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His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the Public Authority for Civil Aviation, highlighted the critical and central role of young people in advancing civil aviation security. He emphasized that aviation security is not merely about systems and procedures but rather a shared responsibility that integrates modern technologies with innovative vision. This statement was made during his participation in the youth session held as part of the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Security Week 2024. The event, hosted by the Public Authority for Civil Aviation in the Sultanate of Oman, includes the participation of leaders and heads of civil aviation organizations worldwide and continues until December 12. His Excellency explained that ICAO has established precise standards for aviation security. Through initiatives such as "The Next Generation of Aviation Professionals," the organization aims to empower young people via various training programs and professional opportunities. He noted that the younger generation is uniquely capable of integrating advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and big data, to develop more efficient and effective security systems. During the session titled "Empowering Youth... Achieving Gender Balance in Aviation Security," His Excellency underscored the importance of gender balance in the aviation sector. He emphasized that achieving justice and equality not only ensures fairness but also enhances performance and encourages more innovative decision-making. ICAO's "Gender Equality" program, he noted, is designed to empower women and increase their representation in leadership roles, particularly in aviation security. His Excellency concluded by highlighting the significant innovations brought forward by youth in aviation security. Examples include the use of artificial intelligence to improve baggage inspection processes, drones for monitoring airport perimeters, and facial recognition systems to expedite security procedures. He affirmed that incorporating modern technologies to enhance civil aviation security is part of ongoing global efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of security measures in the sector.

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej emphasised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to regional and international initiatives in addressing the security challenges facing the civil aviation sector. He noted that the Saudi aviation system had attained a compliance rate of 94.4% in implementing aviation security standards, a testament to national efforts, as highlighted in the comprehensive aviation security audit report released by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), positioning the Kingdom among the world's foremost nations in this domain. This was articulated in a speech by the GACA president at the ministerial meeting associated with the "ICAO Security Week 2024," which is currently taking place in the Sultanate of Oman from December 9 to 12, 2024. This event is organised in collaboration with the ICAO and involves the participation of leaders and heads of civil aviation organisations and entities globally. Al-Duailej highlighted that the growing security challenges currently confronting the civil aviation sector are marked by complexity and diversity. These include cyber-attacks and the use of drones in actions that threaten security, along with risks stemming from modern technologies, such as cyber-attacks on aviation digital systems. He emphasised that these threats have emerged as a new danger that requires innovative strategies for effective management. He outlined that the Kingdom's initiatives in civil aviation security focus on fundamental principles designed to improve security preparedness and guarantee the sector's safety at all levels. The GACA president highlighted that the Kingdom has focused significantly on cybersecurity given the current technological challenges, having developed specialised programs to safeguard digital systems, booking platforms, and aviation operations. This enhances the sector's capacity to combat cyber-attacks. He also noted that the Kingdom aims to cultivate exceptional human capabilities in this field by launching advanced training programs in collaboration with international organisations to qualify national personnel and improve their preparedness to handle various security scenarios. "The Kingdom has played a crucial role in supporting regional and international initiatives focused on improving security in this essential sector. It has also been actively involved in developing joint security strategies with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to strengthen security coordination among nations, ensuring a prompt and effective response to security challenges," he said. He stated that the Kingdom has played a crucial role in international initiatives spearheaded by the ICAO. It has played a significant role in shaping aviation security policies and executing programs designed to enhance global security standards. This includes hosting the permanent headquarters of the Cooperative Aviation Security Programme – Middle East (ICAO CASP-MID) and supporting the ICAO through the "No Country Left Behind" (NCLB) initiative. At the conclusion of his speech, the GACA president emphasised the significance of strengthening collaboration among all nations to stay updated on the swift advancements in security threat methods and to unite in creating innovative and effective solutions to tackle these challenges.

