Riyadh summit to showcase Saudi Arabia as global aviation hub

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Updated 09 February 2025
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Riyadh summit to showcase Saudi Arabia as global aviation hub

The 12th Arab Aviation Summit will convene influential industry stakeholders on Feb. 17 and 18 in Riyadh, under the theme “Uniting Leaders, Building Tomorrow: Advancing Global Aviation.”

Hosted by Abdulaziz Al-Duailj, president of the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, this landmark gathering will bring together key policymakers, industry pioneers, and global stakeholders, reaffirming the Arab world’s position at the forefront of aviation transformation.

This year’s summit will spotlight Saudi Arabia’s position as a global aviation powerhouse, emphasizing its strategic role in shaping the industry’s future. As Riyadh hosts this prestigious gathering for the first time, discussions will focus on how the Kingdom’s rapid infrastructure expansion, policy reforms, and visionary leadership are transforming the aviation landscape, positioning itself as a key player in global air connectivity.

Backed by a $100 billion investment strategy, Saudi Arabia is driving a new era of growth and modernization in the sector, with targeted developments across airports, airlines, cargo, logistics, and aviation services fostering innovation-driven collaborations and sustainable solutions that set new benchmarks in the aviation industry.

Frederico Fernandes, director, Arab Aviation Summit, said: “The Arab Aviation Summit 2025 is a defining moment for our industry, bringing together the brightest minds to explore innovative solutions that will shape the future of aviation. Riyadh serves as the ideal setting for this transformation, reinforcing the Kingdom’s role as a catalyst for global aviation growth.”

The Arab Aviation Summit 2025 will feature compelling keynote addresses and dynamic panel discussions. These sessions will highlight the global impact of aviation advancements and will provide unparalleled insights into the rapidly evolving aviation landscape with an elite lineup of speakers including: Gabriel Semelas, president, Africa and Middle East, Airbus; Hugo Espírito Santo, state secretary of infrastructure, Portugal; Bulut Bagci, president, World Tourism Forum Institute; Abdul Wahab Teffaha, secretary-general, Arab Air Carriers Organization; Kamil Al-Awadhi, regional vice president, Africa and Middle East, IATA; Steven Greenway, CEO, flyadeal; Majid Khan, CEO, Saudi Air Connectivity Program; Maryam Telmesani, vice president of sustainability, Saudia Group; Osamah Alnuaiser, senior vice president, marketing and corporate communications, Riyadh Air; Ziad Al-Hazmi, CEO, Lufthansa Technik Middle East; Hamdi Osman, founder and CEO, SolitAir Holding; and Imtiyaz Mohammad Manzary, general manager for general aviation, GACA.


LuLu marks Founding Day with ‘Made in Saudi’ campaign

Updated 25 February 2026
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LuLu marks Founding Day with ‘Made in Saudi’ campaign

The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources honored LuLu Hypermarket in recognition of its pivotal role as the exclusive retail partner of the “Najoud Bikhairna 2026” initiative, commending its continued efforts in supporting and empowering national industries while showcasing the quality and competitiveness of locally manufactured products.

The initiative, led by the ministry in partnership with the Saudi Export Development Authority, represented by the Made in Saudi program, stands as a pioneering model of public-private sector collaboration in activating community-driven initiatives with sustainable impact. Through this program, more than 280,000 Saudi-made products were distributed to 10,000 families across various regions of the Kingdom during the holy month of Ramadan, reinforcing the presence of national products and strengthening the values of social solidarity among individuals and institutions alike.
The ministry’s recognition of LuLu Hypermarket coincided with the official launch of its Saudi Founding Day celebrations at the Dharat Laban branch in Riyadh, marked by the unveiling of a comprehensive promotional campaign dedicated to Saudi-made products. On this occasion, a wide range of special offers was introduced on local products, available across all LuLu Hypermarket branches throughout the Kingdom.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mohammed bin Dayel, general supervisor of the Made in Saudi program at the Saudi Export Development Authority, and Mohamed Haris, director of LuLu Saudi Arabia, alongside members of LuLu’s executive management team. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the specially designed Founding Day gateway.
Following the inauguration, guests toured several dedicated zones and exhibitions highlighting national products. The tour commenced at the grocery and “Made in Saudi” consumer goods sections, showcasing the diversity and quality of local brands. It also included the “Made in Saudi” dates pavilion, presenting a premium selection of the finest locally sourced dates in celebration of one of the Kingdom’s most iconic national symbols.
The visit continued to the fruits and vegetables section under the theme “From Our Land,” featuring an exceptional assortment of Saudi agricultural products, reflecting the richness and excellence of the local agricultural sector. Guests also explored the LuLu private label corner, which features products exclusively manufactured within the Kingdom for LuLu, reaffirming the company’s commitment to supporting local manufacturing.
The tour concluded with a presentation of “Made in Saudi” products within the chilled and frozen categories, underscoring the rapid growth and qualitative advancement of the Kingdom’s food manufacturing sector, and further reinforcing the strong market position and competitiveness of Saudi products.