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JEDDAH: Passengers traveling through Jeddah airport are set to experience a new duty-free zone, offering global and local brands as ����ֱ�� expands its aviation sector. 

The project is managed by JAH Arabia International Duty-Free LLC, a joint venture between Germany’s Gebr. Heinemann, ����ֱ��’s Astra Group, and Jordanian Duty-Free Shops. The group holds a seven-year license to operate the duty-free shop across Terminal 1 and the North Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport. 

The launch is part of ����ֱ��’s broader push to modernize its aviation sector, enhance passenger experience, and diversify revenue streams, while also showcasing local culture alongside global brands.  

The new duty-free underscores the Kingdom’s bid to attract international travelers, strengthen its position as a regional hub, and generate jobs and investment across tourism and retail. 

Mazen Johar, CEO of Jeddah Airports Co., which operates King Abdulaziz International Airport, told Arab News that about 100 young Saudis are employed as merchandisers at the facility. 

“The pilot opening took place in August last year, focusing on the key products passengers are most likely to demand. Following the full launch, monthly reviews will track sales, assess demand, and identify emerging passenger needs,” he said. 

Johar emphasized that the duty-free reflects the status of King Abdulaziz International Airport and Jeddah’s rich culture. “The new duty-free aims to deliver exceptional shopping options and enhance services available to passengers at the airport.” 

He added that the zone will help increase revenues, diversify income sources, create investment opportunities for local and international investors, and generate direct and indirect jobs for Saudi youth, in line with the National Aviation Strategy and Vision 2030. 

Spanning about 8,000 sq. meters, the zone showcases more than 335 international brands across 35 outlets and boutiques.  

Simon Forde, CEO of JAH Arabia International Duty-Free LLC, told Arab News that they carry all the main global brands, while also highlighting regional products. 

“I think maybe we need a few more Saudi made products. We have a Saudi-made area. We sell a lot of dates and souvenirs.” 

Categories include cosmetics, confectionery, gourmet foods, tobacco, souvenirs, fashion, accessories, and jewelry. Standalone stores include Longchamp, Michael Kors, and Swarovski. Other brands featured are BOSS, Ralph Lauren, and Lacoste. 

He added that Saudi products account for 10 to 15 percent of the duty-free’s overall displays, noting that the company is still learning about the region and the Kingdom. 

Speaking at the launch, Forde added: “We are committed to offer passengers a shopping experience that reflects the uniqueness of the Jeddah airport by striking the perfect balance between a global mindset and local culture.”

RIYADH: ����ֱ�� has increased its ranking in the latest Global Innovation Index to 46 out of 139 countries as the Kingdom deepens its push to become a regional hub for research and technology. 

The rise of one place compared to the previous year’s list from the UN’s World Intellectual Property Organization continues ����ֱ��’s upward trend in recent years, moving from 66th in 2021, to 51, then 48, and 47.

The annual ranking placed ����ֱ�� 40th among 51 high-income economies, citing progress in market sophistication, policy stability, and stronger collaboration between universities and industry. 

The report stated that innovation performance in the Middle East is “gaining ground,” with the UAE advancing to 30th place and Qatar ranked 48th.

It added: “����ֱ�� and Qatar also benefit from high input scores — ranking 31st and 34th, respectively — driven by strengths in areas such as market sophistication, policy stability, and university–industry collaboration.” 

The report showed ����ֱ�� ranked 5th for creating a business-friendly environment and 12th in policy stability for doing business. In human capital and research, the Kingdom placed 35th, while it secured 36th in the infrastructure pillar. 

In April, a report from the US Chamber of Commerce said ����ֱ�� made significant progress in the 2025 Global Intellectual Property Index, with its score rising 17.5 percent, making it one of the fastest-improving economies among the 55 assessed. 

In June, Startup Genome, in collaboration with the Global Entrepreneurship Network, reported that Riyadh climbed 60 places in three years to reach 23rd in its list of the top 100 emerging ecosystems. 

According to the WIPO report, Qatar stands out as a global hub for international talent, ranking first in tertiary inbound mobility, coupled with strong performance in information and communication technology adoption. 

Among Middle East and North Africa countries, Morocco ranked 57th, followed by Bahrain at 62nd, Jordan at 65th, and Kuwait at 73rd. 

Globally, Switzerland led the index, followed by Sweden in second place and the US in third. 

The rest of the top 10 were South Korea, Singapore, and the UK, as well as Finland, the Netherlands, Denmark, and China. 

“GII 2025 maps the contours of innovation across the world, showing us that the fastest-advancing economies in the GII are those that view innovation as a fundamental engine of resilience, growth and competitiveness,” said Daren Tang, director general of World Intellectual Property Organization. 

He added: “This year’s GII reveals both encouraging progress as well as challenges that still need to be addressed for countries to fully harness their innovation potential.”