IATA Re-Elects Director General of Saudi Airlines as Board of Governors Member

FILE PHOTO: The setting sun illuminates an aircraft's contrail as it flies, January 17, 2022. REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: The setting sun illuminates an aircraft's contrail as it flies, January 17, 2022. REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo
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IATA Re-Elects Director General of Saudi Airlines as Board of Governors Member

FILE PHOTO: The setting sun illuminates an aircraft's contrail as it flies, January 17, 2022. REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: The setting sun illuminates an aircraft's contrail as it flies, January 17, 2022. REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has re-elected the Director General of the Saudi Arabian Airlines Group, Eng. Ibrahim bin Abdulrahman Al-Omar, as a member of the Board of Governors for a period of three years.

IATA also chose the Vice President for Safety, Aviation Security and Quality at Saudia Airlines, Captain Muhammad Salim Dahdooli, as a member of the Security Advisory Council (SAC).

The selections took place during the 79th General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit held on June 4-6 in Istanbul, Türkiye, an annual event considered as the largest gathering of global airline leaders.

The Board of Governors represents the highest executive authority in IATA, which is concerned with developing plans and strategies for the global air transport industry, approving strategic plans, establishing general policies for the association on security, safety, and environmental affairs, and following up on the responsibilities of the advisory committees affiliated with the Board of Governors.



AlUla Conference Amplifies Emerging Economies’ Global Voice

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan (AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies)
Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan (AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies)
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AlUla Conference Amplifies Emerging Economies’ Global Voice

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan (AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies)
Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan (AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies)

The “AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies” was held at a crucial time, as the world and the region face significant economic, technological, and geopolitical shifts.

From tariffs that will impact international trade to the resurgence of inflation concerns and the resulting delay in expected interest rate cuts, the strengthening dollar and its effects on emerging markets, to the growing geopolitical conflicts—these and other factors undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for emerging economies.

The conference, organized by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Saudi Ministry of Finance, “marks an important step towards creating a platform that amplifies the voices of emerging economies on the global stage, allowing them to express their views and needs," said Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan at the conclusion of the two-day event.

Sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the conference is expected to have a significant impact on shaping future economic policies in emerging economies.

This was evident through in-depth discussions among finance ministers, central bank governors, policymakers, and leaders from both the public and private sectors in emerging economies, as well as international institutions.

The talks covered a range of topics, from economic growth and financial stability to sustainable development, inflation, debt, and proposed strategies to support growth in these markets.

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the event underscores its prominent position and leadership role both regionally and globally. It also highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting emerging economies and fostering cooperation among them.

Emerging economies undeniably play a key role in the global economy, driving 65% of global growth.
They continue to record strong growth rates, with the IMF projecting a 4.3% growth in 2025 and 4.2% in 2026, compared to a global economic growth of just 3.3% during the same period.

This translates into higher employment rates and increased consumer spending, positioning these economies as attractive destinations for investors seeking major opportunities.