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General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President and Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO) Executive Council Chairman Abdulaziz Al-Duailej chaired today the 72nd session of the council, held in Rabat, Morocco. The meeting was attended by heads of delegations from member states, the director general of ACAO, and a representative from the League of Arab States.  In his opening remarks, Al-Duailej welcomed the decision to expand the executive council’s membership from nine to 11 members, describing it as an institutional advancement rooted in a deep belief in broader participation, inclusiveness, and the enrichment of perspectives and expertise. He welcomed Tunisia and Yemen as new council members, noting that their inclusion will bring valuable contributions to the council’s discussions and outcomes.  He emphasized that the meeting agenda includes critical organizational and technical topics that directly impact the future of Arab civil aviation. These topics require a collaborative and unified action to generate practical recommendations that align with global developments and address increasing challenges in regulatory, technical, and economic domains. He highlighted the sector’s ongoing transformation, including the adoption of smart airspace management technologies, acceleration of digital transformation in airports, and the expansion of aviation safety systems — all within the framework of international environmental commitments.  Al-Duailej also underscored the importance of forming a unified Arab vision on civil aviation issues and presenting it effectively on the global stage to reflect the Arab world's institutional maturity and strengthen its position in international air transport.  “In light of these developments,” he stated, “it is vital that we redefine our Arab presence as an influential force in the global aviation sector. This can only be achieved through the articulation of a unified Arab perspective and a strategic presence in international and regional forums.”  He also stressed the need for collective preparation for the upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council elections during its General Assembly in September 2025. He described it as a strategic opportunity for Arab coordination, calling for the nomination of a unified Arab candidate with full backing to ensure the retention of this influential seat — a key platform for advocating regional interests in the global aviation industry.  Al-Duailej further highlighted the centrality of Arab human capital in building strong aviation institutions. He called for prioritizing investments in national talent through advanced professional training programs aligned with global industry standards and reinforcing institutional evaluation mechanisms linked to measurable performance indicators.  He also called for a review of ACAO’s technical structure, particularly its technical committees and support mechanisms for member states, especially those undergoing reconstruction or modernization. He urged the adoption of regional technical solidarity programs based on thorough national needs assessments, development pathways tailored to each state’s priorities, and building strategic partnerships with relevant regional and international organizations. These steps, he noted, are essential to strengthening ACAO’s global presence through knowledge exchange, the adoption of best practices, and fostering international cooperation in technical areas — ultimately empowering member states and enhancing institutional effectiveness.  Following his address, the council reviewed the organization’s governance, technical, and financial matters. Discussions included follow-up on the recommendations of the 71st session, approval of outputs from ACAO’s technical committees — including Air Transport, Air Navigation, Aviation Safety, Aviation Security, Environment, and Media and Institutional Communication — in addition to updates on the implementation of ACAO’s annual activity program and recent developments in global and Arab air transport.

President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Abdulaziz Al-Duailej affirmed that the Saudi Aviation Strategy focuses on shaping the future through collaboration, innovation, and alignment, aiming to drive growth, boost competitiveness, and ensure enhanced services for passengers, while accelerating the aviation sector’s expansion across the region.  He made these remarks during his participation in the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Aviation Day Middle East and North Africa (IATA Aviation Day MENA 2025), held for the first time in Saudi Arabia.  Hosted by Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, in Jeddah from May 6 to 7, the event gathers leading aviation executives and experts from around the world to discuss key opportunities and developments shaping the future of the air transport sector.  In his opening address, Al-Duailej thanked IATA and Saudia for organizing this important event, emphasizing that such gatherings serve as a platform to enhance cooperation and accelerate aviation development across the region.  He highlighted the pivotal role of Saudi Vision 2030 in shaping the future of aviation not only within the Kingdom but also regionally and globally. He expressed eagerness to engage with industry partners to exchange insights, explore emerging prospects, and strengthen the Kingdom’s standing as a global hub connecting East and West.  Al-Duailej noted that the MENA region is a vital player and a strategic hub for the future of global aviation, with a $9.48 trillion economy supported by a predominantly young population—fueling tourism, trade, and innovation, while fostering growth through strategic investment and international collaboration.  He added that in 2024, passenger traffic in the Middle East exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 9%, more than double the global growth rate, while Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation sector recorded a notable increase of over 24% compared to pre-pandemic figures.  He reviewed the Kingdom's aviation sector strategy and its key milestones, notably the order of more than 500 aircraft by Saudi carriers, significantly expanding regional capacity and competitiveness.  Al-Duailej also highlighted the launch of the Integrated Logistics Zone in Riyadh in October 2022, with Apple as a key tenant—underscoring the Kingdom's role as a global logistics and commercial hub—and pointed to the continued operation and development of airports across the country.

