OIC Backs Saudi Arabia’s Bid to Host World Expo 2030

Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen. Reuters file photo
Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen. Reuters file photo
TT

OIC Backs Saudi Arabia’s Bid to Host World Expo 2030

Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen. Reuters file photo
Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen. Reuters file photo

Organization of Islamic Cooperation Secretary-General Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen has stressed the OIC’s support for Saudi Arabia’s bid to host Expo 2030 in Riyadh.

The bid has been announced by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.

Othaimeen said: “Hosting Expo 2030 in Saudi Arabia will be a coronation for the huge efforts exerted to realize Saudi Vision 2030 and a real view of its products and outcomes.”

He added that the Kingdom has in the past succeeded in hosting major international summits and events, whether virtually or in person.

The secretary-general noted that the Kingdom’s hosting of Expo 2030 will offer an opportunity for the world to “benefit from the Saudi experiment in making qualitative leaps in all sectors.”

He added that the event “embodies the entrepreneurship and status of Saudi Arabia” as a major investment and economic destination, in addition to the Kingdom being among the top developed countries in the field of artificial intelligence, among others.

Othaimeen said that the Saudi citizen has a lot to offer at the event in terms of technology, international cooperation, economics, commerce, arts, culture, and science.



GACA Issues Air Carrier and Airport Classifications for December 2024

GACA Issues Air Carrier and Airport Classifications for December 2024
TT

GACA Issues Air Carrier and Airport Classifications for December 2024

GACA Issues Air Carrier and Airport Classifications for December 2024

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has issued its December classification of air transport service providers and airports to inform passengers about their performance and help them make informed choices. The monthly assessment is based on the number of complaints filed with GACA by travellers.
According to GACA, 1,074 complaints were filed by travellers on Saudi air carriers in December 2024. SAUDIA had the fewest complaints among the airlines, 20 per 100,000 travellers, and a complaint resolution rate of 99%. Flyadeal came second, with 21 complaints per 100,000 travellers and a resolution rate of 100%. Flynas came third with 24 complaints per 100,000 travellers and a resolution rate of 100%. The most common complaints in May were about luggage, flights, and tickets, SPA reported.
Among international airports with more than six million passengers annually, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah had the fewest complaints, 20 per 100,000 travellers, and a resolution rate of 96%.
Among international airports with less than six million passengers annually, Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk had the fewest complaints, one per 100,000 travellers, and a resolution rate of 100%.
Among domestic airports, Sharurah Domestic Airport had the fewest complaints, two per 100,000 passengers, and a resolution rate of 100%.
GACA reiterated that the monthly classification report aims to help passengers make informed choices, promote transparency, demonstrate its credibility and keenness to deal with travellers' complaints, stimulate fair competition, and develop and improve services.
According to the authority, multiple communication channels are open 24/7 to enable interaction with travellers and airport visitors. They are the call Center number 1929, WhatsApp service at 0115253333, email [email protected], social media accounts, and GACA's website.
Through these channels, the authority receives complaints concerning boarding passes, employee behaviour, and services for persons with disabilities and limited mobility.
In support of its partners, the airports, GACA prepared a booklet containing guidelines on how to deal with traveller complaints. The booklet, which has been circulated among airport operators, sets out service agreements and the rules that must be adhered to for all types of complaints and inquiries.
The authority also trains, through regularly held workshops, employees of national airlines and ground service companies that deal directly with travellers on how to comply with passenger protection regulations.