In the rapidly evolving landscape of Saudi Arabia's aviation sector, the Saudi Aviation Club (SAC) stands at the forefront of promoting air sports and fostering a new generation of air sports enthusiasts. As the Kingdom sets its sights on becoming a global air sports and general aviation hub, SAC's initiatives, including the upcoming 118th FAI General Conference and the Sand & Fun Airshow, are playing a crucial role in cultivating interest and developing talent in various air sports disciplines.

In this interview, General Supervisor of Saudi Aviation Club Dr. Alfahaid delves into SAC's vision, ongoing projects, and the promising future of air sports in Saudi Arabia.

Was there a particular moment that sparked your interest in aviation?

I have been thinking about flying since I was a little boy and my interest in aviation developed gradually, deeply influenced by my engineering background. As a mechanical engineer, I’ve always been captivated by the complexities of flying objects, engines, and aerodynamics. This interest led me to join a flying club in Virginia to learn how to fly and obtain my Private Pilot License (PPL) during my Ph.D. studies. However, my involvement in the Saudi Aviation Club and my personal experience flying single-engine aircraft have solidified my passion for aviation. Witnessing the rapid advancements in general aviation and air sports in the Kingdom has been a significant motivator for me to contribute actively to this field.

In which air sports do you participate, and what type of aircraft do you fly?

I participate in the general aviation field. I began my aviation journey by renting small airplanes, and six years ago, I co-owned a Cessna 182T, which has been a good companion in the skies. Currently, I own a Cirrus SR22T, whose cutting-edge technology and performance make it an exceptional aircraft for both personal and professional use. Although my role within the Saudi Aviation Club is largely administrative and developmental, my experience as a pilot keeps me connected to the aviation community and allows me to better understand the practical challenges that pilots face.

How has your experience in air sports led you to the role of General Supervisor of SAC?

My pathway to becoming General Supervisor of the Saudi Aviation Club has been shaped by my extensive background as a Governor for Technical Education and Vocational Training (TVTC) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Since joining SAC’s Board of Directors in late 2020, I’ve had the chance to meet the chairman, HRH Prince Sultan, whom I had previously known closely in the aviation field. Additionally, I met wonderful colleagues on the SAC board and looked from the inside into the SAC’s future goals, strategy and challenges. After completing my eight years at TVTC, HRH Prince Sultan asked me to become more involved with SAC as General Supervisor and to apply my leadership experience from various sectors. 

I've been in the role of General Supervisor for a few months now, during which I’ve prioritised expanding air sports opportunities and enhancing aviation education in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

What are your main aims for the future of SAC, and how has your experience within vocational and educational public services influenced these objectives?

Our main goal for SAC is to establish it as a world-class hub for air sports and general aviation in the region. My expertise in training, technical development, and international cooperation has been instrumental in shaping SAC’s growth strategy, in alignment with the SAC board direction. Drawing from my extensive experience, I strongly believe in fostering talent through structured and hands-on learning experiences. Our focus is to create a sustainable ecosystem that nurtures local talent, promotes aviation as a career, and ensures alignment with the Kingdom’s long-term vision. SAC will continue to emphasise accessibility, safety, and innovation in aviation education and air sports.

Will we see more FAI-sanctioned air sport competitions in Saudi Arabia in the years ahead? And even Continental and World Championships?

Yes, we are actively working to attract more FAI-sanctioned events to Saudi Arabia. Our long-term goal is to host major international competitions, including Continental and World Championships. We are positioning Saudi Arabia as a regional leader in air sports, with the infrastructure and expertise to host events of this scale. The increased interest and investment in aviation under the Vision 2030 framework provides a strong foundation for these ambitions.

What events and initiatives does SAC promote to encourage broader participation in air sports?

The Saudi Aviation Club promotes several events and initiatives aimed at encouraging broader participation in air sports. We have launched training programs and introductory flight experiences, providing an accessible way for both youth and adults to engage with aviation. Public outreach campaigns and partnerships with schools and universities have been instrumental in integrating aviation awareness into extracurricular activities, offering students exposure to the field. SAC’s focus on general aviation also opens up opportunities for individuals interested in becoming pilots and participating in air sports.

One of SAC’s most prominent activities is the upcoming Sand & Fun Airshow, scheduled to take place from November 19-23, 2024, in Riyadh. This event is set to be the largest General Aviation airshow in the Middle East, featuring a variety of activities in aviation and targeting over 100,000 visitors.

The vision behind organising such large-scale events is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader initiative to foster interest in aviation and air sports.

Are there projects within SAC to promote competition participation, and are there any particular air sports in which we will see an increase in international competitors from Saudi Arabia in the future?

SAC is committed to supporting and developing local talent to compete at an international level. We are focusing on several key disciplines, including gliding, aerobatics, and paragliding, where we see strong potential for Saudi athletes to excel. Our long-term plan includes increasing investment in training facilities and providing mentorship opportunities for aspiring air sports athletes. We are confident that these efforts will lead to greater participation by Saudi competitors in international events in the near future.

For young men and women from Saudi Arabia who are considering getting involved in air sports or aviation for enjoyment or as a career, do you have any words of advice or encouragement?

To those considering a career or hobby in aviation or air sports, I strongly encourage you to pursue your passion with determination and commitment. The aviation sector is growing rapidly in Saudi Arabia, and there are now more opportunities than ever before. Whether you are interested in flying as a profession or for enjoyment, SAC and other national programs offer a variety of pathways to explore. Take advantage of the resources available, seek out mentors, and remember that the sky is truly the limit. Your contribution to this field can help position Saudi Arabia as a leader in global aviation.