Saudia signs MoU with Ithra for strategic cooperation

Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) and Saudi Aramco’s King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) have signed a preliminary MoU for a strategic cooperation.

Image: Saudia

The MoU reinforces Saudi Aramco’s initiatives to engage Ithra as a consultant in developing an interactive centre that highlight Saudia’s corporate history and the history of aviation in Saudi Arabia.

The agreement was signed at Prince Sultan Aviation Academy in Jeddah by Khaled Tash, the Group Chief Marketing Officer of Saudia, and Talal Al-Marri, the Head of Public Affairs at Aramco.

The MoU includes various projects that help enrich and broaden cultural and intellectual content. The collaboration will focus on spreading awareness about Ithra’s cultural activities and making its cultural and creative content accessible to the public through the in-flight entertainment system on Saudia’s aircraft, as well as launching holiday packages that promote and encourage cultural tourism. Also, Saudia will adorn one of its aircraft with Ithra livery.

“Our new strategy to bring the world to Saudi Arabia compliments Ithra’s position as a window to global experiences,” Khaled Tash, Saudia’s Group Chief Marketing Officer, stated, adding, “This agreement facilitates the exchange of expertise and benefits and utilizes the assets of the Kingdom’s national flag carrier and a cultural icon. It is undoubtedly, a privilege to have Ithra as our consultants, given their undeniable success in showcasing the Kingdom’s energy and oil history. More opportunities for collaboration will surely emerge as we move forward and introduce the latest products and services to our guests.”

From Aramco, Talal Al-Marri, Head of Public Affairs, said: “The partnership will broaden the scope of Ithra’s high-quality programs. It will also help in reaching those who are curious to explore the world of creativity around the globe”. Al-Marri added, “We are always looking for opportunities to add content, inspire great minds, and create new and interactive experiences. With this partnership, we will be doing even more to support the Kingdom’s cultural tourism and empower the cultural, knowledge, and recreation sectors.”