Latest news with #Aseer
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.
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
28-05-2025
- Business
- Argaam
Future development stages to focus on asset management: ElKuwaiz
Mohammed ElKuwaiz, Chairman of the Capital Market Authority (CMA), said the strength of the Saudi capital market showed a significant shift in its global development. Speaking at a panel discussion at Aseer Investment Forum on May 27, ElKuwaiz said the market is no longer viewed merely through the lens of investors, but also through the lens of entrepreneurs seeking funding. As a result, the market currently plays a dual role in both investment and financing. He added that the major leap witnessed by the capital market is evident in the remarkable increase in listings and offerings. In recent years, the number of listings in both the Main Market and Nomu reached nearly 40 and 50. Thus, the local market ranked eighth in the world in terms of market cap as well as the size of offerings and listings. He noted that the increase in listings was accompanied by diversity in sectors and corporate sizes, with 60% of listed companies in the market being small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Chairman also pointed out that this development included the diversity of investment and financing tools. "Today, we're talking about the stock market and the asset management industry, with investment funds surpassing SAR 1 trillion in assets under management (AUMS) in 2024." The debt instruments sector and the debt market are now nearly equal in size to the asset management sector. Additionally, the diversity of investor categories—including local, individual, international, and institutional investors—contributes to greater market stability, ElKuwaiz said. Saudi Arabia has the most mature stock market, and the next stages of development will focus on the asset management industry, which surpassed SAR 1 trillion, equivalent to roughly one-tenth of the local stock market cap of SAR 10 trillion. This demonstrates the significant growth potential for this sector in the coming period, whether in traditional assets such as equity and bond funds, real estate funds, or venture capital funds. The Chairman added the debt market in the Kingdom is smaller than the capital market, amounting to nearly SAR 1 trillion, compared to the equity market. However, in the past two years, the volume of financing through the debt market surpassed financing in the capital market, reflecting enormous upcoming financing opportunities.
Argaam
28-05-2025
- Business
- Argaam
Aseer draws SAR 50B investments: ADA
Hashem Al-Dabbagh, CEO of Aseer Development Authority (ADA), said that the authority exceeded its investment targets. The private sector investments in Aseer reached around SAR 25 billion, excluding investments by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which also amount to about SAR 25 billion—bringing the total investments in the region to about SAR 50 billion. In an interview with Argaam on the sidelines of the Aseer Investment Forum, Al-Dabbagh, added that the first edition of the forum, held two years ago, saw investments worth SAR 1.7 billion. This figure grew over the following two years to exceed SAR 5 billion. The current forum witnessed the announcement of new investments worth SAR 4 billion, in addition to projects under study estimated at SAR 15 billion. PIF implements strategic projects in the region at a total value of nearly SAR 25 billion. These projects include Soudah Development Co., which involve luxury hotel and residential developments across six locations in Soudah, with investments exceeding SAR 10 billion. He also cited Al-Wadi project, which is developed by Ardara Co. in central Abha. The project aims to revive the historical riverbed through a comprehensive development of the surrounding areas, with investments of over SAR 10 billion. PIF's investments in the region also include other companies such as Aseer Investment, Qiddiya Development, with some projects still under study. Regarding ADA's strategy, Al-Dabbagh affirmed that it focuses on enhancing the tourism sector and its supporting industries, such as entertainment, agri-tourism, and retail centers. He pointed out that most of the investments attracted during the forum fall within these areas. He added that ADA is also exploring investment opportunities in other sectors, including renewable energy, mining, industry, and agriculture. Al-Dabbagh also revealed that the authority is working with relevant entities to implement a comprehensive development project for Abha Airport. The project aims to increase the airport's capacity to 10 million passengers annually in its first phase, and to 13 million in the second phase—compared to its current capacity of just 1.8 million passengers per year. The existing airport is operating beyond its designed capacity, currently handling more than 4 million passengers annually. This has led to the launch of a global design competition for a new airport with a Saudi countryside theme. One of the updated designs has been approved by the leadership. The project is being implemented through a public-private partnership, in coordination with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the National Center for Privatization & PPP, and the Matarat Holding Company. Al-Dabbagh described the project as one of the key enablers of tourism and economic transformation in the region.
