A new chapter is set to take flight in Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape with the announcement of a Dammam-based low-cost airline, led by UAE’s Air Arabia in partnership with Saudi firms Kun Investment Holding and Nesma Group. Far from just adding another budget carrier to an already bustling market, this initiative is a strategic move deeply aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic transformation plan, aiming to diversify the economy, boost tourism, and stimulate regional development.

Dammam, home to King Fahd International Airport Saudi Arabia’s third-largest and a crucial gateway for the Eastern Province, will serve as the airline’s headquarters. This marks a significant pivot from the usual Riyadh and Jeddah focus, placing Dammam at the heart of expanded connectivity efforts. The new carrier is designed to unlock the airport’s untapped potential as a hub linking underserved Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities like Abha, Jazan, and Tabuk with the Gulf capitals Doha, Manama, Kuwait City, and Sharjah, enhancing both domestic and regional access.

The airline is set for an ambitious start with a fleet of 45 aircraft, targeting to serve 81 destinations (24 domestic and 57 international), and plans to transport up to 10 million passengers annually by 2030. This expansion is expected to create over 2,400 direct jobs, boosting the local economy and increasing travel options with affordable fares and greater seat capacity.

Saudi Arabia’s domestic air travel demand has surged past 62 million passengers in 2023, fueled by growing religious tourism and the rise of mega leisure projects like NEOM and AlUla. The new airline aims to cater to these evolving travel patterns by providing competitive, budget-friendly flights that stimulate latent demand in ways the existing full-service carriers do not.

This move comes amid a robust aviation ecosystem supported by heavy investments over SR50 billion into airport modernization and privatization initiatives that tackle infrastructure bottlenecks, making the environment ripe for low-cost carrier growth. With two-thirds of Saudi Arabia’s 35 million population under 35 and rising consumer preferences toward budget travel, the regional aviation market is expanding rather than cannibalizing existing players like Flynas and flyadeal.

The Air Arabia-led consortium, combining regional low-cost expertise and local governance, symbolizes a mature approach to Gulf aviation partnerships. It contrasts with the less successful ventures by foreign carriers lacking regional rooting, emphasizing the importance of cost discipline, fleet strategy, and market alignment to thrive in the Kingdom.

In essence, this new Saudi low-cost airline launching from Dammam is a calculated strategic lever not a gamble to energize the Eastern Province, strengthen regional connectivity, and underpin the Kingdom’s economic diversification through tourism and transport. Its success will hinge on local responsiveness, disciplined operations, and the ability to integrate seamlessly with Saudi Arabia’s broader national vision.

This pioneering airline, expected to begin flights by late 2026, is more than a carrier it is a bold statement on Saudi Arabia’s evolving aviation ambitions and a beacon for the future of budget travel in the region.

This August, Qatar Calendar unveils a lively and diverse array of events designed to captivate families, children, and visitors of all ages, making the most of the summer season with fun, creativity, and discovery across the country.

From hands-on educational programmes and interactive workshops to thrilling camps and immersive exhibitions, the month is brimming with exciting opportunities tailored especially for children and their families.

The Qatar Toy Festival continues to delight at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center until August 4, offering themed zones filled with entertainment and interactive attractions that spark imagination. In tandem, the Doha Summer Trade and Shopping Exhibition runs at the same venue until August 4, presenting a vibrant retail experience complete with exclusive deals and seasonal shopping treats.

Mall of Qatar invites young artists to join the Kids Art Club until August 16, while Ezdan Mall Wakra brings the family-friendly “Hello Summer” initiative daily through August 22, featuring shows, games, and beloved character meet-and-greets.

Younger children can explore equestrian fun at the Al Shaqab Pony Club Summer Camp (for ages 3–6) from August 2 to 7, with the Al Shaqab International Camp 2025 following closely from August 4 to 14. Meanwhile, the Lusail Sports Arena buzzes with the Sports For All Summer Camp 2025 until August 7, where sport, fitness, and teamwork come together. Doha Club welcomes children to its Dana Club Kids Summer Camp, running from August 10 to 21.

