The Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation, a subsidiary of the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), has won membership of the Global Aviation Training Office.
The academy’s new achievement came after it was voted into the office by 40 out of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s 91 members with voting rights.
Naeem Al-Shabanah, assistant to the president of the Authority for Central Services, praised and congratulated the academy for its achievement.
“We are proud of this unprecedented win of the academy’s rightful place in the ICAO’s Global Aviation Training Office,” he said. “This victory is an acknowledgement of the Kingdom’s contributions to aviation safety and its status in the global civil aviation arena in general, and of the world class level of the professionals who graduate from the academy.”
Al-Shabanah added that with this win the academy has achieved its strategic objective of gaining sustained global recognition.
Fahd Al-Harbi, president of the academy, said: “I cannot describe how happy I am to see the academy succeed in making such remarkable achievements.
“After having won no less than six international accreditations and partnerships, now we’ve secured membership of the ICAO’s Global Aviation Training Office, which goes to show the level of confidence the organization and its member states have in our highly trained graduates.
“Being among the 14 members of the office places upon us a great responsibility to uprate specialized training all over the world, which is the academy’s way of claiming its stake in the world of aviation, thanks to the world-class capabilities and personnel.”
He also said the academy would not have gained such high status without the policies set by its management. He said that the academy’s work under ICAO’s umbrella will go a long way to achieving all of its strategic goals, especially at a time of multiple changes and huge expansion in the aviation sector.
“I would like to thank the academy’s entire staff of trainers, developers and administrators for their team spirit and relentless hard work that has garnered us these outstanding achievements,” Al-Harbi added.
The ICAO’s Global Aviation Training Office, with 14 full-membership states, is a consultancy concerned with the long-term strategic development of the Advanced Aviation Training Program. It discusses and makes decisions on membership, and develops and circulates training portfolios among member states.
Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation wins membership of Global Aviation Training Office
Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation wins membership of Global Aviation Training Office
Sustainability drives business excellence across region: PwC
As governments and businesses across the Middle East drive forward their economic transformation agendas, PwC Middle East has released a new report that explores the key role of sustainability in shaping future-ready business strategies.
PwC Middle East’s latest report, “Embracing sustainable transformation: The path to business excellence” provides valuable insights into how leading organizations embed sustainability into their transformation journeys, enhancing efficiency, resilience and long-term value for stakeholders.
The report comes at a pivotal time, as national visions such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and We the UAE 2031 drive the integration of environmental and social impact considerations into core business practices, an essential step toward achieving sustainable growth in the region.
Riyadh Al-Najjar, PwC Middle East chairman of the board and Saudi Arabia country senior partner, said: “Saudi Arabia’s transformational journey demonstrates how economic diversification, business growth, and sustainable development can go hand in hand. As the Kingdom creates new industries, unlocks innovation and enables a more inclusive, sustainable future for generations to come — businesses have a unique opportunity to align with this vision by embedding sustainability into their corporate strategies, operations, and culture.”
From aviation to urban development and industrial manufacturing, organizations align their sustainability goals to future-proof operations and deliver impact. The report features real-world examples of this shift in action:
•Saudi Aramco advances industrial transformation through investments in carbon capture technologies and expanding its renewable energy portfolio.
•Etihad Airways enhances fuel efficiency and invests in sustainable aviation fuels to align with the UAE’s decarbonization goals.
•Aldar Properties incorporates sustainability into its project development strategy, achieving high Estidama ratings for efficient urban development.
•Masdar City stands as a model of sustainable urban development, offering a free zone with attractive tax incentives and access for businesses focused on clean energy solutions.
Tamer Elleisi, PwC Middle East transformation management consulting partner, said: “Embedding sustainability at the core of transformation enables businesses to unlock long-term value and strengthen their competitive advantage. In our region, it’s clear that sustainability works best when it’s part of the bigger picture, integrated into the way businesses grow, innovate, and lead.”
The initiatives support an evolving financial landscape. Compared to 2023, 2.5 times more companies in the region now plan to access green loans and bonds, reflecting a broader shift toward sustainable financing models that support national and global environmental priorities.
Despite this momentum, organizations still face critical challenges in embedding sustainability into transformation projects. Findings from last year’s “Sustainability in the Middle East” report show that one in three executives cited a lack of internal skills and sustainability expertise as a significant barrier. Additionally, 22 percent of respondents pointed to the absence of supportive government policies, while 19 percent flagged conflicting regulations across jurisdictions, emphasizing the need for harmonized policy frameworks to enable cross-border progress.
Many businesses also struggle with integrating sustainability goals into broader corporate strategies, managing sustainability-related data effectively, and securing necessary funding for long-term initiatives. To address these barriers, PwC’s approach focuses on three core lenses: strategic, operational, and cultural, designed to embed sustainability into every aspect of transformation at scale.
