- News
- Sep 1, 2026
- 4 min read
Universal Aviation Begins Operations in Saudi Arabia
Universal Aviation has begun operations at the new general aviation terminal and FBO at King Fahd International Airport (OEDF) in Dammam.
Universal Aviation has begun operations at the new general aviation terminal (GAT/FBO) at King Fahd International Airport (OEDF) in Dammam. Earlier this year, it was selected to operate the facility—the country’s first dedicated general aviation terminal and first hangar intended exclusively for private aircraft.
Under the agreement, Universal became the exclusive ground handling provider at the 42,000-sq.-ft. complex. It was developed jointly with Matarat Holding and Dammam Airports Co. as part of efforts to expand business aviation infrastructure and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a world-class destination in line with Vision 2030.
The 22,000-sq.-ft. FBO terminal includes two VIP lounges, a pilot lounge, a conference room, a prayer room, a refreshment area, offices, showers, and on-site customs, immigration, and health-control facilities. The 20,000-sq.-ft. climate-controlled hangar can accommodate ultra-long-range business jets and protects them from harsh desert conditions.
The launch marks Universal Aviation’s first operational location in Saudi Arabia. In Jeddah, the company will manage a 108,000-sq.-ft. private hangar and ground handling services at King Abdulaziz International Airport (OEJN), while at King Khalid International Airport (OERK) in Riyadh it will open an exclusive Universal lounge for business aviation and provide a full range of ground services.
To support these operations, Universal Aviation has established a centralized operations center for flights to, from, and within Saudi Arabia. It is staffed by professional English-speaking operations specialists.
“Today’s opening is an important milestone, but it is only the beginning of our long-term strategy in Saudi Arabia,” said Greg Evans, managing director of Evans Family Office, Universal Aviation’s parent company. “We intend to invest in the kingdom, develop Saudi talent, and help raise service standards in business aviation. Our goal is to make Saudi Arabia a world-class business aviation destination, with infrastructure, operational discipline, and hospitality that meet the highest global expectations and support the goals of Vision 2030.”
Universal Aviation has begun operations at the new general aviation terminal (GAT/FBO) at King Fahd International Airport (OEDF) in Dammam. Earlier this year, it was selected to operate the facility—the country’s first dedicated general aviation terminal and first hangar intended exclusively for private aircraft.
Under the agreement, Universal became the exclusive ground handling provider at the 42,000-sq.-ft. complex. It was developed jointly with Matarat Holding and Dammam Airports Co. as part of efforts to expand business aviation infrastructure and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a world-class destination in line with Vision 2030.
The 22,000-sq.-ft. FBO terminal includes two VIP lounges, a pilot lounge, a conference room, a prayer room, a refreshment area, offices, showers, and on-site customs, immigration, and health-control facilities. The 20,000-sq.-ft. climate-controlled hangar can accommodate ultra-long-range business jets and protects them from harsh desert conditions.
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The launch marks Universal Aviation’s first operational location in Saudi Arabia. In Jeddah, the company will manage a 108,000-sq.-ft. private hangar and ground handling services at King Abdulaziz International Airport (OEJN), while at King Khalid International Airport (OERK) in Riyadh it will open an exclusive Universal lounge for business aviation and provide a full range of ground services.
To support these operations, Universal Aviation has established a centralized operations center for flights to, from, and within Saudi Arabia. It is staffed by professional English-speaking operations specialists.
“Today’s opening is an important milestone, but it is only the beginning of our long-term strategy in Saudi Arabia,” said Greg Evans, managing director of Evans Family Office, Universal Aviation’s parent company. “We intend to invest in the kingdom, develop Saudi talent, and help raise service standards in business aviation. Our goal is to make Saudi Arabia a world-class business aviation destination, with infrastructure, operational discipline, and hospitality that meet the highest global expectations and support the goals of Vision 2030.”
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