GACA Showcases Aviation AI, Digital Transformation at LEAP 2026

Riyadh, September 3, 2026 — The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) showcased its digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) integration strategies at the LEAP 2026 conference, highlighting efforts to enhance Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation sector. Speaking at the Digital Saudi pavilion, GACA Director of Enterprise Architecture and Innovation Mohammed Al-Mubarak detailed the operational impact of AI technologies on the broader transport and logistics sectors, while GACA Head of Strategy Development Raed bin Yahya Mahboob presented the authority’s unified Ajwaa digital platform.

Context and Background

Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is undergoing a comprehensive transformation as part of Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and establish the Kingdom as a global logistics hub. GACA, the regulatory body overseeing civil aviation, has been at the forefront of adopting advanced technologies to improve safety, efficiency, and passenger experience. LEAP 2026, an international technology event held in Riyadh, provided a platform for GACA to demonstrate its progress in AI and digitalization. The authority’s participation underscores its commitment to leveraging cutting-edge solutions to meet the ambitious goals of the National Aviation Strategy, which targets tripling passenger traffic and expanding connectivity to 250 destinations by 2030.

Key Details

During the conference, Mohammed Al-Mubarak explained how AI is being integrated into various aspects of aviation operations, from predictive maintenance to air traffic management. He noted that these technologies are not only enhancing safety but also optimizing resource allocation across the transport and logistics sectors. Raed bin Yahya Mahboob introduced the Ajwaa platform, a unified digital system that consolidates regulatory and civil aviation services electronically. The platform aims to improve transparency and operational efficiency by providing a single point of access for stakeholders, including airlines, passengers, and regulatory bodies. Ajwaa represents a significant step toward a paperless, streamlined aviation ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.

Implications and Impact

The integration of AI and digital platforms like Ajwaa is expected to have far-reaching implications for Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry and its role in global logistics. By automating processes and enabling data-driven decision-making, GACA aims to reduce delays, lower costs, and enhance the overall passenger experience. This aligns with the Kingdom’s broader efforts to attract international investment and tourism. Furthermore, the advancements showcased at LEAP 2026 position Saudi Arabia as a leader in aviation technology, potentially setting benchmarks for other nations. The improved efficiency and transparency will also support the growth of air cargo and logistics, crucial for economic diversification.

Vision 2030 Alignment

GACA’s initiatives are directly aligned with Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Saudi Arabia into a global investment powerhouse and a hub connecting three continents. The National Aviation Strategy, a key component of Vision 2030, aims to increase the aviation sector’s contribution to GDP and create thousands of jobs. By embracing AI and digital transformation, GACA is not only modernizing the sector but also contributing to the Kingdom’s broader goals of economic sustainability and technological leadership. The Ajwaa platform and AI integration exemplify how Saudi Arabia is leveraging innovation to build a future-ready aviation industry that supports the nation’s long-term prosperity.

20 Questions

Q1. What did GACA showcase at LEAP 2026?

A1. GACA showcased its digital transformation and artificial intelligence integration strategies aimed at enhancing Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation sector, including the Ajwaa digital platform, during the LEAP 2026 conference in Riyadh.

Q2. Who represented GACA at the conference?

A2. Mohammed Al-Mubarak, Director of Enterprise Architecture and Innovation, and Raed bin Yahya Mahboob, Head of Strategy Development, represented GACA and presented the authority’s initiatives at the Digital Saudi pavilion.

Q3. What is the Ajwaa digital platform?

A3. Ajwaa is a unified digital platform that consolidates regulatory and civil aviation services electronically, aiming to improve transparency and operational efficiency across Saudi Arabia’s national aviation network.

Q4. How does AI impact transport and logistics?

A4. AI technologies enhance operational efficiency by enabling predictive maintenance, optimizing routes, and improving safety, thereby streamlining transport and logistics sectors and reducing costs while increasing reliability.

Q5. Why is GACA’s participation in LEAP 2026 significant?

A5. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to modernize aviation, aligning with Vision 2030 goals to establish the Kingdom as a global logistics hub and leader in innovation.

Q6. What is the National Aviation Strategy?

A6. The National Aviation Strategy is a key initiative under Vision 2030 that aims to triple passenger traffic, expand connectivity to 250 destinations, and increase the aviation sector’s contribution to GDP.

Q7. How does Ajwaa improve transparency?

A7. Ajwaa consolidates services into a single electronic platform, providing stakeholders with clear, accessible information and streamlined processes, which reduces bureaucratic delays and enhances accountability.

Q8. What are the expected benefits of AI in aviation?

A8. AI is expected to improve safety, reduce operational costs, enhance passenger experience through faster processing, and enable data-driven decision-making for better resource allocation and planning.

Q9. How does this align with Vision 2030?

A9. Vision 2030 seeks economic diversification and global engagement; GACA’s digital transformation supports these by modernizing infrastructure, attracting investment, and creating jobs in the aviation sector.

Q10. What role does LEAP play in Saudi Arabia’s tech landscape?

A10. LEAP is a major international technology conference that showcases innovations, fosters partnerships, and positions Saudi Arabia as a hub for tech investment, aligning with the Kingdom’s digital transformation goals.

Q11. How will Ajwaa benefit airlines and passengers?

A11. Airlines will experience faster regulatory approvals and reduced paperwork, while passengers benefit from smoother processes, fewer delays, and improved overall travel experiences through digital integration.

Q12. What is GACA’s role in Saudi aviation?

A12. GACA is the regulatory authority overseeing civil aviation, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with international standards while driving modernization initiatives in line with national objectives.

Q13. How does AI enhance safety in aviation?

A13. AI enhances safety through predictive analytics that foresee potential equipment failures, real-time monitoring of flights, and automated systems that reduce human error in critical operations.

Q14. What other sectors benefit from GACA’s AI initiatives?

A14. The transport and logistics sectors benefit through improved supply chain efficiency, reduced transit times, and optimized routing, which collectively boost trade and economic activity.

Q15. How does this support Saudi Arabia’s global logistics hub goal?

A15. By streamlining aviation operations and integrating AI, Saudi Arabia enhances its connectivity and efficiency, making it an attractive hub for cargo and passenger transit between Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Q16. What is the significance of the Digital Saudi pavilion?

A16. The Digital Saudi pavilion at LEAP 2026 highlights the Kingdom’s technological advancements and brings together government entities to showcase progress in digital transformation across various sectors.

Q17. How does Ajwaa contribute to paperless operations?

A17. Ajwaa digitizes regulatory and civil aviation services, eliminating paper-based processes, which reduces errors, speeds up transactions, and supports environmental sustainability.

Q18. What future developments can be expected from GACA?

A18. GACA is expected to continue integrating AI, expand Ajwaa’s capabilities, and introduce more digital services to further enhance efficiency, safety, and user experience in civil aviation.

Q19. How does GACA’s work attract international investment?

A19. By modernizing infrastructure and adopting cutting-edge technologies, GACA creates a favorable environment for investors, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s commitment to innovation and economic growth.

Q20. What is the ultimate goal of GACA’s digital transformation?

A20. The ultimate goal is to create a world-class aviation sector that supports Vision 2030, enhances Saudi Arabia’s global competitiveness, and provides seamless, safe, and efficient air travel for all.

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