TOURISE 2025: Ronaldo endorses Saudi tourism strategy, praises Vision 2030 progress

“Everyone realized I was right when I moved to Saudi Arabia,” Cristiano Ronaldo said, underscoring his confidence in the country’s future. X/@TOURISEofficia
Short Url
Updated 11 November 2025
Follow

TOURISE 2025: Ronaldo endorses Saudi tourism strategy, praises Vision 2030 progress

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s tourism ambitions are well-positioned for global success, according to football star Cristiano Ronaldo, who voiced strong support for the Kingdom’s development agenda during the TOURISE 2025 global forum. 

Organized by the Ministry of Tourism from Nov. 11 to 13, the forum aims to shape the future of global tourism by fostering growth and sustainability. The event brings together leading figures from key sectors intersecting with tourism, including technology, aviation, and entertainment. 

 

 

“Everyone realized I was right when I moved to Saudi Arabia,” Ronaldo said, underscoring his confidence in the country’s future. “I believe in the ambition and potential of Saudi Arabia’s development project.” 

Speaking at the forum, the Al-Nassr player highlighted his personal commitment to the Kingdom’s transformation. “I consider myself Saudi, and I help in different sectors,” Ronaldo said. “I moved to Saudi Arabia because I believe in its capabilities, and now everyone has discovered that I was right.” 

Ronaldo also expressed his desire to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. 

“I want to be part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to host the World Cup,” he said, emphasizing his connection to the country’s tourism and cultural initiatives. “I love AlUla and the Red Sea project, and I believe in the tourism vision in the Kingdom.”  

Currently enjoying his time in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo reflected on his future in football: “I enjoy every moment now, and when I talk about retirement, it could mean after two years.” 

The Portuguese star also praised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saying: “The Crown Prince has worked hard to elevate the Kingdom on a global level.” 

He reiterated his wish to continue contributing to the country’s broader transformation, describing it as “a big project in Saudi Arabia,” and reaffirmed his belief in the potential of the nation’s sports sector and development goals.   


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

Updated 27 February 2026
Follow

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.