Saudi Arabia Contributes More than $87 Billion in International Aid to Combat Poverty

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning during his speech at the 2023 SDG Summit (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning during his speech at the 2023 SDG Summit (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Contributes More than $87 Billion in International Aid to Combat Poverty

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning during his speech at the 2023 SDG Summit (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning during his speech at the 2023 SDG Summit (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadel Al-Ibrahim has announced that Saudi Vision 2030 was highly consistent with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), revealing that the Kingdom contributed more than $87 billion in international aid to combat poverty and advance development.

The minister was speaking during his participation in the 2023 SDG Summit, in New York.

This year’s SDG Summit is the second since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda in 2015, and aims to accelerate progress towards achieving the 17 sustainable development goals within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Al-Ibrahim stressed that Saudi Arabia has become an international investment power, and plays an important role in mobilizing resources to achieve sustainable growth.

Highlighting the recently launched Global Water Organization, the minister said: “It is a monumental step that champions international innovation and it is a call to action for nations worldwide to come together.”

In this context, the minister said that the Kingdom has contributed more than $87 billion in international aid to combat poverty and advance development.

He added that the National Transformation Program, one of the Vision 2030 initiatives, led by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was strongly consistent with the UN goals of sustainable development.

Leaders of the UN member-states, as well as ministers, and representatives of international organizations, the private sector and civil society participated in the summit, which is chaired by the President of the United Nations General Assembly.

Meanwhile, Al-Ibrahim met with the Swedish Minister of International Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Johan Forssell, with whom he discussed bilateral economic and investment relations, and a number of issues of common interest, including the need to intensify international cooperation to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs.



Saudi's flynas Strikes Deal for Additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s

Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
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Saudi's flynas Strikes Deal for Additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s

Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)

flynas, Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost carrier, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 75 A320neo family aircraft and 15 A330-900. This strategic agreement will expand the airline's capacity, range and enhance its overall fleet capabilities.
Signed during Farnborough International Airshow in the presence of President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, Chairman of the Board of NAS Holding Ayed Al Jeaid, flynas Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Bandar Almohanna, and Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer, Airbus said on its website.
The new aircraft will join the carrier’s all Airbus fleet serving international, domestic and regional routes. The new A330-900 aircraft will boast a two-class configuration, accommodating up to 400 passengers.
"We are excited to further strengthen our long-standing partnership with Airbus," said Bander Almohanna, CEO and Managing Director of flynas. "The A320neo Family provides exceptional operational performance and environmental benefits, allowing us to offer unique, low-cost travel experiences. Additionally, the A330neowill enhance our long-haul capabilities with its advanced technology and efficiency while supporting our growth plans and Saudi Arabia’s pilgrim program."
Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer said, "We are delighted to expand our partnership with flynas through this significant milestone for both A320neo and A330-900 aircraft. The A330neo will allow flynas to further grow into widebody markets by building on the A320, benefiting from Airbus’ unique commonality. Both aircraft types offer flynas the perfect versatility and economics to expand into new markets while offering their passengers the latest cabin experience and comfort. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with flynas as they embark on this exciting new chapter."
The addition of the A330-900 aircraft will support flynas' ambitious growth plans. The airline anticipates significant operational efficiency gains by combining the new widebody aircraft with its existing A320neo fleet. The A330-900 offers increased capacity and range at unrivaled seat costs, ensuring flynas can compete effectively in the growing regional market, a key focus area for the airline.
The A330neo delivers unbeatable operating economics, powered by the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, featuring new wings and a range of aerodynamic innovations resulting in a 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to previous generation competitor aircraft. The A330neo is capable of flying 8,150 nm / 15,094 km non-stop, providing ultimate comfort with more passenger space, a new lighting system, latest in-flight entertainment systems and full connectivity throughout the cabin.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A330 family is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The manufacturer is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.