GACA President Inaugurates WAGA 2024 in Riyadh

May 22, 2024

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej inaugurated the Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific & Middle East / ACI World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition (WAGA 2024), today.

 The three-day event, hosted by Riyadh Airports, features the participation of aviation leaders, airport CEOs, and over 800 specialists from across the globe. This is the first time WAGA is being held in the Middle East, underscoring Saudi Arabia's pivotal role in airport management and aviation. The Kingdom is recognized as a major player and influential force at local, regional, and international levels.

 Held under the theme "The Global Race: How to Stand Out in a Competitive Airport Ecosystem," WAGA will address several crucial topics: the Kingdom's significant role as a major player in the global air transport industry, Riyadh Airports' contributions to the Kingdom's strategic goals, and a comprehensive overview of the company's key achievements at local, regional, and international levels. This will further solidify Riyadh Airports' role in fulfilling the objectives of the national transport and logistics strategy.

 Riyadh Airports Company CEO Ayman AboAbah welcomed the international attendees, commending Riyadh Airports' efforts in advancing Saudi Arabia's airport management system, which positively impacts the global aviation sector.

 ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira expressed his gratitude for Saudi Arabia's warm hospitality. He praised Riyadh Airports' impressive capabilities in hosting WAGA 2024, affirming that these efforts will enhance the future of airport management.

 ACI Asia Pacific & Middle East Director General Stefano Baronci stated, "WAGA 2024 assumes immense significance for us as the event is being held in the Middle East for the first time.

 As part of the Kingdom's comprehensive efforts in the aviation sector, Riyadh Airports' hosting of WAGA 2024 coincides with the third edition of the Future Aviation Forum (FAF 2024), organized by GACA. During this significant week for the Kingdom's civil aviation sector, Riyadh will host several key events, including the Seventh Meeting of the Directors General of Civil Aviation-Middle East Region; the Regional Safety Oversight Organization (RSOO) for the Middle East and North Africa; the Airports Awards Ceremony; and the First Security Forum of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO).

 Moreover, the ICAO Facilitation 2024 Global Summit will be held for the first time, among other notable events. Hosting these major events underscores the Kingdom's leading role in the aviation sector and its dedication to advancing and growing the industry globally.