Saudi Arabia and Virgin Hyperloop One sign deal to exchange scientific and technological knowledge

The hyperloop company and the KAUST university signed the partnership at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) . (Supplied)
Updated 13 November 2019
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Saudi Arabia and Virgin Hyperloop One sign deal to exchange scientific and technological knowledge

  • The hyperloop company and the KAUST university signed the partnership at the Future Investment Initiative (FII)
  • They both agreed to develop the country’s transportation infrastructure

RIYADH: US-based Virgin Hyperloop One (VHO) recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to in a project to develop the Kingdom’s transport sector.

The globally-leading hyperloop company agreed with the university to develop the country’s transportation infrastructure by “fostering the exchange of scientific and technological knowledge,” according to a statement.

The California-based company and the Kingdom's leading private research institution signed the partnership at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh earlier this month.

The announcement came after the leading developer of hyperloop technology and King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) published the findings of a feasibility study on the establishment of a centre of excellence at KAEC.

The study included the world's first full-speed testing track and a manufacturing facility from which Hyperloop parts would be exported to another market. 

 


King Abdulaziz Airport among world’s busiest after record-breaking 2025

Updated 02 January 2026
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King Abdulaziz Airport among world’s busiest after record-breaking 2025

RIYADH: King Abdulaziz International Airport has achieved a new historical milestone, reaching 53.4 million passengers in a single year.

This is the highest number ever recorded at a Saudi airport since the beginning of air travel in the Kingdom, placing it among the world’s mega airports in terms of passenger traffic, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The airport handled a total of 310,000 flights and 60.4 million bags, representing a 12 percent increase compared to 2024. It also handled 9.57 million Zamzam water containers and 2,968 cargo flights. 

This achievement reflects the airport’s qualitative transformation and its position as a regional hub and national gateway connecting the Kingdom to the world. It also highlights its role in facilitating the movement of visitors and pilgrims, promoting tourism in line with the goals of Vision 2030, diversifying the economy, and providing a distinguished travel experience. 

For his part, CEO of Jeddah Airports Co. Mazen Johar, affirmed that reaching 53.4 million passengers confirms the airport’s high operational readiness and represents a pivotal milestone for moving to the next phase, in preparation for doubling this number, God willing, in the coming years. 

He pointed out that this national achievement would not have been possible without the grace of God Almighty, followed by the directives of the wise leadership and the continuous follow-up from the minister of transport and logistics, the president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and the CEO of Airports Holding Co. 

He explained that King Abdulaziz International Airport is strengthening its position as a major aviation hub in the region through expansions, increased capacity, and improved services, supporting the objectives of the aviation program and aligning with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. 

The CEO of Jeddah Airports Co. expressed his gratitude to the partners in success from various government and private sectors for their fruitful cooperation through a collaborative work system that contributed to providing the best services.