For families seeking energetic play, InflataCity 2025 at Qatar National Convention Centre offers a world of bouncy inflatables and exciting games from August 5 to 23. Creative minds are encouraged to join workshops such as “Design Your Dream House” for kids on August 2 at M7, or the “Create Your Own Jewellery” workshop at the Fire Station’s Wood Shop from August 3 to 7.

At the Museum of Islamic Art, the theme of cultural heritage permeates the Summer Camp: “We Are What We Eat” (August 3–5), which invites children to explore food traditions through interactive learning. The National Museum of Qatar hosts its Summer Camp: “The Museum Is Ours” (August 3–7), offering storytelling and exploration that brings the museum to life for young visitors. Additionally, Msheireb Museums’ Summer Programme runs until August 28, while the Qatar National Library’s summer offerings conclude on August 27.

Calligraphy enthusiasts can dive into a variety of workshops at the Museum of Islamic Art covering Naskh (August 2–23), Diwani (August 3–6), and Kufic (August 13–27) styles, suitable for beginners to advanced learners. For those passionate about painting, Wadha Al Kuwari leads “Modern Techniques in Acrylic Painting” at the Fire Station’s Education Studio from August 10 to 14.

The MIA’s “My Plate at the Table” series (August 6–27) blends art and culinary heritage through library learning and cultural exploration, while “Rise Art: Create and Pour Your Own Art with Marwa Labib” offers a hands-on creative experience from August 17 to 21. Art lovers can also enjoy the “Printed Nostalgia” exhibition at Fire Station Gallery Four until September 1 and partake in the ongoing “Escape Room: The Scholars of the Islamic World” at the Museum of Islamic Art, an immersive educational puzzle experience running through December 31.

Souq Waqif buzzes with the 10th Edition of the Local Dates Festival until August 7, showcasing Qatar’s locally grown dates and traditional harvest customs, a true taste of the country’s rich agricultural heritage.
For weekend explorers and nature enthusiasts, the “Whale Sharks in Qatar” experience at Al Ruwais Port offers guided tours introducing visitors to one of the world’s largest seasonal whale shark aggregations, available through September 19.

August in Qatar promises a summer full of adventure, learning, and family fun, providing endless ways to connect, create, and celebrate the season together.

Qatar's emergence as a powerhouse for international gatherings continues to accelerate, with officials confirming that the Gulf nation now hosts over 80 major global events each year across fields as diverse as diplomacy, technology, sports, trade, and culture.

Mubarak Ajlan Mubarak Al Kuwari—Executive Director at the Permanent Committee for Organizing Conferences (PCOC)—explained that these high-profile events are strategically coordinated to align with Qatar’s National Vision, making the country a global nexus for dialogue, innovation, and cooperation.

Record-Breaking Attendance and Economic Impact

Landmark conferences, such as the Doha Forum and Qatar Economic Forum, attracted more than 8,500 attendees from over 160 countries, with international participants making up nearly half the turnout. Meanwhile, Web Summit Qatar 2025 witnessed a record-setting surge with over 25,000 participants—including 1,520 startups and hundreds of investors—temporarily transforming Doha into a worldwide beacon for entrepreneurship and cutting-edge technology.

This relentless calendar of international events has had a transformative effect on both tourism and the broader economy. In just the first quarter of 2025, Qatar welcomed more than 1.5 million visitors, a 25% increase compared to 2023. Hotel bookings soared, with nearly 10 million room nights sold during the past year and average occupancy rates reaching 71%.

Major events such as festivals, conventions, and sporting championships have contributed to a projected QR124.2 billion boost to the national economy in 2025, supporting 350,000 jobs and setting new records for international visitor spending.

Key Events on Qatar’s 2025 Calendar

Highlighting its diverse events portfolio, Qatar’s calendar this year features:

• FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 (November 15-27)
• Formula 1 Qatar Airways Grand Prix (November 28-30)
• Doha Film Festival (November 20-28)
• FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 (December 1-18)
• Doha Forum (December 6-7)
• Major technology expos like Web Summit Qatar 2025 and MWC25 Doha
• Cultural extravaganzas such as the Qatar International Art Festival and local food festivals.

