Charting the Skies: Riyadh Air’s Grand Prelude to 2025

Operational Excellence – Paving the Way for a World-Class Airline

In the rapidly evolving landscape of global aviation, **Riyadh Air** is emerging as a transformative force for **Saudi Arabia**. The announcement of two substantial milestones marks a decisive step towards the airline’s 2025 debut: the introduction of its first daily flights to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) beginning **October 26th**, and the unveiling of its innovative loyalty program, **Sfeer**.  

Beginning on this landmark date, passengers will experience the inaugural journey aboard “**Jamila**”, Riyadh Air’s designated aircraft for these launch flights. Initially available to select groups and Riyadh Air employees, this series of carefully scheduled operations serves a dual purpose. First, it capitalizes on the airline’s recently acquired slot at London Heathrow—a prestigious gateway to Europe. Second, it functions as a practical testbed for operational precision, ensuring every element meets the highest standards of safety, reliability, and customer experience.  

By meticulously refining flight procedures during Jamila’s early service phase, Riyadh Air demonstrates its unwavering commitment to operational excellence. Furthermore, this readiness aligns with the Kingdom’s broader ambitions under **Saudi Vision 2030**, which prioritizes connectivity and economic diversification. As Tony Douglas, the airline’s CEO, aptly stated, “This isn’t just a launch; it’s a realization of a vision to connect Saudi Arabia to the world.”  

A Pathway to Perfection

Every operational milestone brings Riyadh Air closer to full-scale service. These flights illustrate a strategic dedication to flawless execution. They also symbolize a resolute step toward a new era in Saudi aviation, where efficiency, luxury, and innovation converge to provide passengers with a truly **world-class travel experience**. By October 2025, Riyadh Air will not only be ready—it will set a new benchmark for premium air travel in the region.  

Sfeer – The Future of Loyalty, Designed for a Generation in Motion*

In parallel with its operational advancements, Riyadh Air’s unveiling of **Sfeer** reflects a profound shift in how loyalty is cultivated in the aviation sector. The name blends the Arabic word for “Ambassador” with the English “sphere”, capturing both cultural authenticity and international ambition.  

Sfeer stands apart as not merely a rewards program, but as a lifestyle ecosystem. It seamlessly merges community engagement with gamification, enabling members to share Level Points with friends and family. This community-centric model fosters collective benefit, ensuring loyalty is not an isolated experience but a shared journey. Moreover, Sfeer’s **no points expiry** policy safeguards every reward, embedding long-term value into membership.  

Early adopters—known as **"The Founders"**—receive recognition through priority access to bookings on future flights. This exclusive privilege, coupled with perks such as complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, ensures Founders enjoy elevated travel experiences well ahead of Riyadh Air’s full-service launch. By joining now, members begin accumulating benefits and securing priority booking opportunities, effectively becoming pioneers in a new era of travel within and beyond Saudi Arabia.  

A New Standard in Loyalty

The bold design of Sfeer underscores Riyadh Air’s commitment to reimagining passenger relationships. As Tony Douglas notes, “We’re creating much more than just a loyalty program; we’re building a dynamic, digitally immersive lifestyle ecosystem.” Sfeer, therefore, is not merely about accruing points—it’s about belonging to a vibrant global network, empowered by innovation and rooted in the generous spirit of Saudi hospitality.  

A Call to the Adventurers and Visionaries

The twin announcements—the commencement of daily flights aboard Jamila to London Heathrow and the launch of Sfeer—represent more than corporate milestones. They are the foundation stones of Riyadh Air’s promise to deliver excellence. With meticulous preparation and visionary leadership, the airline is not just preparing for 2025; it is sculpting the future of travel for Saudi Arabia and the world.  

For those eager to be part of this journey, the invitation is clear: **Don’t just travel; be a pioneer.** Riyadh Air’s skies are open, and with Sfeer, every mile brings you closer to the heart of Saudi Arabia—its culture, community, and boundless ambition.

Shaping the Future: QNB Group’s Bold Leap into Egypt’s Digital Banking Era

A Landmark Step for Financial Innovation

DOHA, Qatar – QNB Group, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, has achieved a significant milestone with the license approval for its digital-first banking entity, **ezbank**, from the Central Bank of Egypt. This strategic move represents much more than an operational expansion; it signals a bold commitment to shaping the future of Egypt’s banking landscape.  

By securing this license, QNB Group aligns itself with the Central Bank of Egypt’s vision for financial inclusion and digital transformation, which also supports the government’s broader economic development strategy. This is not merely about opening another bank; it is about creating a financial institution designed to function in harmony with the digital lives of modern consumers. Consequently, **ezbank** is poised to redefine accessibility to banking services in Egypt, fostering inclusion and innovation at every stage.  

