Saudi’s First Locally Owned Duty-Free Retailer Al Waha Takes Off

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has launched Al Waha Duty-Free Company, marking the Kingdom's first domestically owned duty-free retailer.

Al Waha plans to establish luxury retail outlets in key locations nationwide, offering a diverse range of products, including premium Saudi goods. The company's operations will encompass duty-free stores at airports, land border crossings, seaports, and inflight shopping services.

This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to enhance its travel and tourism sectors, aiming to attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030. The PIF has been actively investing in related infrastructure, including the development of King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, designed to be one of the world's largest airports upon completion, and the launch of Riyadh Air, the new national carrier intended to position Riyadh as a major global travel hub.