The President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, affirmed that smart technologies and digital transformation serve as essential pillars in supporting occupational safety and health (OSH) and enhancing protection within airports and aviation facilities. He emphasized that this is one of GACA’s top priorities, particularly in light of the sector’s rapid growth and expansion.   This came during H.E. Al-Duailej’s participation in the panel discussion titled “Integrating National Efforts and the Role of the Private Sector in Enhancing Occupational Safety and Health in the Transport and Logistics Sector: A Strategic Vision for a Sustainable Future”, held as part of the 7th International Conference on Occupational Safety and Health 2025, taking place from 4 to 6 May at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh under the theme: “The Future of Occupational Safety and Health.”   Mr. Al-Duailej noted that the Authority is working to enhance the airport work environment through an integrated system of advanced technologies. These include intelligent monitoring systems for working conditions linked to real-time surveillance cameras, predictive analytics based on big data to identify risk indicators, training programs utilizing virtual and augmented reality technologies, and smart geolocation systems to track vehicles and equipment on the airside — all contributing to improved traffic management and collision prevention.   H.E. noted that GACA implements executive regulations aligned with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD)’s frameworks, covering safe workplace requirements, use of protective equipment, regulated working hours, mandatory training, incident reporting and investigation, and comprehensive risk assessment and management. These efforts aim to maintain a balanced approach between sectoral growth and the safety of national human capital.   H.E. also highlighted that GACA requires airport operators and air service providers to implement effective Safety Management Systems (SMS), conduct precise and periodic risk assessments for construction projects, and deliver comprehensive awareness and training programs for all operational personnel. The emergency response teams are also being prepared in line with the highest international standards.   Furthermore, GACA maintains strategic relationships with several international organizations including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and Airports Council International (ACI), along with aviation authorities worldwide. These partnerships support the exchange of best practices, organization of joint training programs, participation in international secondment schemes, support for research and studies on occupational hazards, and the development of smart solutions such as AI applications and predictive monitoring to enhance safety performance.   It is worth noting that the 7th Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference (GOSH7) serves as a leading scientific platform to explore the future of occupational safety globally. The conference aims to develop preventive policies and procedures, facilitate the exchange of international experiences, and showcase the latest technologies that contribute to safe and sustainable work environments aligned with development and quality of life objectives.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) organized a workshop today at its Riyadh headquarters, in the presence of GACA President H.E. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, and attended by the newly appointed Ambassadors of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Union of the Comoros, the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, Bangladesh, the Republic of Mozambique, and the United Mexican States. H.E. Al-Duailej welcomed the ambassadors, congratulating them on the royal trust bestowed upon them and wishing them success in their missions. The workshop featured a comprehensive presentation on the National Aviation Sector Strategy and its pivotal role in realizing the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030—positioning Saudi Arabia as a global aviation hub leveraging its strategic geographic location connecting three continents. The session also included a briefing for Their Excellencies the ambassadors on GACA’s bilateral and multilateral international relations, along with a discussion on the Authority’s integration with the work of diplomatic missions—both of which contribute to achievement of the strategy and to the strengthening of Saudi Arabia's global connectivity.

The President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), H.E. Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, met today with H.E. Mr. Gerry Cunningham, Ambassador of Ireland to Saudi Arabia, at GACA’s headquarters in Riyadh. The two sides discussed topics of mutual interest and explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the civil aviation sector.

President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej held a meeting in Riyadh with Henan Province Vice Governor Sun Shougang of China to enhance investments between the two countries.  The two sides addressed economic ties between Saudi Arabia and China and ways to develop quality investments for pioneering companies, while enabling the private sector to capitalize on available opportunities. Discussions also covered developing Saudi-Chinese air transportation, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030 and the Saudi Aviation Strategy.  At the meeting, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Saudia Cargo and China Henan Aviation Group, focusing on strategic cooperation within the air-cargo center project between Saudi Arabia and China via the Air Silk Road. The MoU also promotes collaboration in sustainability, cross-border e-commerce, and digital shipping operations through innovations in logistics and shipping services.  Moreover, GACA held a Saudi-Chinese roundtable to explore cooperation opportunities in logistics zones and air-cargo areas, in the presence of Chairman of the Board of Directors of China Henan Aviation Group Zhang Mingchao, as well as representatives from national carriers and logistics companies. Several government entities were represented, including the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Investment, and the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services; the Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade; the Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority; the Industrial Center; and the Air Connectivity Program.  The meeting discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the civil aviation sector and efforts to strengthen economic and investment links between Saudi Arabia and China. It explored enhancing quality investments and empowering the private sector to leverage investment opportunities in the logistics sector, while benefiting from Chinese expertise in air cargo and logistics zones.  Additionally, the Chinese delegation conducted a field visit to the Special Integrated Logistics Zone in Riyadh and the cargo zones at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. They observed operational capabilities, cargo-handling facilities and zones, e-commerce shipments, and the digital capabilities and mechanisms in use. The delegation also visited King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, where they reviewed the services provided at its Airport Operations Control Center (AOCC), commercial areas, and duty-free store.