Air Arabia’s quarterly profit soars to $80m propelled by air travel recovery 

The Emirati low-cost carrier’s profit climbed 291 million dirhams ($80 million). (Shutterstock)
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Updated 12 May 2022
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Air Arabia’s quarterly profit soars to $80m propelled by air travel recovery 

RIYADH: Post-pandemic rebound in travel propelled a 756 percent increase in the net profit of UAE-based Air Arabia during the first quarter of 2022.

The Emirati low-cost carrier’s profit climbed 291 million dirhams ($80 million), compared to 34 million dirhams in the same period a year earlier, according to a statement.

Air Arabia attributed the profit surge to a continuous recovery in demand for air travel due to the ease of restrictions, with over 2.4 million passengers registered between January and March 2022.

First-quarter results were buoyed by “higher customer demand for Air Arabia’s value-driven product as well as rigid cost control measures that the airline took since the start of the pandemic,” Chairman Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammad Al Thani said.

“We have continued with our network expansion strategy in the first quarter of this year by adding new routes and new frequencies across all operating hubs as well as continuing with preparations for the launch of our new ventures in Armenia and Pakistan,” he added.


Middle East Sports Investment Forum concludes 2nd day with a package of investments in the sports sector announced

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Middle East Sports Investment Forum concludes 2nd day with a package of investments in the sports sector announced

RIYADH: The Middle East Sports Investment Forum, in partnership with the Ministry of Investment, the Ministry of Sports, and Sela Co., a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, and with the support of Invest in Saudi Arabia, concluded its second day at the Kingdom Arena with the announcement of a package of strategic investments and partnerships.

These initiatives reflect the rapid growth of the sports sector in Saudi Arabia and underscore its increasing attractiveness to local and international investors.

The second day witnessed the announcement of several strategic agreements and alliances across various fields. 

Among the most prominent was the launch of specialized industrial investments in manufacturing components for sports stadium infrastructure. This will contribute to localizing supply chains and enhancing local content within the sports sector.

Partnerships in the field of sports medicine were also announced during the forum. These aim to transfer advanced medical expertise, develop healthcare services for athletes, and improve the efficiency of the healthcare system supporting the sports sector in the Kingdom.

The announcements also included collaboration in the field of temporary sports facilities and construction to support the Kingdom’s readiness to host major sporting events and championships and elevate the efficiency of the sector’s resilient infrastructure. 

The partnerships also seek to invest in sports technology, including digital solutions, performance analytics, and technological innovation, as well as expanding sports marketing, supporting clubs and events, and building sports brands.

The forum also included the formation of strategic alliances to develop specialized programs in a number of diverse sports, contributing to broadening the base of participants, raising the level of professionalism, and developing sporting talent. 

Participants affirmed that these announcements reflect the high confidence in the Saudi sports market and the Kingdom’s growing role as a regional and global hub for sports investment, supported by its advanced infrastructure, market size, and the diverse opportunities offered by Vision 2030. 

The Middle East Sports Investment Forum is a strategic platform for connecting investors and decision-makers, stimulating long-term partnerships, and accelerating the growth of the sports economy in the Kingdom and the region.