Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s bold new national carrier, is officially preparing to take flight by the end of 2025. The news came directly from CEO Tony Douglas during his exclusive interview on the debut episode of The Riyal Deal, a new business program launched by Al Arabiya English.
The weekly show, hosted by journalist Tom Burges Watson, offers in-depth analysis of Saudi Arabia’s fast-evolving economic landscape. Each episode features top business figures sharing insights on Vision 2030, investment opportunities, and regional transformation. The first episode included Douglas, Kevin O’Leary of Shark Tank USA, and former Barclays CEO Bob Diamond.
New Airline, Global Ambitions
Douglas described the journey so far as “super exciting,” adding that the airline has been nearly three years in the making. “By the end of this year, we want to be up in the skies,” he said. Riyadh Air plans to begin operations with long-haul routes using the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which formed part of its initial 72-aircraft order revealed in 2023.
“We’ll likely operate from capital cities in northwestern Europe into Riyadh and then turn around to shorter sectors like Jeddah and Dubai,” Douglas shared. While full destination details remain under wraps, ticket sales are expected to open this summer.
Design That Turns Heads
Riyadh Air isn’t just another airline—it aims to make a bold statement in the aviation world. At the 2023 Paris Air Show, it unveiled its sleek livery. A year later, at Paris Fashion Week 2024, the airline debuted its cabin crew uniforms, designed to evoke the glamour of golden-era aviation while blending modern Saudi elegance. “They stand out in the crowd. It’s refinement, grace, elegance,” said Douglas.
During the Jeddah Grand Prix, Riyadh Air offered a first look at its cabin interiors, revealing a product that reflects style and thoughtful innovation across all classes.
Business Elite: A New Level of Comfort
The highlight of the inflight experience is Business Elite—a front-row premium cabin designed with 28 private suites. “Each suite has a privacy door and a canopy feature inspired by a Bedouin tent,” said Douglas. “It’s a design signature that reflects Saudi heritage with a modern twist.”
Passengers in Business Elite can expect 32-inch 4K OLED screens and Euphony—a built-in, seat-specific sound system that delivers high-fidelity audio without disturbing neighboring travelers. “It’s the next generation of entertainment at 38,000 feet,” he added.
Global Business Icons on The Riyal Deal
The Riyal Deal’s first episode also featured Kevin O’Leary, who emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s transformation must be experienced firsthand. “Reading reports won’t do it—you’ve got to go there,” O’Leary said. He described his recent visit to a real estate summit in Riyadh as “massive,” noting the presence of top-tier investors from around the world.
“Saudi is now in the top quartile of global investment destinations,” he added. “There’s a critical mass forming—and everyone is watching where capital is being deployed.”
Bob Diamond on Life in Saudi Arabia
Former Barclays CEO Bob Diamond reflected on changes in the Kingdom over the past two decades. “The last five to ten years have seen dramatic acceleration,” he said. “The quality of life, restaurants, offices—it’s all at the top end now. Riyadh and Jeddah are completely different cities from when I first visited.”
Diamond emphasized the rising appeal of Saudi Arabia not only for business but also for those living and working there. “It’s a very positive shift,” he said.
A Platform for the Transformation
The Riyal Deal is Al Arabiya English’s latest addition to its business journalism portfolio, aiming to provide global audiences with unique access to the heart of the Kingdom’s transformation. With a strong team across the region and a 24-hour digital platform, the network delivers breaking news, analysis, and thought leadership to five continents.
Presenter Tom Burges Watson brings decades of experience from outlets like CNN International, France 24, and the BBC. Fluent in six languages and with a background in finance, Watson is uniquely positioned to guide viewers through conversations with the world’s most influential economic voices.
With Riyadh Air set to take off, and Saudi Arabia at the center of global investment and infrastructure shifts, The Riyal Deal offers an exclusive window into a region that’s redefining its place on the world stage—one flight at a time.
