The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and a number of the Kingdom’s international airports participated in the Amsterdam Passenger Terminal Expo. The event, which took place in Amsterdam last week, is considered an advanced sales and marketing platform for the airport industry. It offers a unique environment that enables goers to hit a variety of sales and marketing targets, as well as showcase the latest advancements in the airport and terminal industry.
Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Abohaimed, the Saudi ambassador to the Netherlands, visited the authority’s display at the expo and was impressed with the young participants. He noted that the Kingdom’s participation in such expos helps the world better know and understand the country’s civilizations and cities.
“What I saw in the GACA section brought about feelings of pride and honor. It reflects the great work done by the authority in many of the Kingdom’s airports. Their participation in the expo has enabled others to see one of the elements of the Kingdom’s development,” he said.
Abohaimed highlighted the importance of airports as being the main determinant behind a visitor’s first impression. He said the Kingdom’s airports are currently undergoing vast and quick developments, and also pointed to the distinct role of the GACA over the past two years.
Bassem bin Abdullah Al-Salloum, assistant to the president of corporate communications and marketing at the GACA, said: “Participating in this global gathering is an opportunity to strengthen the Kingdom’s position and enhance relationships with our partners around the world. More importantly, the authority’s presence in this expo will enable us to directly network with different entities related to civil aviation so we can effectively build customer relationships.”
“It’s an opportunity for us to meet with the administrators of airports and airlines and other specialized entities in this sector. The expo will also offer the latest communication technologies and wireless applications, as well as elements related to airport security and engineering developments in terminal constructions, baggage handling, lighting, services and so on,” he added.
Through its participation the GACA showcased the authority’s role in the privatization of the civil aviation sector, in addition to its investments and projects, which include the construction and development of airports and airport cities.
Participating airports included King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Prince Mohamed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.
GACA participates in Amsterdam Passenger Terminal Expo
GACA participates in Amsterdam Passenger Terminal Expo
ASMO partners with Arcapita to develop 1.4m sqm logistics facility at SPARK
ASMO, a joint venture between Aramco and DHL Supply Chain, has partnered with Arcapita Group Holdings Limited, a global alternative investment firm, to develop a 1.4 million-square-meter purpose-built logistics facility at King Salman Energy Park, designed to support the next phase of the Kingdom’s logistics and supply chain development. The project will be delivered through a forward funding transaction, reflecting a long-term investment in national infrastructure.
Through the partnership, Arcapita will fund and retain ownership of the facility, while ASMO will develop, lease, and operate the asset under a 22-year occupational lease. The facility will include a 43,000-square-meter temperature-controlled Grade-A logistics warehouse, over 3,000 square meters of offices and staff facilities, 5,300 square meters of dedicated chemical storage space, and a 1.2 million-square-meter open yard. The investment reflects a shared goal by the parties to develop resilient, scalable, and future-ready institutional grade logistics infrastructure in the Kingdom.
Designed for large-scale industrial operations, the facility will help boost advanced warehouse and building management systems, digital integration, automated storage and retrieval systems, robotics, adherence to globally recognized sustainability standards, including photovoltaic readiness, electrical vehicle charging, and a LEED Gold certification.
“This development reflects the strategic intent behind ASMO’s mandate and reaffirms its role in enabling resilient and future-ready supply chains,” said Salem Al-Huraish, chairman of ASMO. “By investing in long-term infrastructure and strategic partnerships, ASMO is supporting the Kingdom’s industrial ambitions and contributing to the development of integrated logistics capabilities that serve both national priorities and global markets.”
The facility represents ASMO’s first purpose-built logistics center and forms part of four planned strategic sites underpinning ASMO’s national logistics network, aligned with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy under Saudi Vision 2030. Once operational, it will serve Aramco, its affiliates, and other key industrial players across the Kingdom.
“ASMO’s new logistics hub at SPARK helps to strengthen Aramco’s supply chain resilience by delivering a centralized, high-efficiency facility in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s energy sector. As an anchor customer, we recognize the value of ASMO’s strategic investments in logistics infrastructure, demonstrating their ambition to deliver innovative, customer-focused solutions across the supply chain,” said Sulaiman Al-Rubaian, Aramco senior vice president of procurement and supply chain management.
Isa Al-Khalifa, director and head of MENA real estate at Arcapita, said: “This transaction builds on Arcapita’s established track record in developing and investing in Grade-A logistics and industrial assets. Combining our local expertise in Saudi Arabia with our experience in complex, forward-funded developments, we are pleased to partner with ASMO to support the development of a purpose-built facility that supports the Kingdom’s energy and industrial sectors, while securing a high-quality asset.”
Mishal Al-Zughaibi, president and CEO of SPARK, said: “We are pleased to welcome ASMO to SPARK as part of a strategic partnership that further strengthens SPARK’s position as a premier logistics hub aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. This significant investment reflects the strong collaboration and ambition of all parties involved. SPARK’s advanced infrastructure and comprehensive services were a key factor in ASMO’s decision to establish its state-of-the-art logistics center within our park.”
Located within Saudi Arabia’s energy ecosystem, SPARK is strategically positioned between Dammam Seaport, Aramco’s Abqaiq facilities, and Al-Ahsa, enabling direct connectivity across the Kingdom’s energy and industrial network. The site supports integrated operations through modern infrastructure and digital readiness and has attracted more than 70 investors from 16 countries, with Phase 1 infrastructure representing a total investment of $1.6 billion.