His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, today honored partners from national air carriers and ground services companies in recognition of their efforts in successfully activating the “Traveler without a Bag” service during the Hajj seasons of 1444 AH and 1445 AH. The ceremony was attended by Raed bin Hassan Al-Idrisi, the CEO of MATARAT Holding, along with senior officials from the transportation, aviation, and airport sectors. In his speech at the ceremony, Al-Duailej expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the participants in the “Traveler without a Bag” service. He highlighted the exceptional efforts that contributed to the service’s success, considering it a significant milestone within the framework of the Saudi Aviation Strategy. This initiative aims to improve the traveler’s experience, streamline their journey in the Kingdom's airports, and reinforce the Kingdom's position as a global hub for civil aviation. The “Traveler Without a Bag” service is an innovative initiative launched by MATARAT Holding, following the establishment of its regulatory framework by the General Authority of Civil Aviation. The service is designed to simplify travel procedures at Saudi airports, improve the overall travel experience in alignment with the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030, reduce waiting times, and minimize the need for travelers to carry light luggage during their journey from their residence to the aircraft. The service achieved remarkable success during the Hajj seasons of 1444 AH and 1445 AH, benefiting over 1.4 million pilgrims from 30 countries worldwide. To further enhance its efficiency, the service will be made mandatory for all pilgrims through the electronic track during the Hajj season of 1446 AH, in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Additionally, efforts are underway with the Guests of God Program to expand the service to include the peak Umrah season of 1447 AH. These initiatives align with ongoing efforts to elevate the experiences of pilgrims and Umrah performers and strengthen the Kingdom's position as a leading global destination for air transport services.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is participating, with a delegation led by its President, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Security Week 2024, hosted by the Omani Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in Muscat from December 9 to 12. The event brings together leaders and heads of civil aviation organizations and authorities worldwide. The GACA’s participation aims to exchange expertise and experiences in civil aviation security and cybersecurity, develop skills and tools to strengthen the foundations of the aviation industry, and enhance safety in air operations and airports. It also seeks to highlight the importance of coordinating responses to emerging threats, particularly cybersecurity-related challenges, and explore solutions and avenues for cooperation to address these challenges while promoting international collaboration to ensure civil aviation security. Meanwhile, the GACA president will participate in the high-level Ministerial Segment and the Youth Session, held as part of the ICAO Security Week 2024. The event focuses on the necessity of unifying international efforts and adopting an integrated approach to address all security challenges related to international civil aviation, including the protection of critical aviation infrastructure and enhancing its resilience against various risks. It also addresses several topics, such as air cargo security, aviation security in conflict zones, and exploring best practices and tools to counter emerging security threats posed by modern digital technologies, drones, and other acts of unlawful interference. ICAO Security Week 2024, hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, is one of this field's most prominent global events. This year marks the first time it has been held outside ICAO headquarters in Montreal, Canada.

Saudi Arabia was elected chair of the Air Navigation Committee of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO) at the recent meeting the committee held at the organization's headquarters in Rabat, Morocco. This achievement underlines the Kingdom’s regional and international status in civil aviation; it follows its election as chair of ACAO Executive Council and membership in its committees. It further boosts Saudi Arabia’s leading role in ensuring air navigation safety and underscores its active contribution to specialized international civil aviation organizations. On this occasion, Executive Vice President of Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability at the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Captain Sulaiman Saleh Almuhaimedi highlighted that this success reflects the esteemed position Saudi Arabia holds in international and regional aviation organizations. He noted that the Kingdom has swiftly transitioned from being merely a participant to holding leadership roles in committees and working groups of regional and global organizations, adding that GACA has recently assumed the leadership of several committees and working groups. The Executive Council of the ACAO is chaired by GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej who was elected during the 28th Ordinary General Assembly of ACAO, held in July in Rabat, Morocco. Saudi Arabia is one of the founding members and key supporters of ACAO, an Arab League-affiliated specialized organization established in 1996, which aims to boost cooperation and coordination among Arab states in civil aviation.

His Excellency, the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, met today with the Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the Kingdom, Mr. Lulzim Mijko, at the Authority’s headquarters in Riyadh. The meeting focused on reviewing topics of mutual interest and exploring ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the civil aviation sector.