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Saudi Arabia Expands Global Aviation Network with 17 New Agreements at ICAO Assembly

The ICAO Executive Council has renewed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s membership for the 2026–2028 term - SPA
The ICAO Executive Council has renewed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s membership for the 2026–2028 term - SPA
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Saudi Arabia Expands Global Aviation Network with 17 New Agreements at ICAO Assembly

The ICAO Executive Council has renewed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s membership for the 2026–2028 term - SPA
The ICAO Executive Council has renewed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s membership for the 2026–2028 term - SPA

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), concluded its participation in the 42nd General Assembly of the UN International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), held in Montreal, Canada, from September 23 to October 3.

The delegation’s participation resulted in the signing of 17 air transport agreements and memoranda of understanding and held 40 bilateral meetings to boost international cooperation in aviation.

These efforts underline the Kingdom’s commitment to expanding its global presence in air transport, establishing regulatory frameworks for air traffic, enhancing aviation safety and security standards, and broadening travel options for passengers, SPA reported.

Additionally, the Kingdom submitted 31 working papers covering a wide range of topics aligned with its leading role in civil aviation and air transport facilitation at both regional and international levels.

These papers addressed aviation safety and security, airport infrastructure development, passenger transport facilitation, sustainability initiatives, environmental stewardship, carbon emissions reduction, and investment in biofuels and clean technologies, all in line with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a global logistics hub.

The ICAO Executive Council has renewed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s membership for the 2026–2028 term. The Kingdom received 175 out of 184 votes, maintaining its uninterrupted membership since 1986.

Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser announced a $1 million donation from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to support the ICAO.

The contribution is dedicated to advancing the strategic objectives of the “No Country Left Behind” initiative during the 2025–2028 cycle, which aims to assist developing countries in implementing international standards and recommended practices to enhance civil aviation safety and security.

ICAO also honored Saudi Arabia, represented by Chairman of the Cooperative Aviation Security Program–Middle East (CASP-MID) Mohammed Alfozan, in recognition of his leadership and management of the program and his contributions to enhancing the aviation security capabilities of countries in the region.

The recognition reflects the Kingdom’s pioneering role in supporting ICAO programs and global initiatives to strengthen civil aviation security and its commitment to ensuring that “no country is left behind.”

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia hosted a reception attended by more than 450 participants from various countries, including representatives from the aviation sector, diplomats, and ICAO member states.

The event featured an exhibition showcasing participating entities, traditional handicrafts such as weaving and leatherwork, and performances of Saudi folk music and dance.

A documentary film was also screened, tracing the history and development of civil aviation in the Kingdom and its progress toward becoming a modern aviation powerhouse.

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Business

Mawani Signs 3 MoUs with Global Shipping Lines to Support Saudi Exports

Mawani Signs 3 MoUs with Global Shipping Lines to Support Saudi Exports
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Mawani Signs 3 MoUs with Global Shipping Lines to Support Saudi Exports

Mawani Signs 3 MoUs with Global Shipping Lines to Support Saudi Exports

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) signed on Tuesday three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with major international shipping lines: MSC, Maersk, and CMA CGM.

The agreements were signed on the sidelines of the Made in Saudi Expo 2025 and in partnership with the Saudi Export Development Authority (Saudi Exports).

The memoranda aim to support national exports and Saudi exporters by boosting access to global markets through an integrated logistics services ecosystem that connects the Kingdom’s ports with international destinations via leading global shipping lines.

The initiative provides exporters with broader opportunities for expansion and growth, while reinforcing international confidence in the quality of Saudi products by ensuring fast, efficient, and reliable delivery.

The MoUs establish a strategic framework for cooperation among the signatories to deliver innovative and integrated logistics solutions, facilitate the export of Saudi products, and boost the availability of empty containers at the Kingdom’s ports to ensure sufficient inventory levels that meet exporters’ needs.

They aim to expand joint initiatives that contribute to increasing Saudi exports in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. This includes organizing workshops, conferences, and exhibitions to raise awareness, bolster exporters’ capabilities, measure satisfaction with logistics services, and promote national exports globally.

