On location: Discovering a clear North Star in the Kingdom where opportunities flourish

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23 January

“Our vision is crystal-clear. We are determined to transform and promote Saudi airports by leading the privatisation of a new sustainable and thriving industry. We are committed with the steady development of all our assets. And we are the place where opportunities flourish.” – Matarat Holding

If anything, ‘Where opportunities flourish’ is an understatement when it comes to Saudi Arabia’s aviation and travel retail sectors. All across the vast Kingdom those opportunities are ripening as bountifully as dates harvested from the Kingdom’s estimated 33 million palm trees.

My Saudi sojourn continues in captivating fashion. After a late Tuesday afternoon flight from Abha International Airport in Aseer province I arrived at King Khalid International Airport (KKIA), gateway to Riyadh – my third visit to the Kingdom’s capital in recent years.

Time for take-off with Saudia at Abha International Airport

Arriving passengers at the domestic Terminal 5 are greeted by an extensive shopping offer from Skysales, the retail arm of Saudi Airlines Catering Company, part of a wide-ranging commercial offer at KKIA that is evolving at bullet train speed.

Arriving passengers have an extensive shopping opportunity at King Khalid International Airport before they get to the baggage belts

I will view the rest of the KKIA retail and food & beverage offer both as a visitor and a passenger tomorrow. But first came a day with management from Matarat Holding, the powerful Saudi company that manages 27 airports nationwide.

I was privileged to meet Matarat CEO Raed Al-Idrissi, who assumed the role last September following a stellar four-year stint as CEO of Saudi Ground Services, and Matarat Acting Senior Vice President of Commercial and Vice President of Privatization Rudy Vercelli, a talented executive I have known for many years, including during his stints as CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports Company and Mumbai International Airport.

Matarat Holding CEO Raed Al-Idrissi is a dynamic and seasoned leader. He says the country’s National Aviation Strategy has given all sector stakeholders “a clear North Star, where everyone is heading towards one direction”.
“This is a fast-moving train and it’s not stopping,” says Rudy Vercelli of the transformation taking place within the Kingdom’s aviation sector

You can read my interviews with both executives in coming weeks. I can promise you they offer candid, fascinating and illuminating takes on how Matarat views the aviation market’s huge potential.

At one memorable point in my interview with CEO Al-Idrissi, his gaze was averted as he glanced out his office window overlooking the airfield. Excitedly he gestured: “Martin, you may want to take a look, this is Riyadh Air – the white and purple aircraft.”

Indeed in the far distance, a Riyadh Air jet, a manifestation of Saudi Arabia’s deep aviation ambitions, was taxiing along the runway, having just completed a test flight. The new carrier, which will be based out of KKIA, is expected to launch in Q3 this year.

“So in talking of change and transformation, it is happening in front of your eyes,” said Al-Idrissi with a broad smile. As if that was not evidence enough, he again pointed out the window.

“Speaking of that change, if you see that big sandy plot in front of you, this is where Terminal Six of King Salman International Airport [Riyadh’s under-development new mega-gateway, which is expected to accommodate up to 185 million passengers and process 3.5 million tonnes of cargo by 2050 -Ed] will be built. So again, this is history.”

A suitably themed aviation backdrop for this picture with Matarat Holding executives Non-Aero Enablement and Analytics Director – Commercial Piotr Chodakowski (left); GM Non-Aero Marcus Spahn (second right) and Non Aero Business Development Director Saltan Alsatan (right)

Al-Idrissi embraces the fact he and his team are helping to shape a new and exciting era for the airport sector. “What’s happening in aviation in Saudi Arabia is magnificent, and something that we all want to be part of and contribute to,” he said.

“I’m confident that we will be achieving a lot and contributing as a company to the ecosystem in a much greater form as we go forward.”

Matarat Holding, Riyadh Air and King Salman International Airport represent a very modern Saudi Arabia but the government’s far-sighted Vision 2030 masterplan also takes great pains to emphasise, nurture and sometimes regenerate the Kingdom’s past.

This evening in the good company of Matarat and Diriyah Company management I toured and dined at Diriyah, surely one of the world’s most wondrous tourism attractions.

What a backdrop as we begin our tour of this magnificently restored site

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, the historic At-Turaif city overlooks the Wadi Hanifah and the opulent Diriyah oasis. Built from traditional Najdi mudbrick, this imposing citadel became the heart of the Emirate of Diriyah, the first Saudi State (1727-1818), laying the groundwork for what would ultimately become the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

A stunning laser show brought Saudi Arabia’s long and often tumultuous history to life 

We were led on an insightful tour of the facility by Alhanouf, a young and intelligent woman in her first job since qualifying in travel and tourism studies at a local university.

Tour guide extraordinaire Alhanouf represents the face of modern Saudi women while being deeply proud of the country’s heritage

Smart, trendy, articulate, confident, Alhanouf is typical of an emboldened young Saudi female generation. She told me of her pride and excitement both about her job and the mood within the country.

The accelerating empowerment of women in the Kingdom over recent years is encouraging and illuminating, typifying both the rate and acceptance of social change being driven by Prime Minister and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, widely known as MBS.

Diriyah is just one of many magnificent examples of how Vision 2030 is protecting and preserving historic sites across the Kingdom. It combines traditional Najdi architectural styles with a contemporary urbanism manifested in an array of chic restaurants, mixed-use retail and lifestyle attractions.

Bujairi Terrace offers an array of premium dining experiences featuring exceptional views over the Kingdom’s most important cultural icon, At-Turaif

The US$62.2 billion (yes, you read that right) giga-project being developed by the Public Investment Fund is simultaneously a celebration of the Kingdom’s rich heritage and culture; a breathtaking statement of ambition; and a role model of water conservation, energy efficiency and wellness. A must-visit experience on your next trip to Riyadh. ✈

Earlier on The Moodie Blog from Saudi Arabia (Click on the images to read)

 

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