RIYADH: The launch of direct flynas flights between Jeddah and Pristina is more than a tourism milestone — it signals Kosovo’s rise as a new destination for Saudi business and investment, according to the country’s ambassador.
Kosovo’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Lulzim Mjeku, told Arab News the new air link, which will begin operating three times a week on Oct. 1, represents a historic step in building commercial bridges between the two nations.
“The most frequent question asked of me from both countries’ business communities was: Is there a direct flight between KSA and RKS? It wasn’t until last year that both states signed the Agreement on Air Services.” Mjeku said.
He added: “Today, as both countries have concluded several basic agreements with a focus on business, I may say that through this work, both governments have paved the way for business communities to start exploring avenues of cooperation.”
While the connection opens Kosovo’s mountains and heritage to Saudi tourists, Mjeku emphasized that the real opportunities lie in the country’s investment climate.
Kosovo boasts the highest internet penetration rate in Europe at 96.4 percent, a multilingual and skilled workforce, and a streamlined business environment, positioning itself as a gateway for Saudi investors entering the Western Balkans.
“Kosovo is a vibrant country emerging in the global market,” the ambassador said. “Our workforce is skilled and multilingual, and our economy is diversifying, from construction and textiles to advanced information technology.”
When asked whether the new connectivity would encourage Saudi investors to explore opportunities in Kosovo, Mjeku pointed to early successes in technology partnerships.
He noted that Kosovar firms have already contributed to the Tawakkalna application in cooperation with Saudi partners and developed cybersecurity systems for hospitals in Riyadh.
“I expect more Kosovar IT companies will find their way to the Saudi market. I also strongly believe both sides can find a win-win modus operandi and have their share in the market,” he said, adding: “Whoever moves first has the chance to succeed faster and better.”
The competitive framework is another draw. Corporate tax is set at just 10 percent, while starting a business takes an average of 4.5 days. Investments account for 36 percent of Kosovo’s gross domestic product, with an average economic growth rate of 4.1 percent over the past eight years. “Whoever moves first has the chance to succeed faster and better,” the ambassador stressed.
The launch of flights follows last year’s Agreement on Air Services and coincided with the first visit of a Saudi business delegation to Kosovo, led by the Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce, marking the 15th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
The Kingdom’s leading low-cost carrier will operate the Jeddah–Pristina route as part of its expansion strategy, “We Connect the World to the Kingdom,” aligned with the Kingdom’s National Civil Aviation Strategy.
The plan aims to link the Kingdom to 250 international destinations, accommodate 330 million passengers, and host 150 million tourists annually by 2030.
For Mjeku, these developments herald a new phase in Saudi–Kosovar relations. “With these flights come opportunities, and with opportunities, we get better results and solidify our relationship on an inter-human level,” he said.
