The Saudi General Aviation Airshow, known as “Sand and Fun 2024”, kicked off Tuesday, with the presence of Special Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Founder and Chairman of the Saudi Aviation Club Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, and President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej (photo).

The event is taking place from November 19 to 23 at Al-Thumama Airport in King Khalid Royal Reserve in Riyadh. The expo coincides with the Kingdom’s hosting of the General Assembly of the International Air Sports Federation (FAI) Conference, which brings together over 160 participants from 90 countries for discussions on the future of the general aviation sector.

The Airshow kicked off with aerobatic displays by the Saudi Hawks team and other international teams, the opening of an accompanying exhibition on aviation technologies and programs, as well as panel discussions and specialized workshops, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The Saudi Aviation Club and Red Sea Aviation Services signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Wednesday under which the company will exclusively provide ground services at the Saudi Aviation Club airports.

This year’s airshow features the “Sky Ventures” airshow with the participation of more than 15 international teams specializing in aerobatic displays, alongside the Saudi Hawks team and the Phoenix Paramotors Display Team from Poland. The aircraft exhibition, “Static Display,” is showcasing a modern collection of military and civilian aircraft.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is participating as a Strategic Sponsor in the sixth edition of the Airshow.

GACA’s participation reaffirms its strategic role in supporting the general aviation sector and highlights its efforts in leading the transformation of the aviation industry to enhance the Kingdom’s economic growth. It also aims to showcase GACA’s initiatives and programs that align with the objectives of the National Aviation Strategy and Vision 2030, focusing on enhancing cooperation and building strategic partnerships with companies and relevant entities.

These efforts seek to provide safe, sustainable, and efficient air transport solutions within a regulatory framework that adheres to international best practices, ensuring safe and effective operations, GACA said in a statement.

As part of the exhibition, GACA is participating in dialogue sessions to share inspiring stories and insights related to the general aviation sector. The sessions also explore the latest developments in advanced air mobility and general aviation, creating new investment opportunities in large-scale projects within the aviation sector. Highlights include recent developments in air taxi technology in Neom and the success of advanced air mobility initiatives during this year’s Hajj season.

Discussions focus on how modern mobility technologies can be seamlessly integrated into urban environments to enhance logistics services, driving the general aviation sector toward innovative horizons using cutting-edge technologies.

Meantime, the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority’s pavilion aims to raise awareness about environmental protection and the role of natural reserves in sustainable development.

The pavilion highlights projects such as habitat rehabilitation, vegetation development, and wildlife protection, including the reintroduction of native plants and land rehabilitation in both Royal Reserves.

Visitors can explore interactive displays and modern technologies showcasing the Authority’s innovative scientific methods. Stunning images of the reserves and their environmental initiatives enhance the experience, alongside information on environmental protection and ecotourism. These efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives to improve the quality of life and build a sustainable environment.

The 2024 Sand and Fun General Aviation Exhibition is expected to attract around 100,000 visitors, along with the attendance of more than 100 VIPs and industry leaders over the course of its five days.