Local News
Saudi Aircraft Village: The Future of Aviation Maintenance and Vision 2030
Discover the Saudi Aircraft Village project and its role in localizing aviation maintenance (MRO) and boosting the national economy within Vision 2030, and creating thousands of technical jobs for Saudi youth.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its ambitious journey to reshape and diversify its national economy, with the aviation sector emerging as a key driver of these major transformations. At the heart of this movement stands the "Aircraft Village" project, a testament to the qualitative leap the region's air transport industry is undergoing, transcending traditional maintenance concepts to become a fully integrated industrial system that enhances the Kingdom's technological sovereignty.
Historical context and strategic geographical location
The Kingdom's interest in the aviation sector is not a recent development, but rather extends back decades to the establishment of Saudi Arabian Airlines. However, the launch of Vision 2030 has reshaped this interest, transforming it from simply operating flights to a comprehensive industry that leverages the Kingdom's unique geographical location connecting three continents (Asia, Africa, and Europe). This strategic location makes Saudi Arabia an ideal transit point for global air traffic, giving the aircraft village project a natural competitive advantage not available to many other global hubs.
A revolution in the maintenance and repair (MRO) sector
The "Aircraft Village" project is a cornerstone in the localization of the aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector in the Middle East. This initiative is spearheaded by major national companies such as Saudia Aerospace Engineering (Saudia Technic), with the aim of establishing the largest maintenance center in the region, spanning millions of square meters. The project goes beyond traditional hangars, encompassing advanced workshops for the maintenance of jet engines, aircraft wings, and precision electronic systems, ensuring comprehensive solutions that eliminate the need for national and international carriers to send their aircraft to maintenance centers in Europe or East Asia.
National economic and strategic dimensions of aviation
This project is perfectly aligned with the objectives of the National Aviation Strategy launched by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, which aims to reach 330 million passengers annually and connect the Kingdom to more than 250 international destinations by 2030. In order to achieve these record numbers, and to meet the needs of the growing fleets of Saudi Airlines and the new carrier “Riyadh Airlines”, the existence of a local maintenance infrastructure has become an urgent necessity to ensure the continuity of operations and reduce operating costs, as well as to preserve hard currency within the national economy.
Localizing knowledge and building human capabilities
On a social level, the impact of the "Aircraft Village" extends beyond the material to encompass human capital development. The project aims to create thousands of high-quality job opportunities for young Saudis in the fields of mechanical engineering, electronics, and aviation technology. This is achieved through strategic partnerships with leading global manufacturers to transfer knowledge and localize technology, thereby increasing the percentage of local content and building a generation of national talent capable of leading this vital sector.
A promising future and regional leadership
In conclusion, these steps position the Kingdom at the forefront of the regional landscape, rivaling the world's most established aviation hubs. The integration of the aircraft village with other mega-projects such as King Salman International Airport underscores the Kingdom's firm resolve to become the region's premier logistics center and an indispensable hub on the global aviation map for decades to come.
Local News
Media regulation: 1,400 licenses issued and 15 series approved in January
The General Authority for Media Regulation’s report for January 2026 reveals the approval of 15 series and the issuance of 1,400 licenses, reflecting the growth of the media sector in Saudi Arabia and the development of its regulatory environment.
The General Authority for Media Regulation in Saudi Arabia announced remarkable figures in its periodic report for January 2026, revealing significant activity in the local media landscape. The report included the approval of over 1,800 books and publications and the issuance of more than 1,400 new media licenses, a strong indicator of the accelerating growth in the creative and media industries and the Authority's ongoing efforts to raise compliance levels and regulate the market in a way that serves both investors and consumers.
Figure details: Variety in content and methods
The detailed data in the report showed significant activity across various clearance and licensing tracks, with achievements including:
- Visual and audio content: 15 television series and more than 165 films were cleared, reflecting the recovery of the film and drama production market.
- Electronic games: More than 90 electronic games have been approved, in line with the growing interest in the gaming and electronic sports sector in the Kingdom.
- Devices and publications: More than 157,000 media devices were monitored and cleared, in addition to the approval of more than 1,800 books and publications.
In terms of regulatory empowerment, the Authority issued more than 1,400 media licenses for various activities during the same month, and granted more than 895 “trusted” licenses to individuals, which are licenses that regulate advertising on social media platforms. Efforts also included issuing more than 660 professional registrations and granting over 90 no-objection certificates, thus streamlining procedures for practitioners and companies.
The context of media transformation and Vision 2030
These rising figures come amidst the significant transformation underway in Saudi Arabia's media sector, driven by the goals of Vision 2030. Since its restructuring and expanded mandate, the Media Regulatory Authority has been working to create an attractive investment environment characterized by transparency and clarity. These efforts aim to position the Kingdom as a leading regional hub for media production, broadcasting, and digital content creation by streamlining procedures and reducing bureaucracy for both local and international media professionals and companies.
