Saudi Arabia has officially given the green light for direct flights between Russia and the kingdom, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations. Bandar al-Khureif, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, revealed in a recent speaking with TASS that visa-free travel for Saudis to Russia is now in effect and that aviation authorities are actively working on establishing direct flight routes. The move responds to rising demand from Russian travelers, including businessmen and Muslim communities eager to connect with the kingdom.
Though the Iran-Israel conflict briefly complicated logistics, the minister assured that these geopolitical tensions do not impede the airline expansion plans. Riyadh is investing heavily in expanding its national carrier, Riyadh Airline, to overcome fleet capacity challenges and meet growing travel needs.
Saudi Arabia has undergone a rapid transformation in its automotive industry, evolving from the world’s largest car importer to an emerging manufacturing hub with four factories currently under construction. The kingdom plans to produce over 300,000 vehicles annually, aiming to capture nearly 40% of its domestic market. Al-Khureif expressed openness to Russian carmakers, especially Aurus luxury vehicles, establishing assembly plants and dealerships in Saudi Arabia.
In addition to automotive ambitions, the minister outlined broader industrial cooperation with Russia, highlighting sectors such as metals processing, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, machinery, and automation. According to him, Russia has extensive experience in the production of steel, aluminum, titanium, and other products.
“Today we have opened up our mining sector, and this will open up various opportunities,” Bandar al-Khorayef said.
Saudi Arabia’s mining sector has recently opened up, offering vast opportunities for joint geological exploration, especially of rare earth minerals essential for modern technologies. With reserves growing to $1.5 trillion, including a notable percentage of rare earth elements, Saudi Arabia is eager to collaborate with Russia on extraction and processing technologies.
The Saudi government’s commitment to these initiatives was evident in the recent visa reforms and ongoing transportation negotiations, coordinated by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics. Riyadh Airline’s fleet expansion is critical for realizing direct flight connections that will facilitate both tourism and business exchange.
Saudi Arabia’s industrial strategy aims to localize manufacturing, reducing dependency on imports and boosting domestic production capabilities. The invitation to Russian automakers to invest in local assembly reflects this ambition, with expectations to foster technology transfer and create jobs.
On the mining front, cooperation with Russian companies is expected to leverage their expertise in metals processing, including steel, aluminum, titanium, and the crucial rare earth elements. Joint research and development efforts will focus on advanced automation and chemical processing techniques to enhance efficiency and industrial readiness.
Beyond economics, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a mediator in international diplomacy. The kingdom recently hosted talks aimed at normalizing relations between Russia and the United States, demonstrating its role in regional and global stability. Preparations for the upcoming Russian-Arab summit in October signal an intent to formalize bilateral agreements that will further cement these partnerships.
These developments come as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader vision to diversify its economy and deepen ties with global partners amid a shifting geopolitical landscape.