The country will also co-host the Second World Summit for Social Development with the United Nations and the T100 Triathlon World Championship Final—further proof of its expanding influence on the global stage.

A Hub for All: Accessibility and Visitor Growth

Qatar’s development as a top global event host is matched by unprecedented accessibility: 51% of international visitors arrive by air, 34% by land, and 15% by sea, reflecting a deliberate strategy to enhance connectivity. The hospitality sector’s growth is further buoyed by the country’s reputation for safety—Doha was recently ranked the world’s second safest city—and the positive legacy of high-profile events like the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

With initiatives targeting diverse source markets and continuous infrastructure investment, Qatar’s events industry is forecast to expand by over 11% annually, reaching nearly $4.65 billion by 2032. Industry analysts and officials alike agree—the nation’s transformation from a “small desert nation” to a “trusted international partner and connectivity hub” is well under way.

Qatar’s remarkable model positions it as a leading destination not only for large-scale global events but also for collaborative exchange and economic vitality in the years to come.

Morocco is embarking on a transformative $4.2 billion investment to modernize its main airports over the next five years, aiming to accommodate a surge in international visitors as it prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Portugal and Spain. The ambitious plan, officially announced by the Moroccan government in agreement with the national airports authority ONDA, seeks to more than double the country’s airport capacity from 38 million passengers currently to 80 million by 2030.

Central to this overhaul is Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, Morocco’s busiest aviation hub. Here, a major expansion will include the construction of a new terminal and an additional runway, projected to cost around $2.5 billion and increase capacity by 20 million passengers annually. Other key airports in Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fez are also slated for upgrades and expansion, spreading the benefits of this infrastructure push across the country.

Funding for the project will allocate 25 billion dirhams ($2.7 billion) toward airport expansions and 13 billion dirhams ($1.5 billion) toward maintenance, modernization, and land acquisition. This comprehensive effort not only prepares Morocco for the logistical demands of hosting a global sports spectacle but also supports the nation’s fast-growing tourism sector, which experienced a record 17.4 million visitors in 2024 a 20% increase from the previous year. Morocco targets attracting 26 million tourists by the World Cup year 2030, further solidifying tourism as a pillar of its economic growth strategy.

The surge in tourism is part of a broader regional trend, with North African destinations like Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia gaining popularity among British travellers, in part due to high-quality yet affordable hotel options that rival those in traditional European hotspots. UK flight routes and accommodation searches to these countries have seen significant increases, indicating a growing market that Morocco’s upgraded airport infrastructure is primed to serve.

As the countdown to the 2030 World Cup continues, Morocco’s airport revamp underscores its determination to leverage the event as a catalyst for broader economic development, positioning the nation as a regional aviation hub and a premier international tourist destination.

Prince Sultan bin Salman, founder and chairman of the Saudi Aviation Club (SAC), chaired a high-level meeting to approve the executive plans and airshow programs for the upcoming Sand & Fun exhibition. The meeting was attended by Ahmed Al-Fahaid, the club’s general supervisor, alongside senior officials involved in the event’s preparation.

Prince Sultan described the Sand & Fun exhibition as a national platform that integrates aerial entertainment, education, and interactive experiences, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional and global hub for general aviation. This aligns closely with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, particularly in advancing tourism, education, and local content development.

This year’s event holds special significance as it celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Saudi Aviation Club, which was established in December 2000 by a Council of Ministers resolution and has since played a pivotal role in promoting aviation culture and activities throughout the Kingdom. The club operates from its base at Al-Thumamah Airport, located within the King Khalid Royal Reserve north of Riyadh, and is the official Saudi representative to the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) and a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).

The Sand & Fun exhibition will run from November 25 to 29, 2025, at Al-Thumamah Airport. It will feature live day and night airshows, dedicated youth and children’s zones, innovation pavilions, and investor platforms designed to foster collaboration between local and international aviation stakeholders. Prince Sultan emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships across education, training, entertainment, and technology sectors to maximize the event’s impact.

The Saudi Aviation Club has been instrumental in developing general aviation and air sports in Saudi Arabia, overcoming numerous challenges since its inception. It transitioned under the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in 2013, further integrating into the Kingdom’s civil aviation framework. SAC’s efforts include organizing educational initiatives, supporting aviation talent, and hosting international events such as the upcoming 118th FAI General Conference in Riyadh from November 19 to 21, 2024, underscoring its growing global stature.

Prince Sultan highlighted that the exhibition not only demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s organizational capabilities but also opens new avenues for future generations to engage with and advance the aviation sector.
The Saudi Aviation Club continues to lead the Kingdom’s general aviation sector, promoting aeronautical sciences and encouraging the practice of aviation hobbies and sports, thereby contributing significantly to the broader objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Dubai is gearing up to host the 19th edition of the Dubai Airshow from November 17 to 21, 2025, at Dubai World Central, with registration now officially open. This landmark event promises to be the most ambitious and future-focused yet, aiming to transform the aviation sector through enhanced engagement, connectivity, and innovation.

The Dubai Airshow has long been recognized as one of the world’s largest and most influential aerospace and defence gatherings. This year, it will bring together over 1,500 exhibitors and more than 148,000 professionals and innovators from 98 countries, offering a vital platform to accelerate cutting-edge technologies and foster cross-sector collaboration.

The event reflects the UAE’s bold vision and commitment to maintaining its rapid aviation sector growth, which currently contributes an impressive US$92 billion to the nation's GDP equivalent to 18.2 percent and is projected to expand further with the Middle East’s commercial aircraft fleet expected to grow at 5.1 percent annually over the next decade.

Major General Dr. Mubarak Saeed bin Ghafan Al Jabri, Executive Director of the Military Committee organizing the Airshow, emphasized the event’s role in showcasing the UAE’s leadership in aviation and defence. He highlighted the Ministry of Defence’s dedication to innovation and talent development, ensuring the UAE remains at the forefront of global military and aerospace progress.

 Notably, this edition will debut a unique runway networking event at SkyDive Dubai, featuring elite global aviation figures in an exclusive setting with drone shows, skydiving performances, renowned DJs, and premium hospitality.

Adding to the Airshow’s allure, 2025 will introduce its first-ever night-time programming on the second day, extending activities until 9 PM. Attendees can explore static aircraft displays, enjoy evening receptions, and witness spectacular drone shows under the stars, enhancing the overall experience.

Sustainability remains a key focus amid the industry’s push toward environmentally friendly solutions. The event will also spotlight innovation hubs such as VISTA, the premier start-up platform for aviation and space technologies, alongside the NextGen Leaders programme and the newly launched Academy, designed to equip emerging talent with essential skills and mentorship.

The Airshow will host the Aerospace Executive Club, facilitating high-level discussions among senior executives on industry trends and strategic partnerships. Moreover, a comprehensive delegation programme co-hosted by the UAE Ministry of Defence, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and the Government of Dubai will feature an AI-powered matchmaking system via the official event app, streamlining networking and business opportunities across civil, military, and commercial domains.

Timothy Hawes, Managing Director of Informa Markets, the event organizer, described Dubai Airshow 2025 as the most comprehensive and future-forward edition to date. He underscored its pivotal role in shaping the aviation and defence sectors by fostering innovation, education, and regional growth strategies. The show is also expanding youth engagement initiatives to inspire the next generation of aviation leaders through education and real-world opportunities.

For the public, Skyview the UAE’s only platform of its kind will open its doors, expecting to welcome over 15,000 visitors across five days. This unique access offers live flying displays, interactive experiences, and family-friendly entertainment, making the Airshow an inclusive celebration of aerospace excellence.

As Dubai Airshow 2025 opens registration, it invites global aerospace stakeholders, innovators, and enthusiasts to join a transformative event that not only showcases pioneering technologies but also strengthens the UAE’s position as a global aviation and defence hub.