Business

Airbus forecasts requirement for 4,080 new passenger aircraft deliveries in Middle East in next 20 years

– Airbus has unveiled its Global Market Forecast 2025 for the region, spotlighting the Middle East as one of the fastest-growing aviation regions over the next two decades.

The forecast reveals that the region’s in-service fleet will surge from 1,480 aircraft in 2024 to 3,700 by 2044. Airbus forecasts a requirement for 4,080 new passenger aircraft deliveries in the Middle East in the next 20 years comprising 2,380 single-aisle and 1,700 widebody jets.

Widebody aircraft will represent 42% of total demand – the highest share globally and more than double the world average of 20%. This positions the Middle East as the leading driver of global widebody growth, fuelled by its strategic geographic location as the geographic centre of gravity for worldwide air traffic growth continues to move eastwards.

Passenger traffic in the region is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 4.4%, supported by robust economic development, tourism, and trade. The population is projected to increase by 240 million over the same period, further amplifying demand for air travel.

“The Middle East is transforming global aviation, and the forecast fleet expansion is truly significant, particularly when it comes to widebodies. This region is becoming the long-haul hub now and into the future. Airbus is proud to be partnering closely with customers in the region, delivering the most efficient, latest-generation aircraft, end-to-end support, and sustainable solutions,” said Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus in Africa and Middle East region.

As the aviation network and traffic continues to develop in the Middle Eastern region, Airbus forecasts a need for more than 265,000 people to be employed in the sector in the next 20 years including 69,000 new pilots, nearly 64,000 new technicians and 132,000 Cabin Crew.

The regional commercial aviation services market as a whole is valued at some US$30bn over the next 20 years. The services growth will be principally in maintaining aircraft availability, training, flight operations and Air Traffic Management solutions, cabin upgrades and connectivity

Business

Two major parks planned in Riyadh

Authorities in the Saudi capital have unveiled plans to develop two expansive public parks covering more than 310,000 square metres as part of a broader push to increase green spaces across the city.

The Riyadh Region Municipality confirmed on Wednesday that the new developments will be situated in the eastern and southern districts of the capital. The project is designed to transform the city’s urban landscape, shifting away from traditional park layouts toward integrated “urban destinations” that cater to both recreation and environmental sustainability.

Central to the design is a scenic valley that will serve as a functional and visual anchor for both sites. According to municipal officials, the parks are intended to bolster the city’s “urban fabric” by providing high-quality public areas that align with the quality-of-life goals set out in the Saudi Vision 2030 framework.

The facilities planned for the 317,200-square-metre footprint are extensive. Beyond standard greenery, the sites will feature a golf course, multi-purpose sports fields, and dedicated jogging tracks. Families will have access to children’s play areas and water features, while the inclusion of a theatre and designated event spaces suggests the parks will double as cultural hubs for the local community.

“These parks represent high-quality developments aimed at expanding public spaces across the capital,” the municipality said in a statement. The announcement noted that the projects would also include a range of commercial amenities, including restaurants and cafés, to ensure the parks remain active throughout the day.

This latest initiative follows a series of large-scale environmental projects in the Kingdom, where officials are increasingly prioritising “livability” as Riyadh undergoes population and infrastructure expansion. The municipality highlighted that the design focuses on “environmental sensitivity,” incorporating innovative greening techniques to manage the arid climate while maintaining sustainable water use.

Business

Prince William to Official Visit Saudi Arabia in February

Britain’s Prince William is set to visit Saudi Arabia for the first time in an official capacity, Kensington Palace announced on Wednesday. The trip is scheduled from February 9 to 11, 2026.

Strengthening Ties Between the UK and Saudi Arabia

According to Kensington Palace, the visit comes as the UK and Saudi Arabia mark growing trade, energy, and investment partnerships. It also coincides with celebrations of nearly a century of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

A First for the Duke

This will be Prince William’s first official trip to Saudi Arabia, highlighting the importance of the country in the UK’s international relations and economic strategy.

What to Expect

While details of the itinerary haven’t been fully released, the visit is expected to include meetings with Saudi officials and discussions on trade, investment, and energy collaboration.

The visit signals a continued focus on strengthening ties between London and Riyadh, while marking a historic moment in Prince William’s international engagements.

Business

Japan tourist arrivals hit record 42.7 million in 2025

Tourists to Japan hit a record 42.7 million in 2025, exceeding 40 million for the first time, Japan’s Tourism Minister, Yasushi Kaneko, told a press conference.

Total spending by inbound tourists reached 9.5 trillion yen ($60 billion) over the year, also ‌a record high.

WAM