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Airline Body IATA to Open Saudi Office

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) logo is seen at the International Tourism Trade Fair ITB in Berlin, Germany, March 7, 2018. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) logo is seen at the International Tourism Trade Fair ITB in Berlin, Germany, March 7, 2018. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch
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Airline Body IATA to Open Saudi Office

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) logo is seen at the International Tourism Trade Fair ITB in Berlin, Germany, March 7, 2018. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) logo is seen at the International Tourism Trade Fair ITB in Berlin, Germany, March 7, 2018. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch

Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday that global airlines industry body IATA had agreed to open a regional headquarters in Riyadh.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) late on Wednesday announced it had signed a "headquarters agreement" with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to open its "regional office in the Kingdom."

IATA, which represents some 290 airlines around the world, currently has its regional office in Jordan's capital Amman, Reuters reported.

IATA said the body had agreed to set up an office in Saudi Arabia to “serve the growing needs of the industry” in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia has called on companies to move their regional offices to the Kingdom, saying that from 2024 it would not award state contracts to those with regional headquarters elsewhere.

The move is one of many recent economic and social reforms in an effort to diversify the economy away from its oil dependence.

Saudi Arabia last week announced a transportation and logistics drive aimed at making the Kingdom the fifth-biggest air transit hub.

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Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East

Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East
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Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East

Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East

The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture issued the first operational license for a commercial agricultural project utilizing aeroponics in the Middle East, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

The project aims to contribute significantly to the local market's agricultural needs through sustainable production.

The Ministry's Undersecretary for Agriculture, Eng Ahmad Al-Ayada, made the announcement during a ceremony attended by representatives of a coalition local and international companies: Tamimi Markets Group from Saudi Arabia, Mitsui Group from Japan, and Zero Group from Italy.

Through the Green Dunes Company, the coalition will come up with modern agricultural solutions powered by cutting-edge technologies and AI. These efforts align with the Kingdom's National Agriculture Strategy and the broader goals of Vision 2030, which aim to build a sustainable agricultural future.

According to the ministry, the project's first phase has been completed. It entailed the establishment of an aeroponics farm to produce various vegetable varieties. The method is noted for its efficiency, as it reduces water consumption by 95% compared to traditional farming techniques and enables year-round productivity.

The project integrates AI and automation at all production stages, employing advanced monitoring systems and performance indicators to optimize output.