The MoUs seek to improve Saudi exporters’ access to new markets by providing advanced and efficient logistics solutions through Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, and Jubail Commercial Port, alongside efforts to further automate port operations.

Business

Saudi Arabia, Syria Discuss Industrial Investment Partnerships

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef during Tuesday's meeting. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef during Tuesday's meeting. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Syria Discuss Industrial Investment Partnerships

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef during Tuesday's meeting. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef during Tuesday's meeting. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef held talks in Riyadh on Tuesday with Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nedal Al-Shaar on ways to strengthen economic relations and develop industrial investment partnerships between their countries.

Alkhorayef praised Syria’s participation as Guest of Honor in the third edition of the Made in Saudi Expo, noting that this reflects the depth of fraternal relations and the shared economic ties between the two countries.

The officials discussed aspects of industrial cooperation and the opportunities for Syria to benefit from the Kingdom’s expertise and successful experience in developing its industrial sector.

They addressed prominent export opportunities that can support trade growth, strengthen industrial and economic integration between Saudi Arabia and Syria, and advance their developmental goals and shared interests.

Separately, Alkhorayef revealed that the Kingdom’s non-oil exports reached SAR307 billion in the first half of this year, marking the highest semiannual growth on record. 

He made the announcement during his participation in a dialogue session with Al-Shaar on the sidelines of the Made in Saudi Expo 2025. 

Alkhorayef explained that Saudi Vision 2030, through its initiatives, has driven record performance and sustained growth in non-oil exports over the past few years by unlocking national industrial capabilities, boosting the quality of Saudi products, and expanding their access to global markets. 

He highlighted opportunities for cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Syria in developing industrial cities, enabling Damascus to benefit from the Kingdom’s successful experience in export development and local content support, thereby contributing to its economic growth. 

Alkhorayef underlined the level of efficiency, skill, and craftsmanship demonstrated by Syrian investors in the Kingdom’s industrial sector, hoping that the industrial sector would become a key pillar of Syria’s economic advancement. 

He also addressed trade development between the two countries, noting that Saudi non-oil exports to Syria totaled SAR1.2 billion in the first nine months of 2025. 

Business

Saudi Inflation Slows to Nine-Month Low in November

 People enjoy sitting outdoors as the summer heat eases in Riyadh (AFP). 
 People enjoy sitting outdoors as the summer heat eases in Riyadh (AFP). 
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Saudi Inflation Slows to Nine-Month Low in November

 People enjoy sitting outdoors as the summer heat eases in Riyadh (AFP). 
 People enjoy sitting outdoors as the summer heat eases in Riyadh (AFP). 

Saudi Arabia’s annual inflation rate slowed to 1.9 percent in November 2025, its lowest level in nine months, down from 2.2 percent in October, driven by easing housing costs and lower prices for food and beverages.

On a monthly basis, inflation remained broadly stable, edging up 0.1 percent compared with October.

According to data released on Monday by the Saudi General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), the housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels category rose 4.3 percent year on year in November, down from 4.5 percent in October. Within that category, actual housing rents increased 5.4 percent, slowing from 5.7 percent a month earlier.

Prices in the food and beverages category rose 1.3 percent, reflecting a 1.6 percent increase in the prices of fresh, chilled and frozen meat. The transport category climbed 1.5 percent, driven by a 6.4 percent rise in passenger transport services.

The personal care, social protection and miscellaneous goods and services category recorded the largest annual increase, up 6.6 percent, supported by a 19.9 percent surge in prices of other personal products, influenced by a 21.6 percent rise in jewelry and watch prices.

Prices for insurance and financial services increased 5.1 percent, led by an 8.4 percent rise in insurance costs. The recreation, sports and culture category rose 1.3 percent, reflecting a 2.1 percent increase in holiday package prices.

In contrast, prices for furniture, household equipment and routine household maintenance declined 0.3 percent. The restaurants and accommodation services category also fell 0.5 percent, as accommodation service prices decreased 2.3 percent.

GASTAT noted that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures changes in prices paid by consumers for a fixed basket of 582 items, while the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) tracks price movements of goods at the pre-retail stage for a fixed basket of 343 items.