Riyadh summit to showcase Saudi Arabia as global aviation hub
The 12th Arab Aviation Summit will convene influential industry stakeholders on Feb. 17 and 18 in Riyadh, under the theme 'Uniting Leaders, Building Tomorrow: Advancing Global Aviation.'
Hosted by Abdulaziz Al-Duailj, president of the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, this landmark gathering will bring together key policymakers, industry pioneers, and global stakeholders, reaffirming the Arab world's position at the forefront of aviation transformation.
This year's summit will spotlight Saudi Arabia's position as a global aviation powerhouse, emphasizing its strategic role in shaping the industry's future. As Riyadh hosts this prestigious gathering for the first time, discussions will focus on how the Kingdom's rapid infrastructure expansion, policy reforms, and visionary leadership are transforming the aviation landscape, positioning itself as a key player in global air connectivity.
Backed by a $100 billion investment strategy, Saudi Arabia is driving a new era of growth and modernization in the sector, with targeted developments across airports, airlines, cargo, logistics, and aviation services fostering innovation-driven collaborations and sustainable solutions that set new benchmarks in the aviation industry.
Frederico Fernandes, director, Arab Aviation Summit, said: 'The Arab Aviation Summit 2025 is a defining moment for our industry, bringing together the brightest minds to explore innovative solutions that will shape the future of aviation. Riyadh serves as the ideal setting for this transformation, reinforcing the Kingdom's role as a catalyst for global aviation growth.'
The Arab Aviation Summit 2025 will feature compelling keynote addresses and dynamic panel discussions. These sessions will highlight the global impact of aviation advancements and will provide unparalleled insights into the rapidly evolving aviation landscape with an elite lineup of speakers including: Gabriel Semelas, president, Africa and Middle East, Airbus; Hugo Espírito Santo, state secretary of infrastructure, Portugal; Bulut Bagci, president, World Tourism Forum Institute; Abdul Wahab Teffaha, secretary-general, Arab Air Carriers Organization; Kamil Al-Awadhi, regional vice president, Africa and Middle East, IATA; Steven Greenway, CEO, flyadeal; Majid Khan, CEO, Saudi Air Connectivity Program; Maryam Telmesani, vice president of sustainability, Saudia Group; Osamah Alnuaiser, senior vice president, marketing and corporate communications, Riyadh Air; Ziad Al-Hazmi, CEO, Lufthansa Technik Middle East; Hamdi Osman, founder and CEO, SolitAir Holding; and Imtiyaz Mohammad Manzary, general manager for general aviation, GACA.
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