‘Saudia’ Expands Flight Network with Over 10 New Destinations in 2025

Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. (Reuters)
Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. (Reuters)
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‘Saudia’ Expands Flight Network with Over 10 New Destinations in 2025

Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. (Reuters)
Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. (Reuters)

Saudi Airlines (Saudia) has announced the addition of more than ten new destinations to its flight network for 2025, including Vienna, Venice, Larnaca, Athens, Heraklion , Nice, Malacca, Bali, Antalya, El Alamein, and Salalah. The expansion comes in response to increased international travel demand, with a 16% growth in passenger transport last year, according to SPA.
Saudia Group's General Manager, Eng. Ibrahim bin Abdulrahman Al-Omar stated that following the airline's operational success in 2024, a strategic plan has been implemented for 2025 to maintain high performance. Flights have been scheduled to meet operational needs with flexibility throughout the year, particularly during peak seasons, while adapting to industry challenges.

The selection of new destinations was based on feasibility studies and guest demand, aligning with Saudi Arabia's national aviation strategy to reach 250 destinations by 2030.
The newly introduced routes will enhance Saudia's global network, which currently spans over 100 destinations across four continents. With more than 530 daily flights, the airline continues to develop its international operations to increase its market share and strengthen the Kingdom's global connectivity.



Dubai Expects $15.4 Bln in Economic Gains from Metro Blue Line

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid at Blue Line Metro groundbreaking ceremony – Asharq Al-Awsat
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid at Blue Line Metro groundbreaking ceremony – Asharq Al-Awsat
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Dubai Expects $15.4 Bln in Economic Gains from Metro Blue Line

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid at Blue Line Metro groundbreaking ceremony – Asharq Al-Awsat
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid at Blue Line Metro groundbreaking ceremony – Asharq Al-Awsat

Dubai expects its newly launched Blue Line metro project to generate more than 56.5 billion dirhams ($15.4 billion) in cumulative economic, social and environmental benefits by 2040, officials said at a groundbreaking ceremony attended on Monday by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

 

The Blue Line represents one of the emirate’s most significant transport infrastructure investments to date and is a cornerstone of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the D33 economic agenda aimed at boosting the city’s global competitiveness and quality of life.

 

Spanning 30 kilometers with 14 stations serving nine districts, the Blue Line is expected to serve nearly one million residents by 2040. Authorities estimate it will reduce road congestion by 20% and increase property values along its route by up to 25%.

 

During the ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed approved the design of the Emaar station, which is set to become the world’s tallest metro station at 74 meters high, with a daily passenger capacity of up to 160,000.

 

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said the new line will expand the city’s rail network to 131 kilometers, with 78 stations and 168 trains in operation.

 

Since its launch in 2009, Dubai Metro has transported more than 2.5 billion passengers and now accounts for around 6% of total public transport ridership in the city, according to figures released on Monday.

 

Preliminary studies show the Blue Line will deliver wide-ranging benefits through reduced fuel consumption, lower carbon emissions and improved traffic safety.

 

The line will also provide direct connectivity between Dubai International Airport and key economic, educational and tourism hubs, with travel times ranging from 10 to 25 minutes.

 

Once completed, the Blue Line will become Dubai’s fifth major mass transit initiative, following the Red and Green metro lines, Dubai Tram, and Route 2020.