Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) hosted the seventh meeting of the Directors General of Civil Aviation-Middle East Region today, in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Middle East Office.
Heads and Directors General of Civil Aviation Authorities in the Middle East attended the meeting, alongside regional and international civil aviation organizations.
During the meeting, GACA’s President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej expressed gratitude to the ICAO Middle East Office for its role in developing civil aviation in the region and fostering partnership and communication between countries in this field, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Al-Duailej stated that Riyadh’s hosting of this meeting aims to enhance coordination frameworks and cooperation with all Middle Eastern countries to strengthen the international civil aviation sector. He highlighted the opportunity provided by the meeting to hold discussions and showcase best practices to help develop civil aviation in the Middle East and address the challenges the sector faces.
Al-Duailej added that the meeting enabled the exploration of the best means to enhance cooperation and coordination on advancing the sector in the region and promote regional and international collaboration. He emphasized that the Kingdom has placed importance on the civil aviation sector, as it serves as a fundamental pillar in achieving economic development.
He further noted the sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product and its support for tourism, employment, and other economic and industrial sectors, leading to continuous growth. Additionally, he pointed out that the sector creates direct and indirect job opportunities while supporting all sectors that contribute to enhancing local and international economic returns.
“Recognizing the utmost importance of the aviation sector, the Kingdom has established strategic national systems aimed at developing this sector in complete alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030,” stated Al-Duailej.
“These efforts aim to create a global investment environment in the civil aviation field and shape the future of the Saudi aviation sector to become a leader in the Middle East and the world,” he added.
The meeting discussed various topics related to civil aviation in the Middle East, including global and regional developments, aviation safety, air navigation, aviation security, facilitations, and environmental protection. Participants also discussed the economic development of air transport, strategic planning, and implementation support. Moreover, the meeting addressed issues of mutual concern and explored ways to enhance cooperation and develop projects and initiatives that contribute to achieving common interests.
