On January 26, 2025, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) concluded its successful participation in the "Saudi House" initiative pavilion during the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025, held in Davos, Switzerland, from January 20 to 24. Organized by the Ministry of Economy and Planning, the initiative featured contributions from several key government agencies, with GACA showcasing the Kingdom’s strides in aviation and its ambitious plans for the future.
The GACA pavilion attracted high-profile visitors, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who explored the latest advancements in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. Their engagement underscored the growing global interest in the investment opportunities within Saudi Arabia’s air transport industry, reflecting the Kingdom’s rising importance in global aviation.
During its time at the forum, GACA hosted two high-level discussion sessions that focused on investment opportunities, incentives, and the role of aviation as a critical pillar in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. The sessions highlighted the significant progress of the Kingdom's aviation strategy, showcasing its transformation on the global stage and the unprecedented opportunities available in the sector. GACA outlined its plans to attract investments exceeding $100 billion, which include comprehensive projects spanning airports, airlines, ground services, shipping, and logistics.
Among the key figures in these ambitious plans are over $50 billion allocated for airport development, approximately $40 billion earmarked for the purchase of new aircraft, and $10 billion designated for other strategic projects. A notable highlight is the $5 billion investment to establish special logistics zones around the primary airports in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. These initiatives reflect Saudi Arabia's commitment to positioning itself as a global leader in aviation and logistics, further aligning with the nation’s Vision 2030 goals to diversify its economy and enhance its infrastructure.