Saudi Arabia Newsroom
Comment: Israel-Iran war and Air India tragedy cast pall over travel retail
Catastrophic events in India and the Middle East over the past few days have potentially serious effects for the travel retail world, writes Martin Moodie. At an already stressed time for the channel, the Iran-Israel conflict is of mounting concern.
The Heinemann view – The China challenge and opportunity in Saudi Arabia and India
We feature further talking points from Gebr. Heinemann’s recent press conference, at which Co-CEOs Max Heinemann and Raoul Spanger and Chief Commercial Officer Inken Callsen talked about India and Saudi Arabia opportunity and sustainability goals.
The Heinemann view – Travel retail’s ‘new normal’, tackling declining spend and deepening business diversity
We feature talking points from Gebr. Heinemann’s recent press conference in Hamburg, at which the company discussed its 2024 performance, growth plans and views on regional and global markets.
Gebr. Heinemann posts +21% rise in 2024 turnover to €4.3 billion despite ‘complex environment’
The robust performance came despite what the leading travel retailer and distributor termed a ‘complex environment’, characterised by volatility and uncertainty across some key markets and a significantly eroded Chinese spend.
“A new hospitality benchmark” – Plaza Premium Group unwraps exclusive Saudia lounge at Heathrow Airport
Saudia Airlines Lounge, which is open to its First and Business Class passengers only, features a ‘VIP Zone’ and a first-of-its-kind Tea Bar in partnership with the London Tea Exchange.
SSP presents Café Bateel gourmet food experience at King Abdulaziz International Airport
The 355sq m café, located in International Departures Terminal 1, is a partnership with the renowned Dubai-headquartered gourmet food producer and retailer Bateel.
Changi Airport wins World’s Best Airport and dining top spot at Skytrax Awards
This is the 13th time in the history of the awards that the Singapore gateway has received the top accolade.
Interview: How Abdulaziz Al-Asaker and Riyadh Airports Company are shaping a new aviation future
“All these airport expansion projects are driven by Vision 2030. I am part of this vision and that makes me so proud – I have helped deliver it for the future.” The words of Riyadh Airports Company Chief Commercial Officer Abdulaziz Al-Asaker underline the sense of destiny within the Saudi aviation market.
Images of the Day: Travel retail says ‘Eid Mubarak’ as Eid al-Fitr begins
Today is the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, the major religious holiday celebrated by Muslims at the end of the month-long Ramadan fasting period. Today’s images highlight how this great occasion is being marked across the travel retail and aviation sectors.
Tourism boost as Saudi Arabia soars up Numbeo Safety Index rankings
In a boost for its tourism destination profile, the Kingdom has climbed an impressive 12 places to 14th in the 2025 Safety Index rankings, which are compiled from an extensive consumer survey.
MEADFA names Rob Marriott as President and elects new board
The Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association has elected ARI-Middle East CEO Rob Marriott as President for a two-year term, with a new board also voted in by members.
Plaza Premium Group and daa partner to deliver “a luxurious final touchpoint” at Red Sea Airport
Plaza Premium Group will operate four premium passenger lounges for passengers and five food & beverage outlets, plus seven dining rooms catering to staff at the luxury Saudi airport.