The strategic lens aligns sustainability with transformation objectives to unlock financial returns and long-term value. The operational lens embeds sustainable practices into day-to-day processes, leveraging AI, data, and circular economy principles to enhance agility and reduce environmental impact. The cultural lens promotes a sustainability-first mindset, driven by leadership commitment, employee upskilling, and organizational change.
Together, these three lenses enable organizations to lead with purpose, ensuring sustainability is not just a parallel track but a central driver of successful, future-ready transformation projects. From ESG-aligned KPIs to sustainable value chains, the report provides a clear framework for businesses to drive impact.
As the region moves toward a low-carbon, inclusive economy, the report underscores the urgency for both private and public sector organizations to transition from ambition to execution, leading with purpose, agility, and impact.
Indian diplomat visits Siafa Dates Company in Jeddah
Indian Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri recently visited Siafa International Dates Manufacturing Company in Jeddah. He was warmly welcomed upon arrival by Fareed Ahmed Memani, chairman, and Mustafa Memani, managing director, at the company’s headquarters.
During the visit, the Indian Consul General held a productive meeting with Fareed and Mustafa, where the discussion centered around Siafa’s wide range of date varieties, which are sold both locally and internationally. The company’s strategic vision is to position itself as a key leader in the dates industry, aiming to elevate dates from a simple agricultural product into a significant asset for investment, tourism, and economic development.
Suri encouraged the senior management team to explore further investment opportunities, particularly in India, and discussed potential trade and investment collaborations.
Following the meeting, Mustafa gave Suri an in-depth tour of Siafa’s state-of-the-art dates processing plants. He provided a detailed overview of the entire manufacturing process, from the initial stages of farming to the final packaging.
The Consul General expressed his gratitude to the company’s leadership, acknowledging Siafa’s crucial role in producing various types of dates using the latest technology.
To commemorate the visit, the company’s chairman hosted a dinner banquet in honor of Suri and his delegation. The event was attended by several senior officials and marked an important occasion for both the company and the Consul General’s visit.
The journey of the Memani family began in the early 1970s when the late Ahmed Memani moved to Saudi Arabia as a textile trader.
Today, Siafa continues to establish itself as a powerhouse in the Saudi dates industry, operating three state-of-the-art factories across the Kingdom and cultivating more than 120,000 palm trees. With a strong commitment to quality and tradition, Siafa exports its premium date products to more than 50 countries worldwide, bringing the rich heritage of Saudi dates to international markets.
MBSC hosts record-breaking graduation with 476 students
Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the Kingdom’s world-class business school, has celebrated its largest graduating class to date, marking a significant milestone in its journey to redefine business education in Saudi Arabia. A total of 476 graduates were honored this year across the Executive MBA, Master in Finance, and Master in Management programs — an impressive 44 percent increase from 2024.
The graduating class reflects MBSC’s continued momentum and strategic expansion across the Kingdom. In 2023, the school graduated 102 students; by 2024, that number rose to 330 — and now, 476 in 2025 — demonstrating a strong and sustained growth in demand for MBSC’s programs.
This year’s graduates represent a dynamic mix of professionals from across Saudi Arabia’s key sectors, including finance, government, telecommunications, and energy. The cohort includes a rising number of women leaders, entrepreneurs, and senior executives committed to driving innovation and positive impact in their fields.
MBSC delivers its graduate programs across two locations: King Abdullah Economic City, its home campus, and Riyadh, in partnership with stc Academy. This geographic spread ensures increased accessibility while offering a consistently high standard of experiential, world-class education.
Dr. Zeger Degraeve, dean of MBSC, said: “This record-breaking class of graduates represents more than just numbers — it signals a growing community of empowered, purpose-driven leaders. Our mission is to nurture transformative individuals who will lead with clarity, creativity, and courage. These graduates are well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and we are proud to be part of their journey.”
MBSC’s programs are uniquely designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s business landscape, offering hands-on, practical learning that prepares graduates to lead in complex, fast-moving environments. The school’s rigorous admission process ensures a diverse and high-calibre student body, many of whom hold key roles in both private and public sectors.
“MBSC has given me more than just an education — it gave me clarity in my leadership style and the confidence to make bold decisions,” said Ahmed Alsamaani, an Executive MBA graduate from the class of 2025.
“As a young Saudi woman in finance, this program shaped my voice and gave me the tools to make a meaningful impact in my field,” said Badour Alhejailan, a Master in Finance graduate.
Another student, Abdulrahman Khalid Alabaykan, a Master in Management graduate, added: “Studying at MBSC while continuing my career allowed me to apply what I learned in real time, transforming the way I contribute to my workplace.”
