Saudi Arabia continues to solidify its role as a major global aviation center, with several of its air routes earning places among the busiest in the world for 2025, based on updated rankings by OAG, the leading international aviation data firm.

The achievement highlights the Kingdom’s accelerating progress in civil aviation, fueled by expanding airport capacities, a surge in passenger traffic, and greater operational efficiency. These developments stem from the Aviation Program — a key initiative within the National Transport and Logistics Strategy — and reflect the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance connectivity and economic diversification.

According to OAG’s 2025 report, the Jeddah–Riyadh domestic route secured the fifth spot globally among the busiest air routes, with a total of 9.8 million seats available. It saw a 13% increase compared to the previous year and a 22% rise compared to 2019, underscoring the route’s pivotal role in domestic travel.

On the international front, the Cairo–Jeddah route ranked second worldwide, offering 5.8 million seats in 2025. This route recorded a 5% annual increase from 2024 and an impressive 71% jump relative to 2019 levels, reaffirming the strong and growing passenger demand between Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Meanwhile, the Dubai–Riyadh connection claimed the seventh position among the world’s busiest routes, with a total capacity of 4.5 million seats. The route posted a 4% year-on-year growth and a 42% expansion compared to 2019, reflecting strengthened ties with one of the region’s most active travel markets.

These strong showings underscore the success of initiatives led by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in partnership with stakeholders across the aviation sector. The ongoing efforts to boost connectivity, streamline operations, and extend global reach have positioned Saudi airports as competitive hubs that serve both tourism and business travel needs.

The recognition of Saudi air routes among the world’s top performers highlights the profound transformation underway in the Kingdom’s aviation sector — strengthening its contribution to national development and consolidating its standing as a key gateway for international air transport.

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a wholly owned subsidiary of Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), has announced the opening of SEVEN Tabuk, expanding its entertainment network and supporting the Kingdom’s quality-of-life and regional development goals under Saudi Vision 2030.

SEVEN Chairman Abdullah Al Dawood said the opening represents another step in the company’s strategy to develop accessible entertainment destinations that are closely connected to the communities they serve.

SEVEN Tabuk is the company’s second entertainment destination, following SEVEN Abha, as SEVEN continues its plans to establish destinations across Saudi Arabia.

Located within Tabuk city, the fully indoor, all-weather destination is designed for everyday entertainment, offering residents and visitors a wide range of activities without requiring long-distance travel.

The destination operates from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on weekends and from 4:00 p.m. to midnight on weekdays, while Scene Cinemas operates daily from 4:00 p.m. until 3:30 a.m.

SEVEN Tabuk combines international attractions with locally developed concepts. Key offerings include Discovery Adventures, featuring immersive exploration-themed environments, and Hot Wheels E-Karting, an interactive karting experience inspired by the global brand.

The destination also features SEVEN’s homegrown concepts, including Kawaken, Kawaken Junior, GolFi, Cyber Bowling and Scene Cinemas, providing entertainment options for families, young people and a broad range of visitors.

Beyond entertainment, SEVEN Tabuk is expected to contribute to the city’s wider development by supporting local employment and strengthening partnerships with local businesses.

The opening further reinforces Tabuk’s position as an emerging leisure destination in northern Saudi Arabia while expanding access to entertainment experiences across the Kingdom.

Source: SPA

Green spaces and public parks across Makkah are playing an important role in improving the city’s urban environment and creating more comfortable spaces for residents, visitors and pilgrims.

The city has 290 public parks, many of which feature landscaped green areas, safe pedestrian walkways, sports facilities, courtyards, shaded seating areas, service amenities and playgrounds.

These spaces help provide shade, reduce heat absorption from urban surfaces and offer areas for movement, recreation and rest.

The development and maintenance of parks are particularly important in Makkah, which welcomes millions of pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors throughout the year.

Expanding landscaping, shaded areas and open pedestrian spaces forms part of broader efforts to improve the pilgrim experience by creating a more comfortable and accessible urban environment.

The parks also complement Makkah’s wider network of services and facilities, supporting the city’s efforts to enhance quality of life while accommodating the needs of its residents and millions of visitors.

Source: SPA

Irqah Village, one of the oldest settlements in Riyadh Region, is showcasing more than 1,000 years of history through its traditional architecture, heritage sites and cultural experiences.

Once a thriving agricultural center, the village developed around mud-brick homes, historic mosques, farms and water sources, creating a distinctive architectural and social identity.

At the heart of the historic village, Bayt Isa recreates aspects of traditional Najdi life through its majlis, cafés, heritage pathways, courtyards and rooftops. The heritage house offers visitors an immersive experience reflecting the architectural style and social traditions of the Najdi environment.

Handicrafts further enrich the experience, with workshops helping revive traditional skills passed down through generations. Local outlets also provide artisans with opportunities to display and sell their work, linking cultural heritage with its social and economic roots.

Since opening, Irqah Village has welcomed more than 15,000 visitors, supported over 50 cottage-industry families and hosted filming by more than 20 production companies.

The village has also generated more than three million digital views and interactions, highlighting its growing popularity and the potential of its heritage spaces for tourism, culture and creative activities.

Source: SPA