Harnessing Technology for Seamless Service**  

At its core, **ezbank** will merge advanced digital technology with internationally recognized best practices to offer customers efficient and intuitive financial solutions. Mobile-first platforms will ensure that every transaction is swift and user-friendly, while AI-driven tools and intelligent risk management will guarantee both security and convenience. As a result, customers will experience a new standard of banking designed around their needs and lifestyles.  

Furthermore, this venture solidifies Egypt’s growing role as a hub for technological innovation within the region. With QNB Group’s presence already established in over 28 countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa, and backed by over 31,000 professionals, the launch of **ezbank** marks a strategic intersection of global expertise and local opportunity. Through this, QNB aims to not only contribute to Egypt’s digital economy but also inspire similar transformations across the Middle East and Africa.  

With **ezbank**, QNB Group is not simply keeping pace with modern banking trends—it is actively setting them. This initiative reflects a future where financial services are more inclusive, efficient, and tailored to the digital age.  

Emerge Ascendant: Dubai’s New Founder-First Ecosystem Unveiled

DUBAI, UAE, - Emerge FZCO today announced its official launch as a founder-first ecosystem enabler designed to position Dubai as the ultimate base for global tech entrepreneurs. As a result, stakeholders across regional and global innovation networks should pay close attention. The announcement marks a deliberate effort to move beyond traditional company setup services and to provide startups and scale-ups with programs, licensing support, and a connected ecosystem that empowers founders to establish and grow with confidence from Dubai.

Moreover, Emerge goes beyond company setup — providing startups and scale-ups with programs, licensing support, and a connected ecosystem that empowers founders to establish and grow with confidence from Dubai. Consequently, entrepreneurs will gain streamlined access to the infrastructure, regulatory advice, and community necessary for rapid expansion. In short, Emerge aims to reduce friction and accelerate market entry for founders who choose Dubai as their gateway.

Emerge’s Offering and Strategic Location

Located in the Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone, Emerge is based within the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA) Free Zone, strategically positioned at the heart of Dubai's business district. The DWTCA Free Zone serves as an enabling hub for Dubai's priority growth sectors, offering a world-class environment for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and global enterprises. Furthermore, with LEED-certified Grade A offices at One Central and flexible workspace solutions across its campus, the Free Zone hosts a dynamic community of companies and innovators spanning more than 40 sectors.

Emerge's offering includes licensing support across sectors such as blockchain, fintech, gaming, e-commerce and entertainment. In addition, business support services including legal guidance, immigration facilitation, and market advisory will assist founders from day one. Moreover, the initiative provides access to co-working, serviced offices, and community spaces that connect founders with peers and partners, as well as introductions to investors, corporates, and ecosystem stakeholders across Dubai's innovation landscape.

Leadership Perspectives and Future Programs

Abdalla Albanna, Vice President, Free Zone Regulatory Operations at Dubai World Trade Centre, said, "The launch of Emerge within the DWTC Free Zone further enhances our ecosystem by providing technology-focused start-ups with specialized support to establish and scale their businesses. Companies joining our Free Zone gain direct access to DWTC's year-round calendar of world-class exhibitions, conferences, and mega-events, placing them at the heart of Dubai's vibrant commercial landscape. DWTC Free Zone remains committed to fostering innovation and enabling business growth in line with Dubai's ambitious D33 Agenda."

Kokila Alagh, Director of Emerge, said: "Our goal with Emerge is to remove friction for global founders and give them the right regulatory advice, and business and community support from day one. Dubai has everything startups need — and Emerge is here to make that entry seamless." Similarly, Pranav Agarwal, Director of Emerge, added: "Dubai's rise as a global innovation hub is creating unprecedented opportunities. With Emerge, we want to empower the next generation of founders to make Dubai not just their base, but springboard them to serve the world." Bold Builders Belong Here.

Dubai as the Silicon Valley of the East

Often described as the "Silicon Valley of the East", Dubai has become a magnet for founders from the Global South and beyond who are looking to scale globally. With its world-class infrastructure, forward-looking regulation, political and economic stability, and access to capital, Dubai offers entrepreneurs a unique launchpad to serve markets across MENA, Asia, Africa, and beyond. Therefore, positioning in Dubai confers both strategic proximity to large markets and operational advantages.

Under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the emirate is pushing to double the size of its economy by 2033 and cement itself among the top 3 global cities for working, living, and investing. Consequently, initiatives such as Emerge will play a tangible role in aligning private-sector momentum with national ambition. Ultimately, founders who elect Dubai as their base can expect a coordinated ecosystem that supports sustainable growth and international scaling.