Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport is the first in the Middle East and North Africa region to obtain the Welcome Chinese Certification amid growing ties between China and Saudi Arabia.

Amid growing economic ties beyond the oil trade between China and Saudi Arabia, Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has become the first in the Middle East and North Africa region to obtain the Welcome Chinese Certification.

The accreditation, issued by the China Tourism Academy and Select Holding, recognises the airport has achieved standards developed by the two institutions in relation to meeting the needs of Chinese travellers.

“This unprecedented achievement cements Saudi-Chinese relations and represents a connection to one of the most important tourism markets in Asia,” said Musad bin Abdulaziz al-Daood, CEO of Riyadh Airports Company, which manages King Khalid International Airport.

Since President Xi Jinping’s landmark visit to Saudi Arabia in December, the two countries have strived to bolster their ties extensively beyond traditional oil trade, in which the Kingdom resumed its position as China’s biggest supplier last year.

Further to around US$50 billion of investment agreements signed during the state visit, another US$10 billion of deals were signed during June’s Arab-China Business Conference in Riyadh, ranging from technology to real estate, cementing China’s position as Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner.

During a meeting on Wednesday between the Saudi Central Bank and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in Riyadh, the two sides also discussed cooperation over financial infrastructure development, open market operations, market connectivity and sustainable development, with a memorandum of understanding signed to promote financial innovation.

“[The Welcome Chinese Certification] will also reflect on Saudi tourism, which is a national economic mainstay, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom Vision 2030,” added Daood referring to Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification blueprint backed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Saudi Arabia officially launched tourist visas for 49 countries, including China, in September 2019, meaning Chinese travellers can apply for an e-visa or apply for a visa on arrival.

There are, though, currently no direct flights between Beijing and Riyadh, meaning travellers have to connect via destinations including Dubai.