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As ��������Ƶ’s private aviation sector experiences unprecedented growth, Flexjet, a leader in private aviation established in 1995, is primed to support the Kingdom’s evolving travel needs. Combining the ultimate private jet experience, sophisticated state-of-the-art fleet and a sustainability-first approach, Flexjet offers services that are lately in high demand among ��������Ƶ’s growing number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

The Kingdom’s private aviation sector, valued at SR4.5 billion ($1.2 billion) in 2023, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.88 percent through 2029. The sector’s expansion reflects rising demand for luxury travel options, driven by an increasing number of affluent tourists and growing disposable wealth.

Flexjet’s operations are built around providing customized travel solutions, making it a natural fit for ��������Ƶ’s elite private aviation clientele. Since its acquisition by Directional Aviation, a leader in the private aviation industry with more than SR13 billion in annual revenue and over 4,000 employees, Flexjet has seen skyrocketing growth, transforming from a respected player in private aviation into a global powerhouse. Under the strategic vision of Directional Aviation, Flexjet placed a record-breaking SR21 billion order for 265 Bombardier jets, followed by a SR5.2 billion order from Embraer in 2019, ensuring it maintains its state-of-the-art fleet. 

These strategic orders allow Flexjet to service its clients in ��������Ƶ with advanced aircraft like the Embraer Praetor 600, which combines long-range capabilities with exceptional cabin comfort, and the Gulfstream G650, renowned for its ability to provide connections between distant destinations.

Flexjet’s global fleet today stands at 300 jets and a large number of helicopters, which are operated by over 1,000 pilots, with more than 100 of those within the region.

Its partnerships with luxury hotels like Dorchester Collections, The Lana, ensure that its clients experience true luxury by offering seamless transitions from air to ground. The Lana epitomizes modern elegance with a five-star rating, complete with 225 refined rooms and suites, world-class dining by renowned chefs, and a serene spa.

Flexjet’s sustainability initiatives are at the forefront of the industry and are naturally aligned with the Kingdom’s vision for a green future. Through a comprehensive program developed with specialist consultancy 4AIR, Flexjet addresses sustainability across all timelines, offsetting 100 percent of carbon emissions for every flight in the short term, promoting sustainable aviation fuel in the medium term and investing significantly in advanced clean aviation technologies for the long term.

“Demand for flights to the GCC region has risen exponentially for Flexjet in the past three years and it’s now not just a question of flying international travelers into the region, but also gaining increasing numbers of clients who are based there — particularly in ��������Ƶ,” said Andrew Collins, CEO of Flexjet. “We are perfectly placed to appeal to the UHNWI community in the GCC with our exceptional fleet capabilities and luxury onboard service, and the region will continue to be a major focus for us in 2025,” he added.

Flexjet’s presence in ��������Ƶ reflects its broader strategy of serving markets where demand for premium private aviation solutions is fast-growing. With a focus on aligning its services with the Kingdom’s ambitious economic goals and connectivity plans, the company is poised to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the private aviation sector within the Kingdom and the broader region.

Al-Masane Al-Kobra Mining Company highlighted the Kingdom’s emerging position as a global mining hub during the Future Minerals Forum 2025 and announced the addition of three new exploration licenses for base and precious metals after winning the seventh round of the mining bids organized by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources.

Underlining the recent operational achievements that demonstrate the sector’s growth potential, Geoffrey Day, chief executive officer of AMAK, said: “��������Ƶ has established itself as one of the most progressive and supportive countries for mining development. The Kingdom’s mineral wealth, estimated at SR9.4 trillion ($2.5 trillion) according to the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, combined with supportive government policies and initiatives, along with infrastructure development projects, creates unprecedented opportunities for international collaboration.”

Strategic growth and operational excellence

AMAK has accomplished several significant milestones that accelerate the Kingdom’s mining sector, in line with the goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030. These include the completion of the Moyeath processing plant within the Al-Masane Mine. The expansion has increased annual ore processing capacity to 1.2 million tonnes, enabling a combined production of 30-40 kt of copper concentrate, 60-80 kt of zinc concentrate, 35-45 koz of gold, and approximately 500 koz of silver.

As part of its 2025 strategic growth plan, AMAK is advancing several key projects. These include the Khutainah Gold Project, and the Nuham Iron Ore Project with more than 7 Mt resources. The company also plans to initiate underground mining operations at the Guyan Gold Mine in 2025, which is expected to reduce gold production costs through higher-grade underground reserves and lower production costs.

Sustainability and national talent

The company’s commitment to sustainable practices includes initiatives to connect its facilities to the national power grid, which will reduce diesel consumption and improve the company’s carbon footprint. AMAK is also expanding its dry tailing storage capacity to accommodate all current and future mineable reserves, supporting both operational growth and environmental sustainability.

In alignment with Vision 2030’s focus on human capital development, AMAK has achieved a 36 percent localization rate in its workforce. The company’s partnership with the Saudi Mining Polytechnic has been instrumental in training Saudi youth for specialized roles in the mining sector. 

Recently, 30 Saudi trainees completed a comprehensive two-year diploma program and are now actively contributing to various operational areas.

“Our growth strategy fully supports the Kingdom’s vision by developing ��������Ƶ’s rich mineral resources while contributing to local economies,” Day said. “The expansion of our operations, combined with our focus on sustainability and national workforce development, demonstrates our commitment to creating long-term value for all stakeholders.”

Transformative potential of mining

Day also highlighted the transformative potential of ��������Ƶ’s mining sector in addressing global mineral supply challenges. “The Kingdom is strategically positioned to become a key supplier of critical minerals essential for the global energy transition. With our expanding operations and focus on innovation, AMAK is well-positioned to support this transformation.”

The company’s strategic approach aligns with ��������Ƶ’s broader ambitions to rank among the top 10 mining countries globally. AMAK’s recent investments in exploration and processing capabilities demonstrate the opportunities available within the Kingdom’s mining sector, which is supported by robust infrastructure development, including ports, modern highway networks, and industrial zones.

“What makes ��������Ƶ particularly attractive for mining investment is the combination of geological wealth, strategic location between Asia, Europe, and Africa, and the introduction of the Mining Investment Law,” Day added. “These factors, coupled with the Kingdom’s commitment to developing the sector, create an unprecedented opportunity for global partnerships.”

AMAK’s participation in FMF 2025, marking its fourth consecutive year at the forum, reflects its ongoing commitment to advancing ��������Ƶ’s mining sector. The company continues to implement advanced technologies, including prospectivity mapping and systems for real-time tracking of metals from mine to smelter, positioning itself at the forefront of mining innovation in the region.