Saudi Arabia, Slovakia sign deal to avoid double taxation

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Al-Ibrahim signed an agreement with Slovak authorities during his visit to the country. SPA
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Updated 14 November 2023
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Saudi Arabia, Slovakia sign deal to avoid double taxation

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Slovakia have signed an agreement to avoid double taxation, as the Kingdom steadily strives to become a prominent business hub for investors globally, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Al-Ibrahim signed an agreement with Slovak authorities during his visit to the country.

The report added that the agreement aims to provide tax benefits and exemptions on government investments, promote fairness and equal opportunities for investors, along with elevating economic cooperation between the Saudi Arabia and Slovakia. 

Earlier this month, Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih, during an interview with Bloomberg said that more than 180 companies have established their regional headquarters in the Kingdom, thus surpassing the previously set target of attracting 160 firms to the Kingdom by the end of this year. 

“We had a target by year-end to have 160 regional headquarters for global companies. So far, the year is not up yet, and we have issued 180 licenses. In fact, the rate is picking up to the tune of 10 companies per week that are being licensed in Saudi Arabia, and they are being provided with a good set of incentives,” the minister revealed. 

A few days back, Al-Ibrahim met North Macedonia Economy Minister Kershnik Bekteshi, and discussed ways to boost economic cooperation. 

During the meeting, both leaders discussed potential commerce and investment opportunities, and mutual cooperation in sectors that included agriculture, energy, and infrastructure.


PIF-backed AviLease achieves revenue of $664m and 19% growth in 2025

Updated 27 February 2026
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PIF-backed AviLease achieves revenue of $664m and 19% growth in 2025

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund-backed AviLease achieved exceptional performance and sustainable business growth during 2025, supported by the strategic expansion of its global platform.

According to its financial results for 2025, AviLease recorded total revenues of $664 million, an annual increase of 19 percent, driven by disciplined growth in its asset portfolio and strong performance in aircraft remarketing amid sustained global demand for modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Profit before tax doubled compared to the previous year, reaching $122 million. The year witnessed an expansion in AviLease’s portfolio, reaching 202 owned and managed aircraft, leased to over 50 airline companies in more than 30 countries. 

The total value of the company’s assets stabilized at $9.3 billion. AviLease maintained a 100 percent fleet utilization rate, reflecting the resilience of its business model, the efficiency of its asset management, and the strength of its strategic relationships with airlines around the world.

AviLease concluded purchase agreements for aircraft from Airbus, including the A320neo family and A350F, and Boeing 737 aircraft, aiming to enhance its future asset portfolio with modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. This step will contribute to supporting future growth and meeting increasing customer demand for the latest aircraft, aligning with the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a leading global aviation hub.

AviLease strengthened its prestigious credit standing by obtaining a strong Baa2 credit ratings from Moody’s and BBB from Fitch, reflecting its financial solidity, managerial discipline, and efficiency in managing leverage. The company also successfully issued senior unsecured bonds worth $850 million last November under Regulation 144A/RegS. This issuance contributed to diversifying its funding sources and enhancing its financial flexibility.

Commenting on the results, AviLease CEO Edward O’Byrne said: “This exceptional performance reflects the quality of the company’s investment portfolio, the strength of its partnerships with airlines, and its strategic focus on responsibly deploying capital into highly sought-after, efficient, modern aircraft assets.”

He added: “As aviation markets continue to grow, AviLease is strategically positioned to continue its expansion plans and deliver sustainable long-term value for shareholders, contributing to the Kingdom’s ambitions.”

Throughout 2025, AviLease continued to play a pivotal role in the Kingdom’s growing aviation sector and contributed directly to the launch and scaling of the new national carrier, Riyadh Air, by completing a sale and leaseback transaction for a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, which thereby became the first aircraft to join the airline’s fleet.

AviLease also established a strategic partnership with Hassana Investment Co. This partnership aims to provide an opportunity for local and international investors to enter the aircraft financing asset class and benefit from AviLease’s technical expertise and operational capabilities to support partnership growth and enhance performance. 

Hassana Investment Co. has agreed to acquire an initial portfolio of 10 modern aircraft from AviLease.