Saudia adds 11 new global destinations

Saudia operates more than 530 daily flights. Shutterstock
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Updated 11 February 2025
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Saudia adds 11 new global destinations

JEDDAH: Saudia airline is adding 11 new destinations to its network this year — including Vienna, Bali, and El-Alamein — as part of its global expansion strategy, the company announced. 

The new routes also include Venice in Italy, Larnaca in Cyprus, and the Greek destinations of  Athens and Heraklion.

Nice in France and Malaga in Spain have also been added to the list.

The expansion follows a 16 percent rise in international passenger numbers last year, with the newly added destinations offering travelers more options across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, further strengthening Saudia’s position in the aviation industry. 

The move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s National Tourism Strategy, which aims to attract 150 million tourists by 2030, create 1.6 million jobs, and boost tourism’s contribution to gross domestic product. 

Ibrahim Al-Omar, director general of Saudia Group, said: “Following last year’s operational success, we've implemented a strategic plan for 2025 to ensure continued excellence and meet rising international travel demand.”  

He added: “Our destination selection is based on comprehensive feasibility studies and guest preferences. We are committed to providing our international guests with exceptional travel experiences that combine comfort, efficiency, and authentic Saudi hospitality.” 

Also joining the network are Antalya in Turkiye, Salalah in Oman, and Bali in Indonesia, expanding Saudia’s reach to over 100 destinations across four continents. 

By growing its global network, Saudia is supporting the Air Connectivity Program, which has introduced over 60 new direct routes since its launch in 2021. 

This development strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a key travel hub under Vision 2030 and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s aviation strategy, which includes multi-billion-dollar investments to diversify the economy and support the private sector. 

Saudia said the expansion is supported by its fleet of 147 Boeing and Airbus aircraft, with plans to receive 118 new aircraft in the coming years to further enhance operational capacity. 

With more than 530 daily flights, Saudia’s ongoing international development plan aims to increase its global market share and strengthen connectivity between the Kingdom and the world. 


Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 10,947 

Updated 19 February 2026
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 10,947 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index dipped on Thursday, losing 208.20 points, or 1.87 percent, to close at 10,947.25. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR4.80 billion ($1.28 billion), as 14 of the listed stocks advanced, while 253 retreated. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index decreased, down 25.35 points, or 1.69 percent, to close at 1,477.71. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu lost 217.90 points, or 0.92 percent, to close at 23,404.75. This came as 24 of the listed stocks advanced, while 43 retreated. 

The best-performing stock was Musharaka REIT Fund, with its share price up 2.12 percent to SR4.34. 

Other top performers included Al Hassan Ghazi Ibrahim Shaker Co., which saw its share price rise by 1.18 percent to SR17.20, and Saudi Industrial Export Co., which saw a 0.8 percent increase to SR2.51. 

On the downside, Abdullah Saad Mohammed Abo Moati for Bookstores Co. was among the day’s biggest decliners, with its share price falling 9.3 percent to SR39. 

National Medical Care Co. fell 8.98 percent to SR128.80, while National Co. for Learning and Education declined 6.35 percent to SR116.50. 

On the announcements front, Red Sea International said its subsidiary, the Fundamental Installation for Electric Work Co., has entered into a framework agreement with King Salman International Airport Development Co. 

In a Tadawul statement, the company noted that the agreement establishes the general terms and conditions for the execution of enabling works at the King Salman International Airport project in Riyadh.  

Under the 48-month contract, the scope of work includes the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.  

Utilizing a re-measurement model, specific work orders will be issued on a call-off basis, with the final contract value to be determined upon the completion and measurement of actual quantities executed.  

The financial impact of this collaboration is expected to begin reflecting on the company’s statements starting in the first quarter of 2026, the statement said. 

The company’s share price reached SR23.05, marking a 2.45 percent decrease on the main market.