Introduction
Abdulaziz Al-Duailej stands as a central figure in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious journey to redefine its aviation landscape. As the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), his leadership is instrumental in steering the Kingdom towards becoming a global aviation hub, in line with the transformative goals of Vision 2030. With a career spanning over three decades across various sectors, Al-Duailej brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s aviation renaissance.
Early Life and Education
Al-Duailej’s academic foundation was laid at the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial management in 1986. His commitment to continuous learning led him to pursue advanced training in finance and business at esteemed institutions such as Stanford University, INSEAD, and General Electric Company.
Professional Trajectory
Early Career at SABIC
Al-Duailej commenced his professional journey with the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) in 1987. During his tenure until 1993, he held several key management positions, gaining valuable experience in the industrial sector.
Leadership Roles in Diverse Industries
Demonstrating versatility, Al-Duailej transitioned into leadership roles across various industries:
- Advanced Electronics Company (AEC): As CEO, he led this Saudi Arabian Military Industries company, contributing to the nation’s defense sector.
- Adwan Chemical Industries Company: Serving as CEO from 1993 to 2005, he oversaw operations in the chemical manufacturing domain.
- AlOula Real Estate Development: Between 2007 and 2010, he directed real estate initiatives, emphasizing urban development.
- Middle East Specialized Cables Company: From 2011 to 2013, he chaired this company, focusing on specialized cable production.
- Saudi Printing and Packaging Company: As CEO from 2014 to 2017, he managed operations in the printing and packaging industry.
Board Memberships and Advisory Roles
Al-Duailej’s expertise has been sought in various capacities:
- Chairman of Binladin International Holding Group: Leading one of Saudi Arabia’s prominent construction firms.
- Chairman of the Industrial Committee, Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Influencing industrial policies and strategies.
- Board Member: Serving on boards of organizations such as the Council of Saudi Chambers, Taiba Holding Company, Riyad Bank’s Audit Committee, and the Entrustment and Liquidation Center.
Leadership at GACA
In March 2021, Al-Duailej was appointed President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), holding the rank of minister. His tenure marks a period of significant transformation in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector, aligning with the objectives of Vision 2030.
Strategic Initiatives and Vision 2030 Alignment
Under Al-Duailej’s leadership, GACA has embarked on several strategic initiatives:
- National Aviation Strategy: A comprehensive roadmap aiming to position Saudi Arabia as a global aviation hub, targeting 330 million passengers annually and connecting to over 250 destinations by 2030.
- Infrastructure Development: Projects like the King Salman International Airport in Riyadh are set to become among the world’s largest, enhancing capacity and connectivity.
- Sustainability and Innovation: Emphasis on balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility, promoting investment in advanced technologies and infrastructure.
International Collaboration
Al-Duailej’s professional philosophy is deeply rooted in delivering performance-driven outcomes through modernization, privatization, and customer-centric reforms. The aviation sector, historically viewed as a logistics enabler, has been recast under his guidance as a strategic growth engine capable of enhancing tourism, trade, and international diplomacy. By overseeing the expansion of the Kingdom’s airport network, streamlining regulatory frameworks, and inviting foreign investment through strategic public-private partnerships, Al-Duailej has fundamentally reshaped the purpose and potential of aviation in Saudi Arabia. Al-Duailej has actively engaged with international aviation bodies, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), to enhance cooperation and align Saudi Arabia’s aviation standards with global practices.
Role in Matarat Holding Company
As Chairman of Matarat Holding Company, Al-Duailej oversees the management of all 29 civilian airports in Saudi Arabia through its subsidiaries. His leadership is pivotal in the ongoing privatization and modernization efforts within the Kingdom’s aviation infrastructure.
Recognition and Influence
One of Al-Duailej’s signature achievements is the implementation of the National Aviation Strategy, a landmark blueprint that aspires to position Saudi Arabia among the top aviation hubs in the world. The strategy goes beyond infrastructure—it encompasses safety, sustainability, workforce development, and digital innovation. Al-Duailej has consistently emphasized the importance of a fully integrated ecosystem where airlines, airports, logistics providers, and regulatory authorities collaborate under a unified vision. His role in aligning GACA’s policies with global standards—while maintaining a distinct Saudi identity—has earned him recognition from international aviation bodies and regional governments alike.
Al-Duailej’s contributions have been acknowledged in various forums:
- Arabian Business: Listed among the 2020 World’s Most Powerful Saudis.
- Aviation Business Middle East: Recognized in the Saudi Aviation Power List 2025 for his transformative role in the sector.
As Saudi Arabia steadily advances toward its Vision 2030 objectives, few individuals have embodied the national transformation agenda as clearly as Abdulaziz Al-Duailej. His leadership at the helm of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) represents a confluence of experience, innovation, and strategic foresight—an alignment essential to steering the Kingdom’s aviation sector into a new era of global relevance.
Shaping the Future of Saudi Aviation: Abdulaziz Al-Duailej’s Enduring Impact
With growing pressure on global aviation to reduce its environmental impact, Al-Duailej has backed initiatives aimed at greener operations, such as carbon offsetting, electric ground support equipment, and the incorporation of sustainable aviation fuels. These measures are not just symbolic gestures—they reflect a strategic understanding that long-term growth must be environmentally and socially sustainable.
His leadership style—measured, inclusive, and rooted in cross-sector collaboration—has also been pivotal in building a new generation of aviation professionals. Through scholarship programs, partnerships with aviation academies, and localized training initiatives, Al-Duailej is ensuring that Saudi nationals are prepared to lead the next chapter of the Kingdom’s aviation story. His efforts are already paying dividends, as more Saudi professionals assume technical and managerial roles across airports, airlines, and aviation authorities.
Moreover, his dual role as Chairman of Matarat Holding Company further solidifies his influence over the operational and strategic dimensions of the aviation sector. By consolidating airport management under a single corporate umbrella, Al-Duailej is fostering a competitive, transparent, and commercially agile environment—essential traits for attracting global carriers and aviation investors.
Conclusion
Abdulaziz Al-Duailej is not merely managing a government body; he is cultivating a vision. His work has laid the groundwork for Saudi Arabia to emerge as a regional leader in aviation and logistics, with ripple effects extending to tourism, hospitality, and economic diversification. The real measure of his success will be seen not only in airport terminals and passenger volumes but in the Kingdom’s seamless integration into the global aviation network.
His visionary leadership is instrumental in propelling Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector into a new era of growth and global integration. Through strategic initiatives, international collaboration, and a commitment to innovation and sustainability, he is shaping a future where the Kingdom stands as a central hub in global aviation.
