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Saudi Entertainment Authority Continues Crackdown on Black Market Tickets

Large crowds of visitors at one of the General Entertainment Authority's events.(Asharq Al-Awsat)
Large crowds of visitors at one of the General Entertainment Authority's events.(Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Entertainment Authority Continues Crackdown on Black Market Tickets

Large crowds of visitors at one of the General Entertainment Authority's events.(Asharq Al-Awsat)
Large crowds of visitors at one of the General Entertainment Authority's events.(Asharq Al-Awsat)

Since 2016, Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has been fighting against black market ticket sales for events like concerts, theater shows, and sports matches.

On Monday, GEA Governor Turki Al-Sheikh announced their biggest crackdown yet, blocking the sale of over 4,000 tickets. Al-Sheikh pledged continued efforts to stop ticket scalping and mentioned upcoming features to help reduce the problem.

“We encourage you to buy tickets from the official platform,” he said.

“Our aim is to ensure you get tickets at fair prices,” he added in a post on X.

Last year, Al-Sheikh launched “WeBook,” the official site for booking tickets to Riyadh Season 2023. The platform offers many benefits and services, urging users to register to combat black market ticket sales.

Moreover, GEA is working with the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence to shut down sites selling overpriced tickets. They are connecting the ticketing system to offer fair prices and fight the black market.

Fahad bin Naif, CEO of NOB for marketing solutions, emphasized the importance of awareness before discussing penalties.

He highlighted the entertainment sector’s vital role in the economy and the need to eliminate black market ticket sales.

“The entertainment sector is rapidly developing,” he stressed, adding that “using modern technologies like WeBook can help prevent market manipulation.”

WeBook and other official platforms by the GEA will make it easier for everyone to buy tickets fairly, stopping black market practices and ensuring transparency.

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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)
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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.