Latest news with #Abha
Al Bawaba
18 hours ago
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Jazeera Airways Restarts Direct Flights to Abha
Jazeera Airways, Kuwait's leading low-cost carrier, is resuming direct flights to Abha, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, starting 15 July 2025. The seasonal route will operate three times a week until the end of September 2025, providing a convenient connection for travelers from Kuwait and across the region to one of Saudi Arabia's most scenic and culturally rich as the 'Bride of the Mountain,' Abha offers a unique summer escape with cooler temperatures ranging between 25–30°C, a vibrant cultural heritage, and picturesque mountain landscapes. Located in the Aseer region at the southern end of the Red Sea, Abha serves as an ideal base to explore the natural beauty and elevated terrains of southwestern Saudi on the relaunch, Barathan Pasupathi, Chief Executive Officer of Jazeera Airways, said: 'We are excited to bring back our seasonal service to the beautiful city of Abha—a destination that offers refreshing mountain breezes, breath taking natural landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage, making it an ideal getaway for summer travelers across the region. This route reflects our continued commitment to providing accessible and value-driven travel options to destinations beyond the ordinary. We extend our sincere thanks to the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and the Saudi Air Connectivity Program for their strong collaboration and unwavering support in making this relaunch possible.'Abha is the seventh destination served by Jazeera Airways in the Kingdom, further strengthening the airline's footprint in Saudi Arabia. In addition to direct traffic from Kuwait, the airline continues to facilitate connections from across its wider network into the Kingdom via behalf of the Saudi Tourism Authority, a long-standing Jazeera Airways partner in KSA, Abdulkarim Aldarwish, President of MEA Markets, explained 'We are pleased to announce the Jazeera Airways direct route from Kuwait to Abha, just in time for the peak summer season. Jazeera is a Key partner for Saudi destinations, and their continued investment in Saudi routes support our broader strategy to enhance air connectivity, we look forward to unlocking opportunities for travellers and business and promote Saudi destinations. The response to our 'Colour your Summer' campaign has been extremely positive particularly from Kuwait.' Majid Khan, CEO of Air Connectivity Program commented 'Enhancing Air Connectivity to the beautiful Aseer region from international markets is very high priority to further achieve our tourism targets from key source markets. We are delighted with the new direct route from Kuwait – Abha. This new route will provide direct access to Kuwaiti tourists through our partner, Jazeera Airways. We look forward to further develop a close partnership with Jazeera Airways in coming years to develop direct routes into Saudi Arabia.'
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Jazeera Airways restarts direct flights to Abha
Kuwait City – Jazeera Airways, Kuwait's leading low-cost carrier, is resuming direct flights to Abha, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, starting 15 July 2025. The seasonal route will operate three times a week until the end of September 2025, providing a convenient connection for travelers from Kuwait and across the region to one of Saudi Arabia's most scenic and culturally rich destinations. Known as the 'Bride of the Mountain,' Abha offers a unique summer escape with cooler temperatures ranging between 25–30°C, a vibrant cultural heritage, and picturesque mountain landscapes. Located in the Aseer region at the southern end of the Red Sea, Abha serves as an ideal base to explore the natural beauty and elevated terrains of southwestern Saudi Arabia. Commenting on the relaunch, Barathan Pasupathi, Chief Executive Officer of Jazeera Airways, said: 'We are excited to bring back our seasonal service to the beautiful city of Abha—a destination that offers refreshing mountain breezes, breath taking natural landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage, making it an ideal getaway for summer travelers across the region. This route reflects our continued commitment to providing accessible and value-driven travel options to destinations beyond the ordinary. We extend our sincere thanks to the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and the Saudi Air Connectivity Program for their strong collaboration and unwavering support in making this relaunch possible.' Abha is the seventh destination served by Jazeera Airways in the Kingdom, further strengthening the airline's footprint in Saudi Arabia. In addition to direct traffic from Kuwait, the airline continues to facilitate connections from across its wider network into the Kingdom via Kuwait. On behalf of the Saudi Tourism Authority, a long-standing Jazeera Airways partner in KSA, Abdulkarim Aldarwish, President of MEA Markets, explained 'We are pleased to announce the Jazeera Airways direct route from Kuwait to Abha, just in time for the peak summer season. Jazeera is a Key partner for Saudi destinations, and their continued investment in Saudi routes support our broader strategy to enhance air connectivity, we look forward to unlocking opportunities for travellers and business and promote Saudi destinations. The response to our 'Colour your Summer' campaign has been extremely positive particularly from Kuwait.'. Majid Khan, CEO of Air Connectivity Program commented 'Enhancing Air Connectivity to the beautiful Aseer region from international markets is very high priority to further achieve our tourism targets from key source markets. We are delighted with the new direct route from Kuwait – Abha. This new route will provide direct access to Kuwaiti tourists through our partner, Jazeera Airways. We look forward to further develop a close partnership with Jazeera Airways in coming years to develop direct routes into Saudi Arabia.' Flight Schedule: Kuwait (KWI) – Abha (AHB) Flight No. Frequency From To Departure (Local Time) Arrival (Local Time) J9 0237 Tuesday, Friday, Sunday KWI AHB 16:50 19:00 J9 0238 Tuesday, Friday, Sunday AHB KWI 20:00 22:00 Note: Flight times and frequencies are subject to change. To book flights, travelers can visit Jazeera's mobile application or call 177. About Jazeera Airways Founded in 2004, Jazeera Airways is a leading low-cost carrier based in Kuwait, serving over 5 million passengers across a network of more than 60 destinations in the Middle East, Central and South Asia, Africa, and Europe. Dedicated to offering affordable, high-quality air travel, Jazeera Airways caters to business, leisure, religious, and weekend travellers, all while maintaining the highest standards of safety and customer service. Jazeera Airways currently operates a modern and efficient fleet of 24 Airbus A320ceo and A320neo aircraft, enabling it to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impact. 26 new aircraft from its orderbook, 18 A320neos and 8 A321neos are expected to arrive 2027 onwards. The only publicly traded airline on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (Boursa Kuwait), Jazeera Airways was recognized as a Fortune 500 Arabia company and named "Great Place to Work" in 2023. A trailblazer in the aviation sector, Jazeera Airways has introduced several digital initiatives to its customer experience and is one of the first to design, build, and operate its own terminal, Jazeera Terminal 5 (T5), at the Kuwait International Airport.
Arab News
4 days ago
- General
- Arab News
Structural restoration of Abha's Al-Dagal Fortress completed
JEDDAH: A project to restore the structural integrity of Al-Dagal Fortress in Abha, one of the city's most prominent landmarks, has been completed. The project, undertaken by the Ministry of Culture's Heritage Commission, involved rebuilding collapsed sections of the walls and renovating internal areas. The team used erosion-resistant granite and juniper wood for the roof and applied a layer of gypsum to the external walls to protect against water infiltration and improve its aesthetic appeal. Located in the northwest of Abha, Asir Province, Al-Dagal Fortress dates back to the early 20th century. Built on a rugged peak more than 2,300 meters above sea level it measures 43.6 meters in length and 16 meters in width, with a semi-circular northern facade. The natural slopes and rock formations on the northern and western sides were incorporated into its design to enhance its strength. The fortress has three main areas: a command and control unit, the soldiers' quarters and a service unit. A long central corridor runs through the structure, dividing it into eastern and western wings. It also has a large stone oven for baking bread, a granary and a designated area for preparing haneeth — a traditional Asir dish of rice and lamb — which highlights the site's cultural and social significance. Renovation works are ongoing at the site but once completed the fortress is expected to be opened to the public.
