Tourism

This comprehensive rollout is expected to be completed by early 2026, reinforcing the company’s dedication to passenger connectivity and comfort.

Domestic passenger traffic on the continent rose slightly by 200,000 to reach 18.7 million, while intra-Africa travel dropped sharply to 17.6 million from 21.2 million, weighed down by high taxes, visa restrictions, and geopolitical tensions.

The resolution applies to a wide spectrum of hospitality establishments, from conventional hotels and tourist villages to boutique and heritage properties, eco-friendly stays, and third-category holiday home units.

Domestic tourism continues to be a key driver, with spending exceeding SAR105 billion (approximately US$40 billion), reflecting an 18% increase by Q3 2025.

Nessim brings more than ten years of strategic financial and operational expertise from his tenure at Orascom Development, where he served as Chief Financial Officer and held several senior positions across the MENA region.

The service launched on December 2 and now operates four times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

The Boeing 737 route eliminates the need for Nairobi connections, flying business travelers, holidaymakers, and traders directly to Kenya’s Indian Ocean hub.

Arrivals have grown across multiple regions, with Europe up 13%, Africa 22%, Asia 23%, and Oceania seeing a remarkable 94% surge.

It applies to diplomatic, special, and ordinary passports for tourism, business, or family visits, but excludes work, study, residency, or Hajj purposes.

The week-long shutdown focuses on resurfacing, lighting improvements, and structural strengthening, ensuring the airport meets strict EU aviation standards as demand continues to rise.