Author: Mahdeehassan

17 March 2026 (Geneva) — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its Long‑Term Demand Projections (LTDP) for air travel, showing that global air passenger demand is expected to more than double by 2050. Under the mid‑range scenario, demand is forecast to reach 20.8 trillion revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), based on a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.1% (2024-2050) from the 9 trillion RPKs seen in 2024. A higher growth scenario would see a 3.3% CAGR with passenger demand reaching 21.9 trillion RPKs in 2050. A lower growth scenario would see 2.9% CAGR with passenger demand reaching 19.5 trilli

Geneva, March 16, 2026, SPA — Islamic University of Madinah, represented by its Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, won the bronze medal at the 51st edition of the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva 2026, for a pioneering innovation in the field of air purification. The medal was achieved through the participation of Director of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center Dr. Hosam Alharbi, and Eng. Ahmad Imam, who presented an innovation in air purification aimed at developing advanced technologies to improve air quality and contribute to environmental protection. This participation and achievement are part of the univer

Riyadh, March 16, 2026, SPA — The Ministry of Tourism has intensified inspection tours of licensed hospitality facilities to monitor compliance with staff data registration and updating requirements, which must be updated every three months. The tours aim to enhance compliance with sector regulations, raise service quality for tourists, and ensure operational data clarity and monitoring efficiency. The ministry affirmed its intention to continue intensive inspection tours of hospitality facilities and other tourism activities, calling on all establishments to complete staff data registration and updates within the specified period to a

Makkah, March 15, 2026, SPA — Markets in Makkah are bustling with activity as Eid Al-Fitr approaches, drawing residents, visitors, and Umrah performers eager to celebrate the end of Ramadan. Shops are expanding their offerings with a wide range of products, special deals, and discounts to attract shoppers. Traditional markets and modern malls feature diverse options for clothing and tailoring as families prepare for Eid. Traditional sweets and hospitality supplies are also in high demand for the celebrations. To ensure a safe shopping environment, the Holy Makkah Municipality has intensified monitoring efforts. Inspection teams conduct

Al-Baha, March 15, 2026, SPA – During Ramadan, farms in Al-Baha Region host communal iftar meals that bring together locals and visitors in an atmosphere of harmony and social interaction. The gatherings take place amid the region’s agricultural landscape, where farms are spread across villages and valleys and surrounded by traditional Bedouin tents that add an authentic character to the setting. Many farmers and residents organize iftar gatherings on their farms. Family members, friends, and neighbors gather before the Maghrib prayer to break their fast together in a distinctive Ramadan atmosphere. Conversations and Ramadan greeting

Riyadh, March 17, 2026, SPA — Advisor at the Royal Court and King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Supervisor General Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah held a virtual meeting yesterday with the United Kingdom’s Minister of State for International Development Jenny Chapman. The meeting focused on mutual humanitarian interests and exploring avenues to strengthen bilateral partnership to support humanitarian work in countries in need.

Riyadh, March 16, 2026, SPA — As Eid Al-Fitr approaches, sweet shops across various cities and governorates in Saudi Arabia are experiencing increasing activity and notable turnout from shoppers. This reflects the joy of Saudi society on this happy occasion and the eagerness of families to prepare early, especially by securing Eid sweets, which are among the most prominent elements of celebration for children. Many families are keen to take their children to markets and sweet shops to choose their favorite varieties in an atmosphere filled with excitement and happiness. Eid sweets represent an essential part of the social heritage asso

Makkah, March 17, 2026, SPA — The General Transport Center, one of the centers of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, strengthened the Makkah taxi fleet by receiving three licenses for companies operating Makkah taxi contracts. Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser handed over the licenses to CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites Eng. Saleh bin Ibrahim Al-Rasheed to support the Makkah taxi fleet, one of the products of the General Transport Center. Al-Rasheed stated that issuing the licenses will strengthen the regulation of the taxi sector in Makkah by introducing an advanced

Riyadh, March 16, 2026, SPA — Saudi Electronic University won a gold medal and a bronze medal during its participation in the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions 2026, in an achievement that reflects the efficiency of its research system and its active role in promoting scientific innovation and developing innovative technological solutions. President of the Saudi Electronic University Mohammed Mardi highlighted the continuous and generous support the education sector receives from the Kingdom’s leadership, noting that this support has significantly enabled educational institutions to strengthen their international pr

Cannes, March 14, 2026, SPA — Saudi Arabia concluded its participation in MIPIM in Cannes, France, under the “Invest Saudi” umbrella, with support from the Saudi Investment Promotion Authority (SIPA). During the event, the Kingdom’s investment ecosystem showcased promising opportunities in the real estate sector, which is undergoing rapid transformation and growing attractiveness for investors. This reflects Saudi Arabia’s rising position as a global investment destination, supported by regulatory and legislative reforms, including a system that allows non-Saudis to own real estate. The Saudi pavilion featured seve