Food production deals worth $290m signed by Saudi Arabia’s industrial city authority in Vision 2030 boost

One of the deals relates to the production of for the production of ketchup, mayonnaise, tomatoes, and bread derivatives (Shutterstock)
Short Url
Updated 24 February 2023
Follow

Food production deals worth $290m signed by Saudi Arabia’s industrial city authority in Vision 2030 boost

RIYADH: The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, known as MODON, revealed that in 2022 it signed a number of agreements, worth a total value of SR1.69 billion ($285 million), the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The announcement was made during the Gulfood exhibition in Dubai, where the authority outlined recent partnerships aimed at localizing the Kingdom’s food and beverage industry in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s National Industry Strategy.

MODON signed a SR50 million agreement with Jordan Valley Food Industries Co. to build a factory in Jeddah’s 2nd Industrial City to produce grains and legumes. In the same industrial city, it also agreed to develop a factory for frozen meat production worth SR140 million with Siniora Food Industries Co.

Furthermore, the authority signed an SR375 million contract with the Kuwaiti Danish Dairy Co. to build a 100,000 square meter factory in Sudair Industrial and Business City near Riyadh to produce a variety of food and beverages.

MODON also agreed to allocate industrial land in Dammam 2nd Industrial City to produce ketchup, mayonnaise, and other tomato and bread derivatives with the UAE-based IFFCO Group.

And recently, MODON partnered with a number of specialized companies to establish advanced food industrial clusters in line with Vision 2030’s National Industrial Development and Logistics Program. These included Brazilian food brand Seara, and Kuwait’s Alshaya Group.

 


Major airlines suspend, reroute flights amid US-Israel strikes on Iran

Updated 28 February 2026
Follow

Major airlines suspend, reroute flights amid US-Israel strikes on Iran

  • Saudia says decision taken in line with aviation safety and security standards
  • Emirates said it temporarily suspended it's operations out of Dubai

RIYADH: Major international airlines across the Middle East and South Asia have suspended, canceled or rerouted flights following ongoing US-Israel attacks on Iran and the resulting airspace closures, according to official statements issued via X.

Saudia said in an official statement that it had canceled a number of flights due to developments in the region and the closure of airspace.

The airline said the decision was taken in line with aviation safety and security standards, noting that its Emergency Coordination Center is closely monitoring developments with relevant authorities.

Saudia urged passengers to verify the status of their flights before heading to the airport and said guests would be notified of updates through the contact details associated with their bookings.

The carrier added that further information would be announced in a subsequent statement if available.

Air Arabia said its flights were experiencing cancellations, delays or rerouting as a result of the evolving situation and airspace closures.

The airline advised passengers to check the status of their flights before traveling to the airport by visiting its website or contacting its call center.

Customers booked on affected flights will be notified directly, the airline said, adding that further updates would be provided as the situation develops.

Air India announced a broader suspension, stating that “in view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended.”

The airline said it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for passengers and crew and will continue to assess the safety and security environment for flight operations, adjusting services proactively as required.

Air India said its teams would extend necessary support to passengers and advised customers to check flight status online or contact its 24/7 call center for assistance.  

All flight operations at Dubai International and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International are suspended until further notice, according to a post by Dubai Media Office on X.

Dubai-based Emirates reported that regional airspace closures had caused disruption to several of its flights and that the airline had temporarily suspended its operations from its hub Dubai.

The airline said it is actively monitoring the situation, engaging with relevant authorities and adjusting operations in line with the latest developments. 

The carrier apologized to affected customers and said it is assisting them with rebooking, refunds or alternative travel arrangements, reiterating that the safety and security of passengers and crew remain its highest priority.  

Qatar Airways confirmed a temporary suspension of flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace.

The airline said it is working closely with government stakeholders and relevant authorities to support impacted passengers and will resume operations once the airspace reopens.

It warned that delays are anticipated when usual operations resume and said additional ground staff have been deployed at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist passengers.  

Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that British Airways had canceled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain, adding to the list of carriers adjusting operations.

Across their statements, airlines consistently cited airspace closures and safety considerations as the primary reasons for suspensions and disruptions, while urging passengers to monitor official channels for updates as the situation continues to evolve.