Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced a series of new aviation sector agreements, including partnerships with European air navigation organisations and an economic licence for air cargo handling at AlUla International Airport.

The agreements were announced during the 21st meeting of the Aviation Program Activation Steering Committee, chaired by GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej and attended by officials and representatives from aviation sector organisations.

During the meeting, GACA granted SAL Logistics Services an economic licence to provide air cargo handling services at AlUla International Airport. The licence is intended to support the airport’s developing logistics capabilities.

Saudi Air Navigation Services also signed Memoranda of Understanding with EUROCONTROL and DFS Aviation Services, establishing cooperation with the European aviation organisations.

In a separate agreement, Cluster2 Airports Company signed an MoU with Prince Sultan Aviation Academy to strengthen cooperation within Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector.

The committee also reviewed air traffic indicators and the performance of the aviation sector during the first half of 2026, along with progress on projects linked to the Kingdom’s aviation development targets.

The meeting highlighted Saudi Arabia’s renewed membership of the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization for the 2026–2028 term. Officials also discussed developments in airport infrastructure and digital transformation.

The committee further examined challenges affecting programme implementation and reviewed measures aimed at accelerating project delivery and supporting the achievement of the sector’s objectives.

Source: TradeArabia

Perched on Mount Munikh west of Al-Majmaah Governorate, the historic Munikh Observatory offers a striking example of traditional Najdi defensive architecture and the strategic use of natural landscapes to protect settlements.

Standing about 25 metres above the surrounding terrain, the elevated position gave guards a wide view of approaching routes. Narrow openings around the structure allowed them to monitor the area while maintaining a defensive position.

Historical references, including writings attributed to Al-Hamdani, link the name Munikh to an ancient settlement near the mountain. The earliest foundations of the observatory are estimated to date to the 15th century CE, corresponding to the ninth century AH.

Known traditionally as a marqab, or observation post, the structure formed part of a wider defensive system around Al-Majmaah. A stone wall once surrounded the settlement, following the mountain's natural ridges and incorporating three defensive bastions. Although urban expansion has absorbed much of the historic outer wall, the section on the mountain has survived, retaining its thick, tapering stone foundations and strategically placed firing openings.

The main observatory comprises two cylindrical structures built within one another, reaching approximately 12 metres in height. Local stone was used for the lower sections, while upper levels were constructed from mud brick. Tamarisk wood was used for ceilings and lintels.

The fortress also contains purpose-built defensive openings and five projecting balconies. Four were positioned to protect the sides of the structure, while another guarded the main entrance. The balconies are topped with traditional Najdi crenellations.

The observatory was initially used to warn residents of approaching threats through night-time fire signals. Following the unification of the Kingdom, its role expanded to include monitoring trade caravans, seasonal floods and pilgrim routes.

In recent years, the Heritage Commission has restored the observatory and sections of its fortified walls, adding visitor trails, stone stairways and lighting.

The site now includes a Visitor Center featuring bilingual interactive displays and guided interpretation stations. The restoration has transformed the former military lookout into a year-round cultural and tourism attraction in Al-Majmaah Governorate.

Source: SPA

King Abdulaziz International Airport has received two international accreditations from Airports Council International (ACI) World, strengthening its recognition for passenger experience, public health and operational readiness.

The airport was awarded the Level 4 Airport Customer Experience (CX) Accreditation and Public Health and Safety Readiness (PHSR) Accreditation during an event in Istanbul, Türkiye.

The Level 4 CX Accreditation places King Abdulaziz International Airport among the top 12 airports worldwide to achieve the distinction under ACI World’s Airport Customer Experience Accreditation programme. Jeddah Airports (JEDCO) CEO Mazen Johar received the accreditation on behalf of the airport.

The assessment covered eight areas, including customer understanding, strategy, measurement, operational improvement, governance, airport culture, service design and innovation, and collaboration across the airport community.

The PHSR Accreditation recognizes the airport’s preparedness in public health and safety and its compliance with internationally recognized standards.

JEDCO said the two accreditations reflect its continued efforts to improve passenger services, strengthen customer experience and adopt global best practices. The initiatives also aim to enhance coordination among the different organizations operating at the airport, supporting a smoother and more innovative passenger journey.

Source: SPA

Travellers from seven countries outside Saudi Arabia’s standard tourist e-visa system can now arrange travel packages and apply for entry permits through Webook.com, the digital ticketing and booking platform announced.

The new service is available to citizens of India, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Mexico. Licensed by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, Webook.com combines return flights, hotel accommodation, health insurance and a Saudi package visa into a single online booking.

The service operates under a pilot programme launched by the ministry in July in partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority. Webook.com submits applications directly to government authorities for verification, with electronic visas typically issued within 24 hours and sent by email and through the platform’s mobile application.

Previously, travellers from the seven countries generally had to apply through a Saudi embassy or third-party agencies. The new system allows applicants to select their travel arrangements online, provide the required information and wait for electronic approval.

Eligible packages must include a confirmed return flight and accommodation at a four-star or higher hotel licensed by the Ministry of Tourism. The booking must have a minimum value of SR4,000 ($1,067), in addition to a combined visa and health insurance charge of SR402.21 ($107).

The package visa permits stays ranging from two to 90 days. A single application can cover up to nine adults and five minors. All bookings must be completed at least 48 hours before departure, while visa approval remains subject to the relevant government authorities.

“Saudi Arabia is building an events calendar the whole world is meant to attend,” said Nadeem Bakhsh, co-founder and CEO of Webook.com. “Selling tickets to that calendar was step one. Being licensed to get international fans through the airport is step two.”

Webook.com sells tickets for major Saudi events, including Roshn Saudi League matches and Riyadh Season. The platform has attracted more than 18 million users across 180 countries and processed over 25 million bookings during the past year.

More nationalities are expected to become eligible for the package visa as the programme expands.

Source: Arab News