Zawya
01-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
TDF participates as 'Strategic Partner' in Aseer Investment Forum
Abha – Under the patronage of HRH Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Aseer Region and Chairman of the Aseer Development Authority, the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) -the national enabler of the tourism sector- took part in the 2nd edition of the Aseer Investment Forum. The forum spotlights high-potential investment opportunities across the region's key sectors, with a special focus on tourism. TDF's participation as a strategic partner reaffirms its commitment to supporting high-impact projects, empowering MSMEs, and accelerating tourism investments in a region known for its extraordinary natural and cultural appeal. As part of the forum's agenda, senior executives from TDF embarked on site visits to several flagship tourism projects supported by the Fund in the Aseer region. The tour began with The Point—the region's largest mixed-use development. Spanning 75,000 square meters, the destination marks the first Hilton-branded hotel in Aseer, featuring 250 guest rooms. The project also includes a vibrant retail hub with 150 stores, 41 restaurants and cafés, and 10 state-of-the-art cinema halls. Thoughtfully designed to celebrate the region's cultural identity, The Point offers a seamless fusion of hospitality, entertainment, and shopping in one dynamic location. The delegation then visited Khayal Walk Boulevard, an entertainment and retail complex distinguished by its innovative design, which blends urban architecture with the mountainous terrain of Aseer. The project includes terraced levels that house upscale boutiques, restaurants, and cafés, delivering a refined visitor experience anchored in local heritage. Next on the itinerary was the InterContinental Hotel, one of the region's flagship luxury hospitality developments. Strategically located to offer stunning natural views, the hotel comprises over 200 rooms and operated by global hospitality leader IHG Hotels & Resorts. It also features an array of amenities, including fine dining venues, event spaces, and a children's club, serving a broad spectrum of traveler needs. The final stop was Le Premier, Aseer's first mixed-use destination that fuses modern aesthetics with a strong national character. The development includes six locally inspired restaurant and café buildings and the four-star Hajlah Hotel, which will offer approximately 150 rooms and a state-of-the-art conference hall, establishing the destination as a year-round draw for both leisure and business tourism in Abha. The combined value of tourism projects enabled by TDF in the Aseer region has now reached approximately SAR 2 billion, reflecting the Fund's ongoing commitment to developing distinctive tourism destinations that contribute to the realization of Saudi Vision 2030. Qusai Al-Fakhri, CEO of TDF, commented: 'Our participation in the 2nd Aseer Investment Forum aligns with the Fund's broader strategy to enable promising destinations across Saudi Arabia. By catalyzing tourism investments and providing tailored financial and advisory solutions, we support transformative projects to grow and thrive. Aseer's exceptional natural and cultural assets make it a prime destination for tourism development, and we are proud to foster partnerships that drive sustainable growth in line with the National Tourism Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.' During the forum, TDF held a workshop titled: 'Tourism Financing: Sustainable Solutions for Investors in the Aseer Region,' which explored TDF's portfolio of financial offerings. The session provided insights into eligibility criteria, access mechanisms, and investor-focused financing solutions tailored to the local market. TDF also featured a dedicated interactive booth, where it showcased its suite of financing products and non-financial programs, offering direct consultations to entrepreneurs and investors interested in entering the tourism sector in the Aseer region. Through initiatives like these, TDF continues to play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable tourism destinations that enrich the visitor experience and position the Kingdom as a leading global tourism hub, fully aligned with the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030. About the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) is Saudi Arabia's national enabler of the tourism sector, going beyond financing to drive high-impact investments and enhance the competitiveness of the Saudi's tourism destinations. TDF enables entrepreneurs and tourism businesses with tailored financial solutions and non-financial support programs while attracting local and international investors to develop landmark tourism projects. With a vision to create a dynamic and attractive investment environment, TDF fosters strategic partnerships, supports economic diversification, enriches visitor experiences, and strengthens Saudi Arabia's position as a leading global tourism destination. Committed to advancing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Tourism Strategy, TDF remains a trusted partner, working closely with investors and key stakeholders across the sector. For media inquiries, please contact TDF Corporate Communication team: cc@
Argaam
30-05-2025
- Business
- Argaam
GACA issues classification for air carriers, airports in April 2025
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued the index for the classification of air transport services providers and airports based on the number of complaints filed by travelers to the authority in April 2025. The total number of complaints submitted by passengers against airlines stood at 1,270. The least complaints were filed against flynas with 22 complaints per 100,000 passengers. The state-run airline recorded a timely complaint-handling rate of 100%. Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) ranked second, with 23 complaints and a closure rate of 99%. Meanwhile, Flyadeal came third, with 38 complaints per 100,000 passengers, reporting a timely complaint closure rate of 100%. The most frequent complaints for April were about tickets, followed by luggage and passenger services. Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah reported the lowest number of complaints, recording two or 0.2% per 100,000 passengers, among international airports that receive over six million passengers annually, with a timely complaint closure rate of 100%. For international airports that receive less than six million passengers annually, Abha International Airport reported the lowest complaints, at a rate of 1% per 100,000 passengers. Among domestic airports, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz Airport was the least airport complained about, at a rate of 3% per 100,000 passengers with a timely complaint-handling rate of 100%. GACA stated that the monthly index is developed to inform travelers about service quality, promote transparency, and encourage healthy competition in the aviation sector.
