عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Gulf

King Abdulaziz’s Maiden Flight Aboard ‘Dakota’ Aircraft

King Abdulaziz descending from the Dakota aircraft in one of his air travels (Saqer Al Jazeera Museum)
King Abdulaziz descending from the Dakota aircraft in one of his air travels (Saqer Al Jazeera Museum)
TT
TT

King Abdulaziz’s Maiden Flight Aboard ‘Dakota’ Aircraft

King Abdulaziz descending from the Dakota aircraft in one of his air travels (Saqer Al Jazeera Museum)
King Abdulaziz descending from the Dakota aircraft in one of his air travels (Saqer Al Jazeera Museum)

After the late King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud dismounted from his steed “Ubayyah,” declaring the unification of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and charting its geographic boundaries to the world, he ascended the heights of the skies aboard his “Dakota DC-3” aircraft.

Through this remarkable journey, he aimed to connect the kingdom with the world and draw the political map of the state.

The tale of the “Dakota DC-3” begins with a decision by then US President Franklin Roosevelt to give King Abdulaziz a present.

He sought advice from White House advisors on what kind of gift to offer to a “Saudi king residing in a desert region.” One of his advisors suggested that the best gift for this king would be an airplane.

The Director-General of Communication and Media Affairs at Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, Saudia, Engineer Abdullah Al-Shahrani, explained to Asharq Al-Awsat that this idea was initially rejected due to its substantial budget.

Nevertheless, on February 14, 1945, the Dakota aircraft, gifted by President Roosevelt to King Abdulaziz, touched down at the makeshift airstrip in what is now known as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs area in the city of Jeddah.

It was received by Prince Mansour bin Abdulaziz on behalf of King Abdulaziz.

On September 30, 1945, King Abdulaziz boarded the gifted Dakota aircraft for the first time.

Departing from the city of Afif near Riyadh, he headed towards Al-Hawiya in the city of Taif.

This flight was led by American pilot Captain Joey Grand, accompanied by his Saudi counterpart, Captain Hamza Tarabzoni. One of the most notable features of this aircraft was its ability to land on any prepared terrestrial area.

According to Al-Shahrani, this feature facilitated the aviation sector in seamlessly connecting the various regions and administrative areas of the kingdom.

He emphasized that this aircraft made a significant impact in the aviation world, particularly within the kingdom, laying the foundation for the concept of civil aviation in Saudi Arabia.

During that flight, King Abdulaziz became convinced that, after experiencing the speed of travel, ease of connectivity, and the convenience of takeoff and landing, this was the appropriate means to link the various parts of his nation.

He then decided to purchase two additional aircrafts.

This journey marked the inception of civil aviation for connecting the Kingdom’s regions, realizing King Abdulaziz’s initial vision, which was the localization of migration.

The “Dakota DC-3” aircraft was first manufactured by Douglas Aircraft Company in 1935.

It is a twin-engine, low-wing monoplane produced by the Pratt & Whitney company, with a capacity for 28 passengers, roughly equivalent to 2725 kg.

The aircraft measures approximately 20 meters in length, with a wingspan of 30 meters, and it cruises at a speed of 370 kilometers per hour.

Most Viewed

 
 
Gulf

Abdullah bin Zayed, Araghchi Discuss US-Iran Agreement

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. (WAM)
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. (WAM)
TT
TT

Abdullah bin Zayed, Araghchi Discuss US-Iran Agreement

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. (WAM)
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. (WAM)

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss regional developments following the conclusion and signing of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran.

He stressed the importance of full commitment to the agreement's provisions to enhance security and stability across the region.

During the call, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed underscored the need for an immediate and comprehensive cessation of hostilities, respect for the sovereignty of states and the principles of good neighborliness, and strict adherence to international law.

The UAE foreign minister also stressed the importance of safeguarding maritime routes and freedom of international navigation, including ensuring the uninterrupted flow of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

He expressed hope that the ongoing negotiations would yield positive outcomes that contribute to lasting security and stability in the region.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed further emphasized that serious diplomacy and responsible dialogue remain the optimal path to addressing regional and international crises in a way that fulfills the aspirations of the region's peoples for prosperity and development.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia: Palestinian Cause Remains Central to Any Serious Vision for Regional Security

A view of the Gulf-Mediterranean Summit in Rome, attended by officials, diplomats, and experts. (SPA)
A view of the Gulf-Mediterranean Summit in Rome, attended by officials, diplomats, and experts. (SPA)
TT
TT

Saudi Arabia: Palestinian Cause Remains Central to Any Serious Vision for Regional Security

A view of the Gulf-Mediterranean Summit in Rome, attended by officials, diplomats, and experts. (SPA)
A view of the Gulf-Mediterranean Summit in Rome, attended by officials, diplomats, and experts. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia stressed that the region is undergoing a profound strategic transformation that requires new approaches to security and stability, emphasizing that the Palestinian cause remains central to any serious vision for regional security.

The remarks came during the Gulf-Mediterranean Summit, titled Strategic Dialogue for Stability and Economic Cooperation, held in the Italian capital, Rome, with the participation of officials, diplomats, and experts from the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Middle East, and Europe.

Representing the Kingdom, Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Manal Radwan said the region's strategic restructuring requires comprehensive frameworks for dialogue, cooperation, and collective security rather than policies based on hegemony or military force alone.

Radwan warned that the continued humanitarian deterioration in the Gaza Strip, the expansion of Israeli settlements and annexation efforts in the West Bank, and the erosion of final status issues, foremost among them Jerusalem, undermine prospects for both regional and international stability.

She stressed that the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state, must form the foundation of any future political process. She added that ending the occupation and holding Israel accountable for its violations are essential prerequisites for achieving a just peace and sustainable regional security.

Radwan also underscored the importance of respecting state sovereignty, refraining from interference in the internal affairs of other countries, and ending attempts to weaken or undermine state institutions. She further highlighted the need to safeguard freedom of navigation, the security of maritime routes, and global supply chains.

The Saudi official also called for strengthening the Gulf-European partnership to address shared challenges in energy, the digital economy, and strategic infrastructure.

Concluding her participation, Radwan said that meaningful progress requires coordinated collective action and a cohesive regional and international partnership capable of addressing the root causes of crises while advancing security, stability, and development across the region.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Urges UN Action to Protect Children in Conflict Zones

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
TT
TT

Saudi Arabia Urges UN Action to Protect Children in Conflict Zones

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia told the UN Security Council that protecting children in armed conflicts is a shared global responsibility requiring concerted efforts to address its root causes and repercussions.

Delivering the Kingdom's statement, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Abdulaziz Alwasil emphasized that Saudi Arabia prioritizes children's rights in conflict zones based on the noble principles of Islamic Sharia.

Alwasil highlighted Saudi Arabia's continuous support for global civilian protection through humanitarian and relief projects implemented by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center.

These initiatives span more than 90 countries, providing essential aid to those affected by conflicts and disasters without discrimination.

Addressing the situation in the Gaza Strip, the Kingdom stated that the ongoing crisis constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and shared human values.

The statement called for urgent international action to stop the tragedy, protect children, and hold those responsible for these grave violations accountable, while reiterating Saudi support for all international efforts aimed at achieving security and stability.