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Saudi Tourism Commission Starts Implementing Heritage Projects Worth $115Mn

Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage
Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage
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Saudi Tourism Commission Starts Implementing Heritage Projects Worth $115Mn

Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage
Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) announced that nine projects will be awarded across the Kingdom at costs amounting to more than SR433 million ($115.4 million).

The commission said that another five projects will also be awarded within the SCTH cultural heritage projects that will cost more than SR1.4 billion ($373 million).

SCTH President Prince Sultan bin Salman sponsored the signing of the contracts with a number of national companies.

These new projects include the establishment of new museums, development of existing ones, expansion of the National Museum, maintenance, fencing and posting of awareness notices in the archaeological and heritage sites in addition to other projects to rehabilitate a number of archaeological sites across the Kingdom.

They come in the framework of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman’s program for cultural heritage in the Kingdom that has now 230 projects. These projects cover antiquities, museums, sites of Islamic history, urban heritage and handicrafts in addition to other aspects of the Kingdom’s heritage.

The new projects also included the design of museum exhibitions; executive plans for the rehabilitation of Al-Saqqaf Palace in the Makkah region; expansion and development of the National Museum (first phase); design and preparation of the executive plans of the SCTH regional museums in Dammam, Tabuk, Baha, Hail, Jouf, Najran and Asir; museum projects in Al-Qasim, Arar, Tima and Ahsa, and the railway museum in Madinah; the rehabilitation project of Khuzam Palace and other historic and heritage buildings in Ahsa; and the rehabilitation of ten heritage buildings in Yanbu (first phase).

The projects also include the rehabilitation of the archaeological sites in al-Jouf Region, including five sites in Skaka Province and another two in Domat-al-Jandal Province.

The maintenance, fencing and posting notices projects cover 300 sites across the Kingdom.

The signing of operation and engineering contracts for museums and archaeological sites covered more than 130 locations in order to raise the efficiency and level of archaeological and heritage sites and museums throughout Saudi Arabia.

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Saudia Soars to 17th in Global Airline Rankings Amid Bold Transformation

A Saudia aircraft (Company’s website)
A Saudia aircraft (Company’s website)
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Saudia Soars to 17th in Global Airline Rankings Amid Bold Transformation

A Saudia aircraft (Company’s website)
A Saudia aircraft (Company’s website)

In a remarkable leap forward, Saudia has climbed to 17th place in the 2025 Skytrax ranking of the world’s best airlines, marking a significant improvement from its 82nd position in 2016.

The achievement comes as the global aviation sector grapples with mounting challenges, including supply chain disruptions, fluctuating demand, and the pressures of infrastructure development.

The milestone reflects the success of Saudia’s comprehensive transformation strategy aimed at strengthening its global standing and enhancing passenger experience. For the fourth consecutive year, the national carrier has also earned the title of the “World’s Most Improved Airline”, underscoring its sustained trajectory of growth and improvement.

Skytrax, a leading international airline and airport rating organization, bases its rankings on strict criteria, including both in-flight and ground service quality. Its annual awards are often referred to as the “Oscars of the aviation industry.”

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Eng. Abdullah Al-Shahrani, General Manager of Communication and official spokesperson for Saudia Group, confirmed that the airline is undergoing a sweeping upgrade of its fleet interiors.

A multi-year program to refurbish cabins in both Business and Economy classes is set to begin later this year and conclude by 2027.

In line with its push toward digital innovation, the airline has launched a pilot version of an AI-powered virtual assistant. This new platform is designed to streamline travel by integrating services such as bookings, hotel accommodations, ground transport, and entertainment.

Digital Transformation

Saudia’s transformation is not limited to passenger comfort. Al-Shahrani detailed a complete overhaul of the airline’s digital infrastructure, including instant booking for delayed or canceled flights, a digital wallet, and a reimagined booking, payment, and refund system. Most notably, refund processing times have been reduced from 40 days to under one minute.

Operationally, the airline continues to set high standards. In March 2025, Saudia recorded a 94.07% on-time arrival rate and 94% on-time departure rate, placing it among the top 10 most punctual carriers worldwide.

Strategic Growth Amid Global Challenges

Despite global and regional headwinds, including the need for large-scale infrastructure upgrades to host future mega-events such as Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, Saudia is moving forward with bold expansion plans.

According to Al-Shahrani, the airline now operates flights to more than 145 international destinations, while positioning Jeddah as a major global air hub. This expansion is supported by the broader Saudia Group, which includes specialized subsidiaries in aircraft maintenance, training, and ground handling services.

As the Kingdom’s national carrier, Saudia plays a central role in advancing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The airline is actively contributing to the National Aviation Strategy, which aims to attract 330 million visitors annually, serve 30 million Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, and connect Saudi Arabia to over 250 global destinations. Additionally, the plan targets 4.5 million tons in annual air cargo capacity by 2030.

Looking ahead, Saudia is embarking on one of the largest fleet expansions in its history. By 2032, the airline expects to receive more than 118 new aircraft, including 49 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Earlier this year, the carrier signed a landmark deal with Airbus to purchase 105 new A320neo aircraft, the largest such order in Saudi aviation history.

In April 2025, Saudia further bolstered its future capabilities with a new order for 20 wide-body Airbus A330neo aircraft, of which 10 will be operated by its low-cost subsidiary, Flyadeal.