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Arabian Business
04-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Saudia offers more than 1m Hajj seats and plans $27m investment in Makkah, Madinah
Saudia Group has unveiled its comprehensive plan for the 2025 Hajj Season, announcing its official entry into the Hajj services sector, aiming to redefine the pilgrimage experience. For the first time, the Group will serve as a full Hajj service provider, marking a new chapter in its commitment to elevating the spiritual journey of pilgrims. Its offerings will now extend far beyond air travel to include a range of innovative services that cater to every aspect of the pilgrim experience. Saudia Hajj 2025 From the initial planning stage to the smallest details at the holy sites, pilgrims will benefit from enhanced support and care. Saudia Group will offer more than one million seats over a 74-day period and utilize its fleet of 158 aircraft, capturing 35 per cent of the market share. This commitment aligns with the directives of the Saudi leadership and is supported by collaborations with various government and private entities involved in serving Hajj pilgrims. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: 'Hajj remains one of our top national priorities. This year, we're proud to not only manage air operations at full capacity but to also extend our role to become a direct service provider to pilgrims. 'Through this expansion, we aim to deliver a holistic experience that meets the highest standards of care and hospitality. 'We're investing over SR100m ($26.7m) in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites to provide pilgrims with thoughtfully curated service packages, to redefine the concept of Hajj service delivery, setting a new standard for excellence.' Adopting a direct-to-consumer (B2C) model for these new offerings, in accordance with the directives of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Saudia Group will serve approximately 1,400 international pilgrims from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The holistic approach of the Group and its subsidiaries will enhance the quality of services provided to Hajj pilgrims, including hotel accommodations overlooking the Two Holy Mosques and catering tailored to the pilgrims' local tastes. As part of its luxury-focused initiatives, Saudia Group will also bring enhanced comfort and privacy to the holy sites, introducing Business Class-style beds and dedicated rest areas inspired by Alfursan lounges. Consistent with its commitment to local development, Saudia Group has dedicated 29 per cent of its procurement and investments to supporting local content, driving economic growth within the Kingdom. This is further reinforced through the recruitment of qualified national talent and the training of future professionals at Saudia Academy in key areas such as crowd management and exceptional service delivery. In tandem with this milestone, Saudia started its operational plan for this year's Hajj season. More than 11,000 employees, representing frontline staff and aircraft maintenance technicians, are contributing to deliver smooth operations across airports, working in close coordination with government and private entities. The 'Makkah Route' initiative is expected to serve more than 120,000 pilgrims, while the 'Luggage First' service will manage approximately 270,000 bags and 240,000 Zamzam bottles. This week, Saudia welcomed the arrival of the first Hajj flight SV3803 from Dhaka, Bangladesh, carrying 396 pilgrims to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. To enhance the pilgrims' experience, Saudia offers a range of services, including convenient boarding pass issuance for both outbound and return flights at the airports. Its multilingual staff ensure seamless communication, delivering top-notch service with expertise. Onboard Saudia flights, pilgrims will enjoy diverse meal options, timely prayer and Miqat announcements, and specially curated programs in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah that provide guidance on rituals and local regulations.
Zawya
03-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudia Group redefines the Hajj experience with launch of new Hajj services for 2025
Jeddah: Saudia Group has unveiled its comprehensive plan for the 2025 Hajj Season, announcing its official entry into the Hajj services sector, aiming to redefine the pilgrimage experience. For the first time, the Group will serve as a full Hajj service provider, marking a new chapter in its commitment to elevating the spiritual journey of pilgrims. Its offerings will now extend far beyond air travel to include a range of innovative services that cater to every aspect of the pilgrim experience. From the initial planning stage to the smallest details at the holy sites, pilgrims will benefit from enhanced support and care. In line with this vision, Saudia Group will offer more than one million seats over a 74-day period and utilize its fleet of 158 aircraft, capturing 35% of the market share. This commitment aligns with the directives of the Saudi leadership and is supported by collaborations with various government and private entities involved in serving Hajj pilgrims. H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: "Hajj remains one of our top national priorities. This year, we're proud to not only manage air operations at full capacity but to also extend our role to become a direct service provider to pilgrims. Through this expansion, we aim to deliver a holistic experience that meets the highest standards of care and hospitality." He continued, "We're investing over SAR 100 million in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites to provide pilgrims with thoughtfully curated service packages, to redefine the concept of Hajj service delivery, setting a new standard for excellence." Adopting a direct-to-consumer (B2C) model for these new offerings, in accordance with the directives of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Saudia Group will serve approximately 1,400 international pilgrims from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The holistic approach of the Group and its subsidiaries will enhance the quality of services provided to Hajj pilgrims, including hotel accommodations overlooking the Two Holy Mosques and catering tailored to the pilgrims' local tastes. As part of its luxury-focused initiatives, Saudia Group will also bring enhanced comfort and privacy to the holy sites, introducing Business Class-style beds and dedicated rest areas inspired by Alfursan lounges. Consistent with its commitment to local development, Saudia Group has dedicated 29% of its procurement and investments to supporting local content, driving economic growth within the Kingdom. This is further reinforced through the recruitment of qualified national talent and the training of future professionals at Saudia Academy in key areas such as crowd management and exceptional service delivery. In tandem with this milestone, Saudia started its operational plan for this year's Hajj season. Over 11,000 employees, representing frontline staff and aircraft maintenance technicians, are contributing to deliver smooth operations across airports, working in close coordination with government and private entities. The 'Makkah Route' initiative is expected to serve over 120,000 pilgrims, while the 'Luggage First' service will manage approximately 270,000 bags and 240,000 Zamzam bottles. This week, Saudia welcomed the arrival of the first Hajj flight SV3803 from Dhaka, Bangladesh, carrying 396 pilgrims to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The welcoming reception was attended by distinguished guests, including H.E. Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, and H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, alongside executives from Jeddah Airports Company and other government sectors. To enhance the pilgrims' experience, Saudia offers a range of services, including convenient boarding pass issuance for both outbound and return flights at the airports. Its multilingual staff ensure seamless communication, delivering top-notch service with expertise. Onboard Saudia flights, pilgrims will enjoy diverse meal options, timely prayer and Miqat announcements, and specially curated programs in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah that provide guidance on rituals and local regulations. Additional services for individuals with special needs will also be available, including transportation for people with disabilities, onboard oxygen, and medical stretcher services as required. About Saudia Group Saudia Group is one of the largest aviation conglomerates in the MENA region. The Group drives industry development with its 13 subsidiaries, and offers world-class air transport, cargo services, ground services, logistics, maintenance, catering, private aviation, real estate, training, and medical services. The mission of Saudia Group is to inspire people to go beyond borders with a purpose that is rooted in unlocking human potential and connecting the world in ways never thought possible. The group is committed to reshaping the aviation ecosystem in the MENA region and beyond, by embracing innovation and a customer-centric approach. Media Center Saudia Group: Saudi Arabian Airlines Headquarters Jeddah 21231, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Email: MediaCenter@ X: @SaudiaGroup Linkedin: SAUDI AIRLINES WhatsApp: Saudia Group | مجموعة السعودية
Zawya
12-02-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Saudia welcomes Formula E to Jeddah as the Official Airline Partner
Jeddah: Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has been named as the Official Airline Partner of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship which will be hosted, for the first time, in Jeddah, marking a milestone in the longstanding collaboration with Formula E, and reinforcing its mission to brining the world to the Kingdom. Khaled Tash, Group Chief Marketing Officer of Saudia, said: 'We are proud to welcome Formula E to our home. Jeddah is a city that perfectly embodies progress and innovation and shares synergies with the sport. Our partnership with Formula E aligns with our vision of connecting the world and inspiring discovery, while also championing sustainability and technological advancement. Hosting this event in our hometown is a testament to Jeddah's growing global prominence and we can't wait to bring the world to the Kingdom once again.' This year, Saudia's Discover-E Zone, a standout attraction at several Formula E races last season, has been reimagined as a bold, two-story activation booth designed to captivate and energize Formula E fans. As the first of its kind in the Formula E Fan Village, this innovative space features several new immersive experiences, including an AI-powered photobooth that allows fans to capture their photos and have AI transform them into characters resembling Formula E drivers or Saudia pilots. Fans will also have the chance to test their reflexes in the R3ACT Racing Challenge, a reaction-based game designed to measure response times against those of Formula E drivers, and a 360-degree model viewer showcasing Saudia's cutting-edge Lilium Jet and the new Formula E GEN3Evo car. Fans can also enjoy premium giveaways, loyalty point opportunities, and a premium hospitality experience in the exclusive Alfursan lounge. With its striking entrance portal and towering architecture, the E Zone is designed to draw fans from all directions and provide a thrilling glimpse into the future of aviation and Formula E. Adding to the excitement, Saudia's Global Ambassador and former Formula E World Champion, Stoffel Vandoorne, will be racing in Jeddah. Sharing his thoughts, Vandoorne stated, 'I feel like I'm coming home to race. The warmth and energy of the fans in Saudi Arabia are unmatched, and I'm looking forward to an unforgettable experience here.' Formula E's arrival in Jeddah is more than a race, it's a celebration of innovation, culture, and progress. Set against the stunning Red Sea coastline and the city's rich heritage, Jeddah provides an extraordinary stage for the electrifying spectacle of Formula E. As a longstanding partner of Formula E, Saudia embodies a vision of redefining fan engagement, bringing fans closer to the sport they love. Through a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and unforgettable experiences, Saudia is proud to showcase the excitement of electric racing in its hometown, celebrating shared values of progress and transformation. Visit to learn more about Saudia's partnership with Formula E and discover how you can be part of this electrifying journey. -Ends- About Saudia: Saudia (Saudia Airlines) is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1945, the company has grown to become one of the Middle East's largest airlines. Saudia has invested significantly in upgrading its aircraft and currently operates one of the youngest fleets, with 144 aircraft. The airline serves an extensive global route network covering around 100 destinations across four continents, including all 28 domestic airports in Saudi Arabia. A member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO), Saudia has also been a member airline in SkyTeam, the second largest alliance, since 2012. Saudia was recently awarded the "World Class Airline 2025" for the fourth consecutive year at The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ awards. Saudia has also advanced 11 places in the Skytrax airlines ranking of the World Best Airlines 2023. The Airline also ranked top among global airlines for best on-time performance (OTP) according to a report by Cirium. For more information on Saudia, please visit