Economic and regulatory impact
This report carries significant economic implications. The increase in the number of licenses and permits issued for devices and content indicates rising demand in the Saudi market, which is the largest in the region in terms of media consumption. Furthermore, the focus on the "trusted" license reflects the Authority's commitment to regulating the digital advertising market and protecting consumers from misleading content, while also safeguarding the rights of advertisers and influencers. Moreover, the approval of this volume of series and films supports the entertainment and film sector, which has become a vital contributor to the non-oil economy, and helps create new jobs for young Saudis in the fields of arts, technology, and media management.
The General Authority for Media Regulation’s continued issuance of these monthly reports reinforces the principle of transparency and provides investors and observers with accurate indicators of the sector’s health and growth, which bodes well for further development and prosperity of the Saudi media landscape in the near future.
Local News
The death penalty was carried out against a citizen in Riyadh for poisoning his father and two sisters
The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced the execution of Mohammed Al-Otaibi, convicted of murdering his father and two sisters by poisoning their water in Riyadh. Details of the crime and the sentence are available.

The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced on Tuesday the execution of a perpetrator in Riyadh for a horrific crime that shook society, in which he treacherously killed his father and two sisters using poison.
Details of the heinous crime
According to the Ministry's statement, citizen Mohammed bin Shaleh bin Jari Al-Ghabawi Al-Otaibi murdered his father and two sisters (Amina and Maha – both Saudi nationals) using a treacherous and cowardly method. He poisoned their drinking water, causing their deaths. This crime is classified as "premeditated murder" because the perpetrator exploited the victims' trust and security within their home.
The judicial process and the legal ruling
Thanks to God and the efforts of the security forces, the perpetrator was apprehended in record time. Intensive investigations led to his indictment for the crime. Upon his referral to the competent court, a ruling was issued confirming the charges against him. Because the crime was committed in a manner that ensured the victims felt safe from the perpetrator's treachery, he was sentenced to death for treachery, a punishment that cannot be pardoned in Islamic law as it is a right of God and of society to deter treachery and betrayal.
The ruling went through all levels of litigation approved in the Saudi judicial system, as the Court of Appeal upheld the ruling, then the Supreme Court ratified it, and a royal decree was issued after that to enforce what was decided according to Sharia, and the ruling was implemented today in the Riyadh region.
The state's resolve in implementing justice
This incident reaffirms the efficiency of the security and judicial system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and its unwavering commitment to maintaining security and achieving justice. The verdict demonstrates the firm stance taken in dealing with crimes against human life, especially those involving treachery and the violation of kinship ties.
The Ministry of Interior concluded its statement by emphasizing the keenness of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to protect the security of citizens and residents, and to implement the provisions of Islamic Sharia against anyone who attacks the innocent and sheds their blood, while warning anyone who dares to commit such criminal acts that the deterrent Sharia punishment will be his inevitable fate.
Local News
The Ministry of Interior signs 5 contracts at the World Defence Exhibition 2026 to enhance security
As part of the World Defence Exhibition 2026, the Ministry of Interior signed 5 contracts with local and international companies to enhance border security, civil defense capabilities and localize military industries.
In a strategic move aimed at strengthening the security system of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Interior signed five significant agreements today with leading local and international companies. This took place during the World Defence Exhibition 2026, hosted by Riyadh from February 8 to 12, a leading global platform showcasing the latest security and defense technologies.
Promoting localization and the Kingdom's Vision 2030
These agreements come within the framework of the Ministry of Interior's commitment to achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, specifically regarding the localization of military and security industries. The Kingdom seeks to increase the percentage of local content in this vital sector, which contributes to strengthening strategic independence, building sustainable national capabilities, creating new job opportunities, and transferring advanced technology to Saudi talent.
A qualitative leap in border security
In the details of the contracts signed on behalf of the General Directorate of Border Guards, represented by the Director General of Border Guards, Major General Shaye bin Salem Al-Wadaani, an agreement was concluded with Advanced Electronics Company for the operation and maintenance of the Northern Border Security System. This step is of paramount importance in light of regional security challenges, as the project aims to ensure the sustainability of the technological systems, reduce response times to alerts, and curb infiltration and smuggling operations.
The agreements also included a contract with Najm Alpha Air Services Limited to provide logistical and field support for border guard operations, and another contract with Advanced Support Company Limited. These partnerships aim to combat transnational crime and protect vital land and sea facilities, reflecting the Ministry's approach of adopting integrated security solutions that combine human expertise with modern technology.
Developing civil defense capabilities
On another front, the Ministry has given considerable attention to developing the Civil Defense sector. Assistant Director General of Civil Defense for Operations, Major General Abdullah bin Othman Al-Qarni, signed two important contracts with the Italian company "Bi" and the global company "Rosenbauer." These contracts focus on supplying and upgrading firefighting and rescue equipment designed for rugged terrain and difficult conditions.
This modern equipment is expected to contribute to raising the efficiency of response to natural disasters and fires, which enhances the protection of lives and property, and preserves the environment and natural resources of the Kingdom, which is in line with international standards for safety and civil protection.
In conclusion, these five contracts confirm the Ministry of Interior’s continued commitment to raising the operational readiness of all its sectors and ensuring the sustainability of security and safety throughout the Kingdom, benefiting from the latest global technologies at the World Defence Exhibition.
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