Saudi transport minister inaugurates first ACI office for Asia-Pacific, Middle East

Saudi Arabia’s transport minister and General Authority of Civil Aviation chairman Saleh Al-Jasser, right, and dignitaries plus top officials from 49 countries attended the inauguration. (SPA)
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Updated 19 September 2023
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Saudi transport minister inaugurates first ACI office for Asia-Pacific, Middle East

  • ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East office boasts 131 members representing 49 countries and oversees 617 airports

RIYADH: The first office of the Airports Council International (ACI) for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East was inaugurated in Riyadh on Monday, with Saudi Arabia’s transport minister and General Authority of Civil Aviation chairman Saleh Al-Jasser and dignitaries plus top officials from 49 countries attending the event.

ACI is an organization of airport authorities aimed at uniting industry practices for airport standards through working with governments, regional members, experts and international groups.

During the inauguration ceremony, Al-Jasser said the opening of the office would contribute to expanding opportunities in the aviation market and enhancing the interests of member airports in the global council.

And he said it also represented the Kingdom’s prominent standing in international organizations and its significant role in the aviation and air transport industry.

The ACI for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East was established in 1991 to meet the needs of Asian airports. In 2006, the Asia office was merged with the Pacific office, and it was renamed as the ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East office.

It currently boasts 131 members representing 49 countries and oversees 617 airports in Asia, the Pacific and the Middle East.


New filmmaking initiative in AlUla aims to boost Saudi creative talent

Updated 15 December 2025
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New filmmaking initiative in AlUla aims to boost Saudi creative talent

  • Efforts aim to support young talent, contribute to growth of Kingdom’s film sector

ALULA: Villa Hegra, in collaboration with Film AlUla, has launched a specialized filmmaking program to develop cinematic skills and support creative talent, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The initiative reflects Villa Hegra’s commitment to strengthening cultural and cinematic activity while fostering an inspiring environment for content creators and film enthusiasts.

The program offers training courses and workshops covering all stages of film production, from scriptwriting and directing to cinematography, editing, and post-production.

These efforts aim to support young talent and contribute to the growth of the Kingdom’s film sector, the SPA added.

Villa Hegra also runs educational and interactive programs for children to develop their talents and enhance their creative abilities.

The programs include workshops that simplify scientific concepts and integrate them with modern artistic practices, creating a learning environment that encourages discovery and innovation.

They have attracted strong student participation across the governorate due to their hands-on, interactive approach, which enhances children’s thinking and creativity.

The initiatives are implemented in collaboration with French and Saudi institutions, reflecting cultural diversity and international partnerships while improving the quality of educational content for younger generations.

Villa Hegra is the first joint Saudi-French cultural foundation based in AlUla. Launched in October, it supports the region’s cultural scene by providing educational platforms that develop skills among Saudi children and youngsters, while strengthening AlUla’s presence on the international cultural stage.