Saudi EXIM Bank, DL Hudson Sign $50 Million Credit Facility Agreement

The agreement was signed by Director General of the Finance Department at Saudi EXIM Bank Eng. Abdulatif Al-Ghaith and Chief Operating Officer of DL Hudson Limited Moises Portillo, in London. (SPA)
The agreement was signed by Director General of the Finance Department at Saudi EXIM Bank Eng. Abdulatif Al-Ghaith and Chief Operating Officer of DL Hudson Limited Moises Portillo, in London. (SPA)
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Saudi EXIM Bank, DL Hudson Sign $50 Million Credit Facility Agreement

The agreement was signed by Director General of the Finance Department at Saudi EXIM Bank Eng. Abdulatif Al-Ghaith and Chief Operating Officer of DL Hudson Limited Moises Portillo, in London. (SPA)
The agreement was signed by Director General of the Finance Department at Saudi EXIM Bank Eng. Abdulatif Al-Ghaith and Chief Operating Officer of DL Hudson Limited Moises Portillo, in London. (SPA)

The Saudi EXIM Bank signed Sunday a $50 million credit facility agreement with DL Hudson Limited, aiming to promote the growth of Saudi non-oil exports by connecting local exporters with international buyers in over 22 markets worldwide.

Under the agreement, Saudi EXIM Bank, through its International Buyer Finance Product, will provide financing to DL Hudson Limited to purchase Saudi products and distribute them to customers across various global markets.

The agreement was signed by Director General of the Finance Department at Saudi EXIM Bank Eng. Abdulatif Al-Ghaith and Chief Operating Officer of DL Hudson Limited Moises Portillo, in London.

Al-Ghaith said: “This agreement comes within the framework of the bank's endeavor to provide financing solutions that contribute to the development of Saudi non-oil exports and boost their competitiveness in global markets.”

He highlighted the “agreement's role in promoting exports across several key national economic sectors and creating new trade opportunities for local exporters by linking them to many global markets.”

Saudi EXIM Bank, a development bank under the National Development Fund, plays a key role in diversifying the Kingdom’s economic base.

It strengthens the export system for national non-oil products and services by addressing financing gaps and minimizing export risks. These efforts support the growth of the non-oil economy in line with Saudi Vision 2030.



Saudi Airlines: Electric Aircraft Will Connect Key Regions of the Kingdom by End of 2026

The official spokesperson for Saudi Airlines, Engineer Abdullah Al-Shahrani (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The official spokesperson for Saudi Airlines, Engineer Abdullah Al-Shahrani (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Airlines: Electric Aircraft Will Connect Key Regions of the Kingdom by End of 2026

The official spokesperson for Saudi Airlines, Engineer Abdullah Al-Shahrani (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The official spokesperson for Saudi Airlines, Engineer Abdullah Al-Shahrani (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The official spokesperson for Saudi Airlines, Engineer Abdullah Al-Shahrani, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the 100 electric aircraft purchased from the German company Lilium will begin official operations in the second half of 2026, with the delivery of the first aircraft.
This follows a deal between Saudi Airlines and Lilium in July, marking one of the largest orders the company has received to date.
Speaking during the first day of the Global Logistics Forum in Riyadh, Al-Shahrani explained that a major test flight is scheduled for February next year. After that, infrastructure development and pilot training will begin, leading to the official launch in the second half of 2026. The full fleet will be delivered over six years, he remarked.
At the forum, Saudi Airlines showcased a real-life model of the Lilium electric aircraft. Al-Shahrani noted that each aircraft can reach a speed of 270 km/h and cover distances of up to 170 kilometers. Saudi Airlines plans to build a wide network of Lilium planes to link major areas in the Kingdom, with flight times ranging from 20 to 40 minutes, emphasizing the efficiency and time savings these aircraft offer.
The Lilium electric planes are expected to significantly increase the frequency of flights and reduce travel times by up to 90%, especially to tourist destinations that currently require longer journeys. They will also provide a solution for travel in congested areas, easing traffic and saving time.
Al-Shahrani further detailed plans to use the electric planes to connect King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah with key religious sites such as the Grand Mosque, Muzdalifah, Mina, and Arafat, utilizing landing zones near these locations. Similarly, they will link King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with entertainment districts like Qiddiya and Diriyah. Future plans include connecting the Red Sea Project resorts with regional airports and integrating the aircraft into the NEOM region.
This initiative aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, contributing to the growth of the tourism, entertainment, and sports sectors. It will also facilitate the movement of 330 million travelers and 150 million visits, as well as support the transport of pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah, helping achieve the target of 30 million Umrah visitors.