Saudi Arabia showcases defense innovation at Athens expo

The Saudi pavilion highlights the progress of Saudi military industries and the growing national capabilities in this vital sector. (SPA)
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Updated 07 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia showcases defense innovation at Athens expo

  • Saudi pavilion highlights advanced systems, strategic ties and investment potential

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is taking part for the first time in the Athens International Defense and Security Exhibition in Greece, held from May 6-8.

The Saudi pavilion is organized by the General Authority for Military Industries, with contributions from the General Authority for Defense Development and Saudi Arabian Military Industries.

The opening was attended by Ahmad Al-Ohali, governor of the General Authority for Military Industries; Lt. Gen. Fahd Al-Juhani, chief of staff of the Royal Saudi Land Forces; and Muhannad Al-Basrawi, charge d’affaires at the Saudi Embassy in Greece.

Al-Ohali and other officials toured the Saudi pavilion and were briefed on the advanced defense and security technologies on display.

The pavilion highlights the progress of Saudi military industries and growing national defense capabilities. It also showcases strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing international cooperation and localizing defense technologies.

Al-Ohali said that the Kingdom’s presence reflects its strategic position in military industries, its attractive investment environment and its efforts to localize more than 50 percent of military spending under the Vision 2030 reform plan.

The pavilion showcases Saudi Arabia’s defense industry ecosystem, including policies, regulations, national priorities and investor incentives. It also presents streamlined business processes, key achievements and major initiatives in the defense sector.

Participating countries and international companies are showcasing their latest systems in land, naval and aerial defense, as well as cybersecurity solutions.

The Saudi preence comes amid rapidly growing Saudi-Greek relations across multiple sectors, reflecting the strength of their strategic partnership — particularly in defense, where both countries share a common vision for regional security, stability and technological collaboration.


Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport reaches record 50 million passengers in 2025

Updated 15 December 2025
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Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport reaches record 50 million passengers in 2025

  • New milestone marks the highest number ever recorded by a Saudi airport 
  • Lucky 50-millionth passenger was a French national arriving from Paris on a Saudia flight

JEDDAH: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah recorded a new historic milestone on Sunday with the arrival of the 50-millionth passenger for year 2025.

The 50 million milestone marks the highest number ever recorded by a Saudi airport since the launch of civil aviation in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. 

It also placed KAIA among the world’s mega airports in terms of passenger numbers. The figure represents a 1.83 percent growth from 49.1 million passenger arrival recorded in 2024.

“This achievement reflects the qualitative transformation at KAIA and its growing status as a regional hub and national gateway connecting the Kingdom to the world,” the report said.

The lucky 50-millionth passenger was a French national arriving from Paris on a Saudia flight to participate in a sports tournament hosted in Jeddah. (SPA)

It also underscores the airport’s vital role in enhancing the Kingdom’s position as a global tourist destination and a gateway to the Two Holy Mosques by facilitating the movement of visitors, Umrah performers, and pilgrims.

KAIA serves as a gateway to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah by facilitating the movement of visitors, Umrah performers, and pilgrims.

The lucky 50-millionth passenger was a French national arriving from Paris on a Saudia flight to participate in a sports tournament hosted in Jeddah.

She was welcomed by JEDCO’s leadership, who greeted her and presented a commemorative gift to mark the occasion.

JEDCO Chief Executive Officer Mazen Johar said that reaching 50 million passengers reflects the airport’s high operational readiness and marks a pivotal milestone in preparations to double this figure in the coming years.