RSI to welcome the First Flight from Abroad on April 18th
On April 18th, the RSI will receive its first international flight from Dubai, operated by flydubai, initiating a new bi-weekly service.
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The Red Sea International Airport (RSI) is set to welcome its first flight from overseas, courtesy of flydubai, marking the commencement of a new bi-weekly route between Dubai and RSI on April 18th.
Since last September, Saudia has maintained a consistent domestic flight schedule to RSI.
John Pagano, the Group CEO of Red Sea Global, shared that RSI, located within a three-hour flight of 250 million people, aims to accommodate 1 million visitors annually when operating at full capacity.
He also noted that the launch of their operations six months ago was just the beginning of their ambition to reach this target, and the introduction of their first flight from outside the country represents another significant milestone in positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading global tourism destination.
Constructed to facilitate convenient access to The Red Sea, RSI now serves as the gateway to two resorts: Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, and St. Regis Red Sea Resort.
The year ahead promises the opening of three additional luxury destinations, including the forthcoming Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, which stands as one of the seven of its kind globally. It will soon be joined by Shebara, boasting a unique collection of overwaters, stainless steel villas, and Desert Rock, a resort cradled by mountains.
Michael White, the Chief Commercial Officer at Red Sea International Airport, highlighted the importance of welcoming international visitors as a critical step forward for RSI, building upon the groundwork established by the first domestic flights last September. White affirmed a dedication to outstanding service for both travelers and airlines, with an eager anticipation of broadening RSI’s network to welcome visitors from around the world to The Red Sea.
Sudhir Sreedharan, flydubai’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Subcontinent, and Africa), highlighted the airline’s role as the first to offer direct flights from the UAE to The Red Sea, aligning with flydubai’s goal to access untapped markets and connect them through Dubai’s aviation hub.
RSI is on a path to becoming the first airport in the Middle East to achieve carbon neutrality. This ambition is supported by the implementation of cutting-edge sustainability practices across its operations, aimed at reducing carbon emissions, optimizing energy use, and enhancing resource and waste management efficiencies. Key sustainability initiatives include prioritizing local materials in the construction phase, powering the facility entirely with renewable energy to meet or exceed LEED Gold Certification requirements, and implementing measures to reduce light pollution in accordance with Dark Sky Guidelines.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
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Saudi Arabia ranked first among countries for the non-oil exports of national origin with BD201 million (22%)
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Bahrain’s non-oil exports of national origin decreased by 6% to BD894 million ($2.37 billion) in Q2 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The top 10 countries accounted for 64% of the total export value.
According to the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) in its Q2 2024 Foreign Trade report, Saudi Arabia was the leading destination for these exports, totaling BD201 million (22%). The US followed with BD75 million (8.4%), and the UAE with BD73 million (8.2%).
Unwrought aluminum alloys were the top exported product in Q2 2024, amounting to BD267 million (30%), followed by agglomerated iron ores and concentrates alloyed at BD159 million (18%) and non-alloyed aluminum wire at BD49 million (5%).
Non-oil re-exports
Non-oil re-exports increased by 4% to reach BD206 million during Q2 2024, compared to BD198 million for same quarter in 2023. The top 10 countries accounted for 86% of the re-exported value. The UAE ranked first with BD58 million (28%) followed by Saudi Arabia with BD39 million (19%) and UK with BD17 million (8%).
As per the report, turbo-jets worth BD65 million (32%) were the top product re-exported from Bahrain, followed by private cars with BD11 million (5%) and four-wheel drive with BD9 million (4%).
The value of non-oil imports has decreased by 4% reaching to BD1.41 billion in Q2 2024 in comparison with BD1.47 billion for same quarter in 2023. The top 10 countries for imports recorded 68% of the total value of imports.
China Bahrain’s biggest importer
China ranked first for imports to Bahrain, with a total of BD191 million (14%), followed by Brazil with BD157 million (11%) and Australia with BD112 million (8%).
Non-agglomerated iron ores and concentrates were the top product imported to Bahrain worth BD200 million (14%), followed by other aluminum oxide with BD101 million (7%) and parts for aircraft engines with BD41 million (3%).
As for the trade balance, which represents the difference between exports and imports, the deficit logged was BD310 million in Q2 2024 compared to BD322 million in Q2 2023.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
