Saudi E-commerce Growth Rate Exceeds 32%

Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid al-Qasabi at the event organized by the E-commerce Council in cooperation with the Joint Saudi-British Business Council (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid al-Qasabi at the event organized by the E-commerce Council in cooperation with the Joint Saudi-British Business Council (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Saudi E-commerce Growth Rate Exceeds 32%

Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid al-Qasabi at the event organized by the E-commerce Council in cooperation with the Joint Saudi-British Business Council (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid al-Qasabi at the event organized by the E-commerce Council in cooperation with the Joint Saudi-British Business Council (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia is one of the top ten countries in e-commerce, achieving an annual growth rate of more than 32 percent, announced Minister of Commerce Majid al-Qasabi.

Speaking at a seminar on the "Role of E-commerce in Strengthening the Saudi-British Economic Partnership," Qasabi stressed that strengthening the e-commerce business system is one of the goals of the National Transformation Program of Vision 2030.

He highlighted the significance of e-commerce in strengthening the national economy.

The E-commerce Council organized the event in cooperation with the Saudi-British Joint Business Council in London, which was attended by the Saudi ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bandar, and the Honorary President of the Joint Saudi British Business Council, Baroness Symons, from the British side.

Qasabi chaired a high-level Saudi delegation that included representatives from 11 government agencies.

Deputy Minister of Commerce and General Supervisor of the E-commerce Council Iman al-Mutairi said that Saudi Arabia improved and reformed its e-commerce legislation and regulations, which created substantial growth opportunities in the field.

Mutairi noted that market growth reached $43.2 billion in 2021.

Several Saudi authorities in public and private sectors reviewed investment opportunities mainly in digital infrastructure, financial technology, electronic payment, logistics and transportation and last-mile delivery solutions.

They also reviewed electronic services related to the quality of life such as e-health, e-learning, entertainment, games, and others, in addition to dealing with cooperation and bilateral partnership in light of the high growth achieved by e-commerce.

Saudi authorities at the event included representatives from the ministries of trade, investment, transport, and logistics, the Saudi Central Bank (Sama), the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC), Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, the Small and Medium Enterprises Authority (Monshaat), the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the National Competitiveness Center (NCC), the Saudi Business Center, and the Saudi Post.

The Saudi delegation continues its visit to London by touring several business accelerators and incubators, most notably "TechUK," concerned with trade and technology.

TechUK collaborates with the British government and about 850 members in various sectors to form and accelerate trade policies.

The Saudi officials will also visit Level39, a tech community consisting of 1250 leaders in cybersecurity and the UK's largest concentration of cyber expertise.

Saudi Arabia recently witnessed great steps to develop and strengthen its economic relationship with Britain leading to promising opportunities in its Vision 2030.



Saudi's flynas Strikes Deal for Additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s

Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
TT

Saudi's flynas Strikes Deal for Additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s

Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)

flynas, Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost carrier, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 75 A320neo family aircraft and 15 A330-900. This strategic agreement will expand the airline's capacity, range and enhance its overall fleet capabilities.
Signed during Farnborough International Airshow in the presence of President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, Chairman of the Board of NAS Holding Ayed Al Jeaid, flynas Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Bandar Almohanna, and Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer, Airbus said on its website.
The new aircraft will join the carrier’s all Airbus fleet serving international, domestic and regional routes. The new A330-900 aircraft will boast a two-class configuration, accommodating up to 400 passengers.
"We are excited to further strengthen our long-standing partnership with Airbus," said Bander Almohanna, CEO and Managing Director of flynas. "The A320neo Family provides exceptional operational performance and environmental benefits, allowing us to offer unique, low-cost travel experiences. Additionally, the A330neowill enhance our long-haul capabilities with its advanced technology and efficiency while supporting our growth plans and Saudi Arabia’s pilgrim program."
Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer said, "We are delighted to expand our partnership with flynas through this significant milestone for both A320neo and A330-900 aircraft. The A330neo will allow flynas to further grow into widebody markets by building on the A320, benefiting from Airbus’ unique commonality. Both aircraft types offer flynas the perfect versatility and economics to expand into new markets while offering their passengers the latest cabin experience and comfort. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with flynas as they embark on this exciting new chapter."
The addition of the A330-900 aircraft will support flynas' ambitious growth plans. The airline anticipates significant operational efficiency gains by combining the new widebody aircraft with its existing A320neo fleet. The A330-900 offers increased capacity and range at unrivaled seat costs, ensuring flynas can compete effectively in the growing regional market, a key focus area for the airline.
The A330neo delivers unbeatable operating economics, powered by the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, featuring new wings and a range of aerodynamic innovations resulting in a 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to previous generation competitor aircraft. The A330neo is capable of flying 8,150 nm / 15,094 km non-stop, providing ultimate comfort with more passenger space, a new lighting system, latest in-flight entertainment systems and full connectivity throughout the cabin.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A330 family is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The manufacturer is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.