CST: Saudi Space Economy Reached $8.7 Billion in 2024

The report aims to highlight the latest developments and growth in local and global space market sizes
The report aims to highlight the latest developments and growth in local and global space market sizes
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CST: Saudi Space Economy Reached $8.7 Billion in 2024

The report aims to highlight the latest developments and growth in local and global space market sizes
The report aims to highlight the latest developments and growth in local and global space market sizes

The Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST) announced that the Saudi space economy reached $8.7 billion last year, including all value-added activities and industries from space technologies and services.

The size of the space market reached $1.9 billion, according to the KSA Space Market 2025 report.
The report aims to highlight the latest developments and growth in local and global space market sizes, support market development and competitiveness, assist investors and entrepreneurs in the sector, and identify promising opportunities in the space industry.
CST Governor Dr. Mohammad Altamimi emphasized that strong support from the wise leadership is accelerating investment, infrastructure development, and the empowerment of national talent. These efforts contribute to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and establishing a competitive, sustainable space economy regionally and internationally.
Altamimi also stated that the report extends CST’s efforts to enable the space sector as a new economic driver that strengthens the Kingdom's global position in technology and innovation. The report serves as a valuable resource for decision-makers, investors, and entrepreneurs to understand future trends and promising growth opportunities in the sector.
It also highlights the rapid growth of the Saudi space economy, which is expected to reach $31.6 billion by 2035, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) estimated at 12%, supported by investments in space sector infrastructure—at a time when the global space economy is expected to reach $1.8 trillion in 2035, with a CAGR of 9%.
The Saudi space market is projected to reach $5.6 billion by 2035, supported by space technologies, while the global space market reached $176 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to $377 billion by 2035.
Notable developments in the local and global space markets are also mentioned, including Earth observation data analysis, infrastructure services, integrated communication systems, advanced sensing systems, and the development of small satellites. The report also highlights global shifts in the sector, such as private sector entry, growing demand for satellite-based services, and renewed interest in space exploration.
It also addresses investment in the Saudi space sector and key areas of development, such as satellite communications and navigation, rocket manufacturing and launch services, and satellite-based Earth monitoring.



Saudi Arabia, Qatar Sign High-Speed Railway Project Implementation Agreement

The project is slated for completion in six years, utilizing the latest railway technologies and smart engineering to ensure safe and seamless operation and to adhere to the highest international standards of quality and safety - SPA
The project is slated for completion in six years, utilizing the latest railway technologies and smart engineering to ensure safe and seamless operation and to adhere to the highest international standards of quality and safety - SPA
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Saudi Arabia, Qatar Sign High-Speed Railway Project Implementation Agreement

The project is slated for completion in six years, utilizing the latest railway technologies and smart engineering to ensure safe and seamless operation and to adhere to the highest international standards of quality and safety - SPA
The project is slated for completion in six years, utilizing the latest railway technologies and smart engineering to ensure safe and seamless operation and to adhere to the highest international standards of quality and safety - SPA

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani witnessed the signing of an agreement to implement a high-speed electric passenger railway project connecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar, a step reflecting the deep-rooted fraternal and historical relations between the two countries.

The agreement was signed by Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser and Minister of Transport of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani within the framework of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council, representing a strategic step aimed at enhancing cooperation, developmental integration, and sustainable development, and demonstrating a shared commitment to regional prosperity, SPA reported.

The high-speed railway line spans 785 kilometers, strategically connecting the capital cities of Riyadh and Doha, and will pass through key stations including Hofuf and Dammam, while also linking King Salman International Airport and Hamad International Airport.

The train will form a new artery for rapid and sustainable transportation, improving the regional travel experience with speeds exceeding 300 kilometers per hour, reducing travel time between the two capitals to approximately two hours, significantly enhancing mobility, boosting trade and tourism, and improving quality of life.

The project is slated for completion in six years, utilizing the latest railway technologies and smart engineering to ensure safe and seamless operation and to adhere to the highest international standards of quality and safety.

It is expected to have an economic impact of nearly SAR115 billion on the GDP of both countries, serve over 10 million passengers annually, and create more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The high-speed railway will also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and supporting the transition to more efficient and innovative transportation patterns for smart and sustainable mobility in the region.

This makes the rail line one of the most important strategic projects supporting regional development and strengthening connectivity and integration among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.


Türkiye's Pegasus Airlines Acquires Biggest Czech Airline, Smartwings, in a Deal Worth $180 million

A passenger plane of the ‘Pegasus’ airline lands at the ‘Stuttgart Airport’ in Stuttgart, Germany, Wednesday, May 3, 2023. (Bernd Weissbrod/dpa via AP, File)
A passenger plane of the ‘Pegasus’ airline lands at the ‘Stuttgart Airport’ in Stuttgart, Germany, Wednesday, May 3, 2023. (Bernd Weissbrod/dpa via AP, File)
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Türkiye's Pegasus Airlines Acquires Biggest Czech Airline, Smartwings, in a Deal Worth $180 million

A passenger plane of the ‘Pegasus’ airline lands at the ‘Stuttgart Airport’ in Stuttgart, Germany, Wednesday, May 3, 2023. (Bernd Weissbrod/dpa via AP, File)
A passenger plane of the ‘Pegasus’ airline lands at the ‘Stuttgart Airport’ in Stuttgart, Germany, Wednesday, May 3, 2023. (Bernd Weissbrod/dpa via AP, File)

Türkiye's Pegasus Airlines said on Monday it has signed an agreement to acquire the biggest Czech airline, Smartwings, along with its owner, Czech Airlines, from Prague City Air.

Pegasus said the deal, which is worth 154 million euros (almost $180 million) was a “step forward in our continued global growth journey,” Reuters reported.

The process of transferring the ownership of Czech Airlines should be completed in 12 months, Smartwings spokeswoman Vladimíra Dufková said.

Smartwings currently operates regular, charter and private flights to some 80 destinations with almost 50 planes. The airline previously negotiated a takeover by Polish national carrier LOT but that fell through over the weekend after Pegasus filed a rival bid.

Pegasus, a low cost carrier, that was established in 1990. It says it operates flights to 153 destinations in 54 countries.


stc Receives 5-Star Recognition Certificate for Institutional Excellence from EFQM

stc Receives 5-Star Recognition Certificate for Institutional Excellence from EFQM
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stc Receives 5-Star Recognition Certificate for Institutional Excellence from EFQM

stc Receives 5-Star Recognition Certificate for Institutional Excellence from EFQM

stc Group has been awarded the 5-star recognition certificate for institutional excellence from the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) for 2025.

stc is the first Saudi company to receive this prestigious recognition across all its private sector operations in the Kingdom. It is also the first company in the global telecommunications sector to achieve this rating according to the EFQM 2025 model.

This accomplishment highlights stc's leading position in performance and innovation, SPA reported.

Chief Legal and Risk Officer and General Counsel of stc Group Mathad Alajmi stated that this achievement reinforces customers' and partners' confidence in the group's capabilities, underscoring its commitment to the highest standards of corporate excellence.

This commitment is reflected in the delivery of digital solutions, supported by a flexible, adaptable organizational culture. stc will continue its journey of improvement to support the growth of the digital economy in the region and enhance the Kingdom's global competitiveness.