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DACO Plans to Transform Dammam Airport into Regional Hub

Dammam Airports Company (DACO) Logo
Dammam Airports Company (DACO) Logo
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DACO Plans to Transform Dammam Airport into Regional Hub

Dammam Airports Company (DACO) Logo
Dammam Airports Company (DACO) Logo

Dammam Airports Company (DACO) is planning to transform King Fahd International airport into a regional hub at the level of passengers and cargo volumes as the airport expands its infrastructure and welcomes new airlines, according to DACO CEO Turki Abdullah al-Jawini.

The airport is positioning itself as a regional passenger and cargo hub, added Jawini.

“We would like to take advantage of the strategic location of King Fahd International airport as the Kingdom’s eastern gateway; its proximity to one of the largest sea ports, Dammam Port and its proximity to (other) GCC capitals. All this combined can make the perfect ingredients to make a logistic cargo hub at the airport,” he said.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat on the sidelines of the 18th Airport Show in Dubai, UAE, Jawini indicated that the impact of this strategy is becoming clearer from today, and many airlines and shipping companies are interested in the airport.

Jawini believes the transformations in Saudi Arabia and the economic reforms have greatly contributed to attracting investors and businessmen.

"The task today is to be ready to keep up with the economic growth in Saudi Arabia," he asserted.

DACO was established in July 2017 as a private company owned by the Government and wholly owned by Civil Aviation Holding Company, in preparation for the privatization of King Fahd International Airport, within the objectives of Vision 2030.

When asked about features that attract passengers to King Fahd Airport, Jawini indicated that it's the experience as whole, especially that the airport is easily accessed from cities in the region.

There are currently 37 airlines serving the airport, and soon new companies and destinations will be announced.

He stressed that one of the objectives of the airport strategy is to increase international direct flights and revealed ongoing talks with international airlines.

The CEO pointed out there are positive signs "from some companies eager to start operating, and I think it is a matter of time" until that happens. He added the airport's aim in the coming months is to work to reach the desired goal.

The first-quarter passenger figures for this year were “very promising,” said Jawini, with 4.2 percent growth in passenger numbers compared to the same quarter last year.

“The airport over the last few years has seen a very positive growth trend,” he indicated, adding that the airport expects a 6 to 8 percent growth this year. The airport served 9.8 million passengers last year.

"We are always studying the number of passengers and airport's capacity," stated the CEO and a new hall or section will be opened once needed.

As for smart technologies used for the enter and exit of travelers, Jawini revealed there is a full coordination with the authorities and boarding gates were installed and the technology will be used in all aspects that serve the passenger.

DACO has signed two strategic agreements with Vanderlande and Serco Middle East within the company's plan to enhance operational abilities of the airport.

The agreement with Vanderlande was signed to develop a new baggage-handling system at the airport that will help make travel procedures smoother for airport personnel, passengers and airlines. The deal with Serco Middle East to install fire and rescue services at the airport.

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Business

Saudi PIF Backs Multibillion-Dollar Projects to Boost Sustainability

A solar power project in Saudi Arabia (SPA)
A solar power project in Saudi Arabia (SPA)
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Saudi PIF Backs Multibillion-Dollar Projects to Boost Sustainability

A solar power project in Saudi Arabia (SPA)
A solar power project in Saudi Arabia (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has fully allocated the proceeds of its green bond issuance, directing $9 billion to eligible projects, in a move that highlights the sovereign wealth fund’s growing role in shaping a more sustainable future and delivering lasting positive impact worldwide.

According to a recent report issued by the Public Investment Fund, reviewed by Asharq Al-Awsat, the expected impact of the fund’s eligible green projects includes generating 427 megawatts of renewable energy, avoiding emissions equivalent to 5.1 million tons of carbon dioxide, and treating 4 million cubic meters of wastewater.

The Public Investment Fund aims to establish itself as an active participant in global debt markets, while also fostering the development of a dynamic domestic market. This would enable the fund to access short- or long-term liquidity through a diverse range of financing instruments.

