JEDDAH: Prince Sultan International Airport in Tabuk is playing a key role in Saudi Arabia’s transportation expansion, with a 25 percent increase in flight operations.

This surge highlights the region’s alignment with Vision 2030, focusing on enhanced logistics, connectivity, and sustainability.

During a recent visit to the region, Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser affirmed that Tabuk is experiencing substantial growth, which supports the broader objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.

The minister emphasized that the rise in airport operations  — including both the number of flights and the diversity of domestic and international routes — signals further development in the coming years.

Launched in 2021, Saudi Arabia’s transport and logistics strategy aims to transform the country into a global logistics hub connecting three continents.

The strategy seeks to elevate all transport services and is a central element of Vision 2030. The plan includes an investment of over $266.7 billion by 2030, with $53.3 billion already deployed.

Al-Jasser also highlighted the region’s advanced road infrastructure, built to international standards, which is designed to accommodate the growing population and economic activity while ensuring safety and efficiency for travelers.

Noting the significant progress in Tabuk’s transport sector, the minister expressed his gratitude to the Kingdom’s leadership for its ongoing commitment to improving services across all sectors, particularly in transportation.

He emphasized that these initiatives not only address current demands but are also geared towards future goals, particularly in enhancing supply chain efficiency and supporting both domestic and international logistics networks.

The minister further underscored the importance of environmental sustainability in transportation, advocating for eco-friendly solutions and the integration of cutting-edge technologies into transport operations.

Al-Jasser also acknowledged the leadership of Tabuk Gov. Prince Fahd bin Sultan, praising his steadfast support for the region’s development projects and his role in enhancing transport services for residents and visitors alike.

He commended the strong partnership between regional authorities and the Ministry of Transport, which has been instrumental in achieving shared goals.

During his visit, the minister held discussions with members of the Tabuk Chamber of Commerce, exploring opportunities for further collaboration with the private sector to advance the goals of the NTLS. He also met with local residents to hear their insights, suggestions, and priorities regarding the region’s transport and logistics infrastructure.

RIYADH: Eyewa, a Riyadh-based eyewear retailer, secured $100 million in a series C funding round led by General Atlantic, with participation from Badwa Capital and Turmeric Capital. 

The funding will fuel eyewa’s ambitions to expand its regional footprint, enhance its supply chain, and drive innovation in the eyewear sector. 

The company plans to open at least 100 new stores in 2025, adding to its existing network of over 150 locations across the Gulf Cooperation Council region, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. 

“We are proud of and feel even more emboldened by the remarkable trust placed in us by top global and regional investors,” said Anass Boumediene, co-founder and co-CEO of eyewa.  

“In a sector that had not seen much disruption in the past decade, our success in this funding round reflects not only the strength of our business model, but also the spirit of innovation across the region’s startups as we continue to dream big and break new ground in our respective industries,” he added. 

The capital will also support investments in research and development and talent acquisition as eyewa strengthens its position as a leader in the eyewear market, the company said in a press release. 

As part of its growth strategy, eyewa plans to establish a “state-of-the-art” production hub in Riyadh in the first quarter of 2025. 

The facility will include a warehouse, a fulfillment center, and a lens manufacturing unit, designed to improve the efficiency and speed of product delivery. 

Owned and operated by eyewa, the center will provide a supply chain advantage that aligns with the company’s goal of delivering affordable and accessible eyewear to customers across the region. 

Co-founder and co-CEO Mehdi Oudghiri emphasized the company’s customer-centric approach: “This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work of our team, our strong track record as an omnichannel retailer, and our commitment to challenging convention.” 

“The additional capital will allow us to pursue the development of innovative products tailored to our customers, and continue pushing the boundaries of customer experience in our region,” Oudghiri added. 

Based in both Riyadh and Dubai, eyewa was founded in 2017 and has grown into a prominent omnichannel retailer, combining e-commerce with physical stores to cater to rising consumer demand. The company also runs The Optical Club, a brand focused on providing accessible and affordable eyewear options. 

“As part of our mission to make eyewear accessible to everyone, everywhere, we will leverage the support of our new partners and continue our retail expansion to all corners of the GCC,” said Abdullah Al-Rugaib, co-founder and managing director of eyewa. 

He added that their extensive network and premier app, along with a tech-enabled supply chain, make eyewa the preferred retail platform for customers across the region. 

Ziyad Baeshen, vice president at General Atlantic and a board member at eyewa, said: “The company’s impressive growth trajectory thus far is a testament to the vision of the leadership team and consumer appetite for authentic, direct-to-consumer brands in the Middle East.” 

Additional investor support came from Badwa Capital and Turmeric Capital, both of whom lauded eyewa’s leadership and vision.  

“Since first investing in eyewa, we have been impressed by the team’s clear vision and strong execution capabilities,” said Abdulaziz Al-Falih, partner at Badwa and board member at eyewa.  

Fabio Andreottola, partner at Turmeric Capital, added: “eyewa represents the very essence of innovation and ambition in the Middle East’s retail landscape. As a business that has continually pushed boundaries in eyewear, we are proud to support eyewa’s team in this pivotal growth phase.”