A senior official from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has cautioned Middle Eastern airlines against postponing aircraft orders despite rising costs and market uncertainty linked to the war in Iran, warning that such delays could become financially disadvantageous over time.

Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, said he does not anticipate that the ongoing conflict or increased operating costs will significantly disrupt aircraft purchasing plans among carriers in the region. Speaking to reporters on Saturday during the association’s annual summit in Rio de Janeiro, he noted that Middle Eastern airlines remain among the largest global buyers of aircraft from manufacturers Boeing and Airbus.

Al-Awadhi said deferring aircraft orders is “not wise,” arguing that delays could ultimately increase costs for airlines due to extended waiting periods for new aircraft deliveries. He added that current production backlogs at manufacturers mean operators already face long lead times, particularly for the latest-generation single-aisle aircraft.

According to him, it could take several years for airlines to receive newly ordered planes, making postponements potentially counterproductive. He said most carriers are expected to continue with their existing fleet expansion strategies despite temporary disruptions.

“The plan is to continue where we're going … even though this is a hiccup,” he said.

Across the global aviation sector, airlines have been adjusting operations by reducing flight frequencies and increasing fares and ancillary charges in response to higher costs. This comes even as parts of the Middle East aviation network have experienced security risks, including airspace disruptions linked to the conflict.

Al-Awadhi also expressed concern over recent developments in Kuwait, where an attack earlier in the week at an airport killed one person and damaged a terminal used by international carriers. He said preliminary assessments suggest the affected infrastructure could take at least a year to fully restore.

“Looking at the damage from the videos and pictures that were sent to me, it’s going to take ages,” he said. “So my concern is, will the other carriers be able to go into Kuwait?”

He added that authorities may need to accelerate completion of sections of a new airport terminal or temporarily reassign international operations to facilities currently used by domestic airlines such as Kuwait Airways. He described the situation as one that would require complex logistical and operational decisions to resolve.

Source: Reuters

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