Financing strategy

The fund’s capital markets program aims to further strengthen its financing strategy and execution capabilities, both at the level of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund and across its portfolio companies, while enabling deeper engagement with global and local debt markets.

The program will also support expanding the fund’s capacity to raise debt and deploy it as a source of investment financing, in line with its overall funding strategy. This approach is designed to instill greater discipline in cash flow management and enhance returns on equity for the fund and its portfolio companies.

The green bond issuance will provide the fund with access to a broader pool of investors who prioritize environmental, social, and governance considerations in their investment decisions. It will also allow investors to diversify their portfolios through green assets, a step expected to help accelerate the pace of green investment globally.

Climate change

The fund has taken concrete steps to advance governance and policy, focusing on sustainability, and is a founding member of the One Planet Sovereign Wealth Funds initiative. This international platform aims to accelerate the integration of climate change considerations into asset management decisions and investment opportunities.

As an investment vehicle, the Public Investment Fund operates through acquiring stakes in companies aligned with its mandate, including ACWA Power and Lucid.

It has also established the Saudi Investment Recycling Company, a leader in waste management and recycling, manages the National Energy Services Company, Tarshid, and supports the creation of a voluntary carbon market in the Middle East and North Africa.

These efforts aim to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as one of the world’s most energy-efficient countries.

The green bond issuance will finance tangible projects on the ground, helping to accelerate the green transition and advance the Kingdom’s core targets of achieving net zero emissions by 2060 and generating 50 percent of electricity consumption from renewable energy sources by 2030.

This forms a key pillar of the renewable energy program implemented by the fund, which involves developing 70 percent of renewable power generation capacity.

Business

Saudi E-Commerce Hits Record Monthly Sales over SAR30.7 Billion in October

A view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA file)
A view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA file)
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Saudi E-Commerce Hits Record Monthly Sales over SAR30.7 Billion in October

A view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA file)
A view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA file)

E-commerce sales in Saudi Arabia via "mada" cards soared to an all-time monthly high in October 2025, surpassing SAR30.7 billion.

The surge in sales represents a 68% year-on-year increase, totaling about SAR12.4 billion more than the SAR18.3 billion recorded in October 2024, according to the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) statistical bulletin on Wednesday.

E-commerce sales for the third quarter (Q3) of 2025 hit SAR88.3 billion, up 15.2% from the previous quarter, representing an increase of about SAR11.6 billion over the SAR76.6 billion recorded in Q2.

On a monthly basis, e-commerce sales in October rose 6%, gaining approximately SAR1.6 billion over September’s total of SAR29.1 billion.

From January to October, "mada" data showed e-commerce sales grew 47.3%, rising by around SAR9.9 billion over the SAR20.9 billion recorded in January.

These figures cover transactions made via "mada" cards on e-commerce websites, apps, and digital wallets, and do not include credit-card payments.

Business

Jeddah's King Abdulaziz Airport Launches First Direct Flight to Moscow

The expansion supports Jeddah Airports Company’s goal of broadening travel options and increasing air traffic revenue, leveraging the Kingdom's strategic location. (SPA)
The expansion supports Jeddah Airports Company’s goal of broadening travel options and increasing air traffic revenue, leveraging the Kingdom's strategic location. (SPA)
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Jeddah's King Abdulaziz Airport Launches First Direct Flight to Moscow

The expansion supports Jeddah Airports Company’s goal of broadening travel options and increasing air traffic revenue, leveraging the Kingdom's strategic location. (SPA)
The expansion supports Jeddah Airports Company’s goal of broadening travel options and increasing air traffic revenue, leveraging the Kingdom's strategic location. (SPA)

Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) celebrated the launch of its first direct flynas flight to Moscow, operating three weekly flights between Jeddah and Vnukovo International Airport.

This initiative, in partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority and the Air Connectivity Program, boosts air links between Saudi Arabia and Russia.

It marks KAIA's third direct Russian destination, following Makhachkala and Mineralnye Vody, which were inaugurated earlier this month by Azimuth Airlines.

The expansion supports Jeddah Airports Company’s goal of broadening travel options and increasing air traffic revenue, leveraging the Kingdom's strategic location.