving environmental sustainability, calling it one of the most energy-efficient and low-emission modes of transport. Franks pointed out that the region has already begun pioneering efforts in this area, most notably with Saudi Arabia's trial of a hydrogen-powered train, the first of its kind in the Middle East. Franks stressed that the ongoing transformation in Gulf transportation is underpinned by advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, predictive maintenance systems, smart ticketing, and real-time passenger updates. These innovations, he said, are enhancing passenger experience while improving efficiency, safety, and operational excellence. He also emphasized Keolis MHI's commitment to this evolution, noting the company's global operating experience across four continents. Franks explained that Keolis MHI is actively transferring international best practices to the region, ensuring that safety, innovation, and quality are embedded into every aspect of operation. Beyond operations, Franks said Keolis MHI is also contributing to the development of smart, connected cities. This includes investing in local talent, supporting Emiratisation and localisation initiatives, and improving last-mile connectivity to enhance quality of life and foster inclusive transport systems. He underscored the importance of strong public-private partnerships in delivering long-term success for large-scale rail infrastructure. According to Franks, close collaboration between governments and operators is critical to ensure that projects are delivered efficiently, resiliently, and in line with public expectations. Franks outlined key milestones in the region's rail agenda. He noted that the second phase of Etihad Rail commenced operations in February 2023, extending the network to 900 kilometres. While freight services are operational, passenger services are still under planning. He also referenced the Hafeet Rail project—a $3 billion joint venture between Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Mubadala—which aims to link Abu Dhabi with the port city of Sohar via a 303-kilometre line. On the Saudi front, Franks said the Landbridge Project consists of a 950-kilometre freight line between Jeddah and Riyadh, and an additional 115-kilometre track connecting Dammam to Jubail. This network, he stated, will significantly boost east-west freight movement across the Kingdom. Franks also hailed Saudi Arabia's hydrogen train pilot, conducted in 2024, as a regional milestone that signals a broader shift toward clean and sustainable transport technologies. Looking ahead, he said the GCC Railway Network, slated for completion by 2030, will redefine regional mobility by streamlining trade and facilitating smooth cross-border passenger movement across Gulf nations. Franks concluded by stating that the region's rail renaissance goes beyond infrastructure development. It represents a global model for modern, sustainable, and tech-enabled transport systems built on innovation, collaboration, and a forward-looking vision. In June, Keolis MHI participated at Middle East Rail 2025, the region's premier transport event, to share its expertise in shaping the future of sustainable, intelligent, and passenger-centric urban rail. With decades of experience operating some of the world's most complex and advanced rail networks, Keolis MHI has become a trusted partner for rail authorities and owners seeking operational excellence. Its global track record in delivering safe, reliable, and innovative rail services has positioned the company as the operator of choice for urban rail projects across the Middle East and beyond. In April, Keolis MHI successfully hosted its annual Sustainability Week under the banner of the 'Keolis MHI Way', reinforcing its commitment to environmental guardianship and people engagement. The week-long initiative united employees, partners, and stakeholders through webinars, on-ground activities, and eco-conscious competitions, spotlighting the company's role as a catalyst for sustainable urban mobility in line with the UAE's 2031 Vision and Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia sees 144% surge in new mining exploitation licenses in H1 2025
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia recorded a 144 percent increase in new mining exploitation licenses during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to a statement issued Thursday by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources. The ministry said it issued 22 exploitation and small-mine licenses in the six-month period, up from just nine in H1 2024, representing a total investment exceeding SR134 million ($35.7 million). The ministry attributed the significant growth to reforms aimed at improving the investment climate in the mining sector, which is emerging as a central pillar in the Kingdom's economic diversification plans. Ministry spokesperson Jarrah Aljarrah confirmed that 23 mining companies obtained licenses in the first half of 2025, including 16 firms receiving their first-ever mining license. The licensed areas span 47 square kilometers and are expected to produce 7.86 million tons annually of various minerals including salt, clay, silica sand, low-grade iron ore, feldspar, and gypsum. As of June 2025, Saudi Arabia had 239 active exploitation and small-mine licenses, including 32 category A licenses for strategic minerals such as gold, copper, phosphate, and bauxite. The remaining 207 category B licenses cover industrial minerals like silica sand, gypsum, limestone, salt, and clay. The ministry reiterated its commitment to expanding the mining sector as a key driver of the Kingdom's industrial future. It aims to unlock an estimated SR9.4 trillion ($2.5 trillion) in untapped mineral resources, positioning the sector as a third pillar of the Saudi industrial economy. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
