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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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Saudi EXIM Hosts Global Risk Experts Meeting in Riyadh

The event gathered specialists from 47 organizations from 33 countries; it served as a platform for discussing strategies, partnerships, and innovative solutions. - SPA
The event gathered specialists from 47 organizations from 33 countries; it served as a platform for discussing strategies, partnerships, and innovative solutions. - SPA
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Saudi EXIM Hosts Global Risk Experts Meeting in Riyadh

The event gathered specialists from 47 organizations from 33 countries; it served as a platform for discussing strategies, partnerships, and innovative solutions. - SPA
The event gathered specialists from 47 organizations from 33 countries; it served as a platform for discussing strategies, partnerships, and innovative solutions. - SPA

The Saudi Export-Import Bank (Saudi EXIM) hosted the Berne Union's Country Risk Specialist Meeting, providing a platform for experts and thought leaders in risk management from the export credit community.
At the meeting, which took place from November 19 to 21 in Riyadh, the attendees exchanged best practices to better protect the industry amid shifting global dynamics.
According to a statement issued by the Saudi EXIM on Saturday, the event gathered specialists from 47 organizations from 33 countries; it served as a platform for discussing strategies, partnerships, and innovative solutions.
By strengthening institutional resilience, the industry is ready to turn global economic challenges into opportunities for economic prosperity, said the statement, adding that it played a crucial role in advancing global trade, strengthening international cooperation, and developing credit solutions that empower export activities while controlling risk, SPA reported.
According to the statement, discussions centered on critical risks impacting international trade and the global economy, such as debt sustainability and geopolitical tensions, along with innovative approaches to risk modelling. Participants also explored the global shifts in infrastructure, energy and critical minerals sectors, and were given an overview of Saudi Arabia's National Industrial Strategy, which focuses on economic diversification through investments, developing new sectors, and promoting local industries.
In his opening remarks, Saudi EXIM CEO Eng. Saad bin Abdulaziz Al-Khalb said the meeting is an ideal platform to address risks impacting global economic decision making.
He stated: "Through such meetings, we can turn challenges into strategic opportunities and enhance our resilience in an ever-changing world. At Saudi EXIM, we remain committed to enabling companies by offering expert financial and non-financial solutions to navigate risks effectively."
He also said that "at Saudi EXIM, we place great emphasis on risk management. In alignment with the main objective of this meeting, I am pleased to announce the completion of our independent country risk model, which is supported by advanced modelling tools and machine learning. This model will provide country ratings and predictions of default risks. We look forward to collaborating with our partners in other export credit agencies to exchange knowledge and expertise, and to strengthening our risk management functions with greater responsibility and effectiveness."
Associate Director at Berne Union Eve Hall said: "The global risk landscape today is highly volatile and highly interconnected. As we navigate our way around the ongoing transformations connected to energy transition and shifting industrial strategies, the traditional concept of 'country risk' is becoming increasingly complex. Our industry excels at understanding, quantifying and pricing these risks, and by bringing together this community of experts for technical exchange the Berne Union is able to help support the development of the industry as a whole. The initiatives announced by our colleagues at Saudi EXIM, making use of new technology in risk analysis, provide a fantastic example of where collaboration in this field can be effectively applied."
The statement disclosed that Saudi EXIM's membership in Berne represents a significant strategic step, and is consistent with the Kingdom's commitment to expanding collaboration and integration in the global economy.
This is achieved by building partnerships with leading institutions to address the challenges facing the export credit sector. It also aligns with the bank's goal of developing the export of national products and services through partnerships with national and international financial and funding organizations.
Berne Union works with global trade organizations to encourage the adoption of best practices in export credit insurance, and to cooperate in maintaining the stability of global trade.
Saudi EXIM, a development bank under the National Development Fund, contributes to diversifying the Kingdom's economic base by improving the efficiency of non-oil export ecosystems, bridging financial gaps, and minimizing export risks. This plays a role in helping the non-oil national economy grow, in line with Vision 2030.