MBSC continues to strengthen its position as a hub for high-impact, future-focused education in the Kingdom. With its pragmatic, entrepreneurial approach to teaching and learning, the college remains committed to developing principled, effective leaders who will play an essential role in achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions.
UAE startup Quiqup enters Saudi logistics market
Quiqup, a UAE-based e-commerce logistics provider, has launched its core fulfillment and delivery services in Saudi Arabia, marking a major milestone in its regional expansion.
This move is backed by the strategic support of the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund, which has played a pivotal role in helping Quiqup expand its operations and double its business in the past two years.
The company’s expansion comes after its notable impact on the UAE’s e-commerce ecosystem and aligns with its strategy to offer integrated logistics solutions to businesses across the GCC.
Founded in the UAE in 2017, Quiqup provides comprehensive logistics services, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises. The company offers storage, sorting, packaging, and delivery services. With its expansion into Saudi Arabia, commercial clients in the Kingdom can now access Quiqup’s reliable and efficient fulfillment services.
Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, acting assistant undersecretary for the support services sector at UAE Ministry of Finance, and the ministry’s representative at MBRIF, said: “Supporting the success of high-potential innovators who contribute to economic growth is one of the core objectives of the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund. Quiqup’s journey exemplifies how strategic support, combined with innovation and market expertise, can drive a company’s growth and create a meaningful economic impact.”
She added: “Over the past few years, we have worked closely with Quiqup through our Guarantee Scheme and have seen the company’s outstanding potential in reshaping the e-commerce logistics sector in the UAE. Its expansion into Saudi Arabia is a testament to its ability to apply its expertise and innovative solutions in new markets. We look forward to supporting its continued growth across the region.”
Bassel El-Koussa, CEO of Quiqup, said: “Our expansion into Saudi Arabia is a natural next step, driven by our customers’ evolving needs.”
With the increasing demand for seamless cross-border logistics solutions, we are proud to extend our services to neighboring markets. We see the GCC as a connected e-commerce ecosystem where operational efficiencies in one market enhance the overall regional performance.”
“By building a robust and integrated platform, we are not only expanding our reach but also contributing to a more efficient and interconnected logistics network. Our strong track record in the UAE serves as a solid foundation for our operations in Saudi Arabia, and we look forward to working with e-commerce businesses in the Kingdom to support their growth and contribute to the local economy,” he added.
Deutsche Bank woos global investors to Saudi Arabia
Deutsche Bank, in strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia under the “Invest Saudi” initiative, hosted the inaugural Deutsche Bank Expert Connections event on April 9-10 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh. This exclusive gathering underscores Deutsche Bank’s commitment to facilitating high-value investment opportunities for its global clients within the Kingdom, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Led by Alexander Wynaendts, chairman of Deutsche Bank’s supervisory board, the two-day event convened 40 global ultra-high-net-worth clients, international investors, policymakers, and business leaders, to explore strategic investment opportunities across key sectors of the Saudi economy and forge impactful partnerships that drive economic diversification and sustainable growth.
Participants engaged in focused discussions and interactive sessions covering critical areas such as clean energy, mining, financial services, technology, tourism, housing, and real estate. Senior representatives from the Ministry of Investment, Public Investment Fund, Capital Market Authority, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Tourism, and Ministry of Communications and Information Technology shared insights aimed at enhancing economic growth, attracting quality investments, and addressing challenges shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s economy.
“As a trusted partner to Saudi Arabia, Deutsche Bank is dedicated to supporting Vision 2030 through strategic, long-term partnerships that contribute to Saudi Arabia’s ongoing economic transformation and resilience,” a statement said. “With a strong focus on wealth management, Deutsche Bank aims to connect global ultra-high-net-worth clients and family offices with the Kingdom’s rapidly growing investment landscape, providing tailored advisory services and unlocking new opportunities for growth.”
Jamal Al-Kishi, CEO for Middle East and Africa at Deutsche Bank, said: “Saudi Arabia is pursuing a uniquely ambitious program for social and economic development and diversification. We at Deutsche Bank are proud to support Vision 2030 by connecting our global clients with some of the most promising opportunities in the Kingdom. This forum reflects our long-term commitment and dedication to partnering with Saudi Arabia on its journey toward enduring economic growth. We are truly grateful for the tremendous support provided by the Ministry of Investment at all levels, without which we wouldn’t have been able to conduct this important event”
Celebrating its 20 years of local presence in the Kingdom next year, Deutsche Bank looks forward to deepening its collaboration with Saudi stakeholders, empowering its clients to actively participate in one of the world’s most attractive and dynamic investment destinations.
