April 17, 2025
Saudi Arabia: Saudia’s Role in a Rising Business Hub

Saudi Arabia: Saudia’s Role in a Rising Business Hub

As Saudi Arabia continues its rise as a global business hub, we take a look at national flag carrier Saudia's role in supporting business travel.
A Saudia aircraft in flight.
Photo Credit: Saudia

Saudi Arabia is rapidly transforming into a pivotal global business hub, driven by strategic investments in infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and a burgeoning tourism sector.

This dynamic shift is attracting significant international investment, positioning the Kingdom as a key player in the global economy. Its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa provides unparalleled trade opportunities.

Progressive business-friendly reforms, including streamlined regulations and attractive foreign investment incentives, further enhance its appeal. As we approach 2025, Saudi Arabia’s prominence as a leading business destination is set to reach new heights.

The full opening of the Red Sea International Airport will dramatically improve connectivity. In addition, the ambitious NEOM project will continue to capture global attention.

As Saudi cities gain increasing influence on the world stage, more airlines are expanding their routes to the Kingdom. Saudia, the national flag carrier, stands out with its unique and compelling offerings.

The Rise of Saudia


Established in 1945, Saudia has evolved into one of the Middle East’s largest and most reputable airlines. It boasts a vast network of over 100 destinations from its primary hub in Jeddah.

Renowned for its commitment to innovation and a customer-centric approach, Saudia offers a premium travel experience, particularly for business travelers.

Global Connectivity

Saudia operates an impressive schedule of over 530 daily flights, connecting more than 100 destinations across four continents. In 2024, the airline strategically expanded its network, introducing new routes to popular destinations like Phuket, Thailand.

Furthermore, Saudia has solidified its reach through strategic codeshare partnerships with leading carriers. These notably include AEGEAN Airlines, Kenya Airways, Virgin Atlantic, ITA Airways, and Delta Airlines.

Render of Saudia and Delta Air Lines tailplanes together.
Image Credit: Saudia

These collaborations significantly enhance access to major economic centers, including New York, Los Angeles, and Paris.

In addition to these partnerships, Saudia offers direct flights to the world’s leading business hubs. This includes London, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Frankfurt, ensuring seamless travel for business professionals.

The innovative Saudia visa program allows guests to conveniently book their journeys digitally and enjoy a stopover in the Kingdom for up to 96 hours before continuing to their final destination, enriching their travel experience.

First-Rate Business Class Cabins

Saudia’s Business Class is meticulously designed to cater to the needs of discerning business travelers, providing a comfortable and productive environment.

The spacious seats, featuring generous recline and legroom, adjustable headrests, and ergonomic design, offer enhanced comfort and support, particularly on long-haul flights.

Key features include fully flat beds, 17-inch HD screens for in-flight entertainment, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Looking ahead, Saudia will introduce a new Business Class suite on its upcoming Airbus A321 XLR aircraft, expected to arrive in 2026. This suite will offer enhanced privacy with a rear shield and a sliding door, along with an 18-inch IFE screen.

Moreover, a comprehensive seat retrofit program is planned for Saudia’s existing Airbus A330 and Boeing 777 fleet, commencing in late 2025 and concluding by late 2027.

This program will ensure that all Business Class cabins across Saudia’s wide-body fleet consist of private suites, elevating the travel experience for every guest.

AI-Driven Solutions

Embracing the digital age, Saudia has launched its groundbreaking digital platform, the Travel Companion, powered by advanced artificial intelligence.

This innovative service provides personalized and tailored solutions to meet individual preferences and needs. It delivers search results from trusted and authenticated sources and utilizing image-supported responses.

By consolidating essential concierge services, including hotel reservations, transportation, dining, and activities, into a single, intuitive platform, Saudia streamlines the entire travel process.

Industry forecasts indicate that AI-driven enhancements will be a leading trend in 2025, positioning Saudia as a pioneer in the digital transformation of the aviation industry.

Efficient and Timely Travel

Saudia prides itself on providing efficient and timely travel, achieving the top global ranking for departure on-time performance (OTP) in 2024. It boasted a punctuality rate of 88.82%, according to the independent aviation tracking site Cirium.

The airline also secured second place in global arrival on-time performance, with a rate of 86.35%. With a consistent and proven track record of punctuality, Saudia offers a reliable and efficient travel experience for passengers.

Dining: A Taste of Saudi Culture

Saudia immerses guests in the rich tapestry of Saudi culture throughout their journey, showcasing the essence of the Kingdom’s heritage.

Through an extraordinary culinary experience, passengers are invited to explore the history of Saudi cuisine, with time-honored dishes that reflect the country’s identity.

These include Kabsa, a spiced rice creation with succulent chicken or tender lamb, and Jareesh, a traditional cracked wheat delicacy. Coffee, a symbol of Saudi hospitality, is served with warm aromas of cardamom, saffron, and cloves.

Adding a distinctive touch to in-flight dining, Saudia’s renowned In-Flight Chefs ensure that Business Class guests receive a restaurant-quality experience.

These skilled culinary professionals oversee meal preparation and presentation, offering personalized service and the flexibility to tailor dishes to individual preferences.

Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly newsleter.

Click the photo to join our WhatsApp channel so then you can stay up to date with everything going on in the aviation industry!

Facebook
Twitter (X)
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Reddit
WhatsApp
Email
Threads

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *