Riyadh, August 01, 2025 – Visitor registrations are now open for the highly anticipated Retail Show 2025, taking place on Oct 07- 08, 2025 at the Radisson Hotel Riyadh Airport. Returning bigger than ever, this event will be the epicentre of retail innovation, bringing together the industry’s most influential voices for two days of exhibitions, strategic dialogue, and high-value networking.
The visitors will gain free access to world-class content, networking with industry decision makers and exploring the future of retail. With thousands of attendees, a world-class speaker lineup, and various exhibitors, Retail Show 2025 is the premier destination for discovering opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s booming retail sector. The Kingdom is on track to exceed $200 billion in retail market value by 2028, presenting a golden opportunity for global and regional players. The exhibition floor at the Radisson Hotel Riyadh Airport will showcase cutting-edge technologies and solutions from leading companies including Quattrobi, Globant, ZULTEC, LinkMisr, DRB Logistic Solutions, Shark Shopfits Private Limited, TurnB Business Services, and more. The conference programme features exclusive insights from industry and government leaders. Confirmed organisations include Al Othaim Life Co., Namshi, DHL, MishiPay, Red Sea Global, Royal Commission for Riyadh City, Ministry of Economy & Planning, Adidas, Converse UAE, and many more.
Across two dynamic days at the Radisson Hotel Riyadh Airport, attendees will explore the latest trends in e-commerce, supply chain & logistics, AI-driven solutions, omnichannel strategies, sustainability, and Saudi Giga projects. Beyond the sessions, visitors will gain access to high-level networking with policymakers, investors, retailers, and innovators who are shaping the future of the retail landscape.
Abdullah Ajmal has been part of the Ajmal Group for more than 28 years, a journey that has allowed him to deeply understand and live the values that define the brand. With an MBA from Huron University in London, he has always sought to balance the company’s proud heritage with a modern, global outlook.
In late 2024, he assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Ajmal Group. This appointment was not just a personal milestone but also a pivotal moment for the brand. As the company steps into this new chapter, his focus is on evolving its culture, strengthening its global presence, and ensuring that Ajmal continues to leave a lasting impact for generations to come.
This article examines how Abdullah Ajmal’s deep-rooted understanding of the Ajmal Group’s values informs his vision as CEO to evolve the brand’s culture and solidify its global impact for generations to come.
What are the main factors that guided you to where you are now? I’ve always believed that leadership is about clarity of vision and the courage to act on it. What has guided me most is the foundation laid by my grandfather and father — their values of integrity, hard work, and resilience. At the same time, I’ve been driven by the need to innovate, constantly asking: how do we take a 74-year heritage and make it relevant to a new generation? Balancing tradition with disruption has been my guiding principle, whether steering Ajmal deeper into the travel retail sector, expanding our global footprint, or shaping products that resonate with both middle eastern and international audiences. Ultimately, I’ve been guided by curiosity, listening closely to consumers, and the responsibility of carrying forward a legacy into the future.
Given your years of experience and accomplishments, what would you say was your biggest achievement? For me, achievement isn’t a single milestone but a journey of transformation. That said, one defining accomplishment has been repositioning Ajmal from being seen as a traditional perfumery house to becoming a contemporary, global fragrance brand with a strong presence globally. It has taken years of work, modernising our brand codes, investing in world-class product development, and forging collaborations with international perfumers, but today Ajmal stands shoulder to shoulder with global names while retaining its identity. For me, that balance is the achievement I am proud of.
What is the quote that inspires you the most? It’s by my grandfather, Late Haji Ajmal Ali, Founder Father, Ajmal Perfumes, “a fragrance is all that it takes to travel through time, such is the bond between memory and smell.” It inspires me to keep his entrepreneurial story alive.
What does fragrance mean to you personally? Do you have a favourite Ajmal scent? Fragrance to me is family — it’s my roots, my DNA. I grew up surrounded by the language of scent, and many of my earliest memories are tied to fragrances my grandfather and father created. It isn’t just a business; it’s the fabric of who I am. As for a favourite Ajmal scent, that’s always difficult to answer because each creation carries its own soul. But if I had to choose, I would say our latest launch, The Untold Stories, is a collection closest to my heart. It represents a very bold idea — giving perfumers complete creative freedom, without the boundaries of a brief. These fragrances carry their personal stories, their emotions, and their artistry, which makes the collection not only distinctive but also deeply human. For me, it’s a reminder of what happens when heritage meets fearless creativity.
How has the rise of e-commerce changed the way Ajmal engages with customers? E-commerce has expanded the way Ajmal connects with its customers. For decades, our boutiques have been the heart of fragrance discovery, and they continue to be central as we expand our retail presence. What digital has done is add another powerful layer — allowing us to reach new audiences, especially younger consumers, and to carry the Ajmal experience across borders instantly. Online platforms provide us with real-time insights into consumer behaviour, enabling us to anticipate trends, personalise recommendations, and launch collections that resonate globally. At the same time, we’re focused on making the digital journey feel immersive — through sampling programs, storytelling through our blogs, and exclusive online offerings that complement what happens in-store. For us, e-commerce isn’t about replacing the intimacy of our retail experience — it’s about amplifying it, ensuring Ajmal can meet our customers wherever they are, whether in a flagship boutique, a duty-free store, or on their mobile phone.
In light of your journey and experiences, what message would you like to convey to aspiring youth in the same field? My message to the youth is simple: don’t be afraid to start small, but always think big. Fragrance is a field where science, art, and culture meet — and it demands patience, curiosity, and humility. You may not see results overnight, but every experiment, every failure, every success becomes part of your learning. Equally important, stay true to your roots while embracing innovation. What has carried Ajmal forward for 74 years is not only our mastery of oud and attars but our willingness to evolve and speak to a new generation. That balance — of respecting heritage while daring to disrupt — is what I would urge young professionals to cultivate. Most of all, remember that this industry is about people and emotions. A great perfume doesn’t just smell good; it tells a story; it connects to someone’s life. If you can keep that human connection at the centre of your work, you will always stay relevant
What is your personal team leadership philosophy, and how does it shape your work environment? At Ajmal, we’ve thrived because our people feel encouraged to question, to innovate, and to bring fresh thinking into a 74-year-old heritage. For me, evolution is non-negotiable. I want my teams to see change not as a threat but as an opportunity to grow. That means fostering a culture where experimentation is welcomed, where lessons from failure are valued as much as successes, and where every individual feels part of shaping the brand’s future.
What is the most valuable lesson learned from your professional journey? The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that resilience and adaptability go hand in hand. In business, challenges are constant — whether it’s shifts in consumer behaviour, global disruptions, or the pace of innovation. What matters is not avoiding change but responding to it with clarity and courage.
How do you strike a balance between tradition and innovation in perfumery? At Ajmal, capturing the customer’s imagination is always the key. We may be celebrated as the ‘King of Oud’ and masters of middle eastern perfumery, but we are equally skilled at Western perfumery. For us, it isn’t about choosing one over the other; it’s about evolving with our customers. If their preferences change, so do we. Our roots in oud keep us authentic, but our openness to trying new ingredients, collaborating with international perfumers, and launching contemporary collections helps us stay relevant. That balance — of honouring tradition while embracing innovation — is what allows Ajmal to connect with multiple generations and remain a trusted name in perfumery.
What are the current trends shaping the MENA market, and how is Ajmal Perfumes adapting to these changes? The MENA market is lively — customers here are modern, curious, and increasingly global in their perspective. They desire fragrances that last in the region’s climate, that carry authenticity and story, but also reflect modern lifestyles. Simultaneously, gifting remains an important tradition, so perfumes need to feel both personal and shareable. At Ajmal, we see these shifts as an opportunity. Our heritage as the ‘King of Oud’ gives us authenticity, while our expertise in Western perfumery enables us to meet modern expectations with agility. We are innovating with new formats, immersive retail experiences, and digital-first storytelling, ensuring that whether someone discovers Ajmal in a boutique, in duty-free, or online, they feel part of our journey. For us, the key is simple: the customer’s imagination guides us, and as they evolve, so do we.
Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you’re particularly excited about? As with every year, we will unveil our next HERO product for 2026 in Shaban, just ahead of Ramadan, with a phased global launch beginning in the GCC and expanding to other markets thereafter.
Saudi Arabia – June 25, 2025: Whish Money SAL, a leading fintech innovator, announced today that Whish Visa cards can now be added to Google Wallet, providing Android users with a fast, secure, and contactless way to pay. Newly launched in Lebanon, this feature integration marks a major step forward in making digital payments more accessible, offering users a seamless experience whether in-store, or online at millions of merchants worldwide.
Adding a Whish Visa Card to Google Wallet is simple: users can open Google Wallet app or download it from Google Play. They will just need to select “Add to Wallet” and follow the straightforward instructions. Once successfully added, payments can be made instantly with just a tap of their phone, removing the need for cash or physical cards. Google Pay enables users to enjoy all the benefits and protections associated with their Whish Visa Card, while ensuring customer information remains private.
“This launch represents a significant milestone in our commitment to digital innovation and customer convenience,” said Toufic Koussa, CEO at Whish Money. “By making Whish Visa Card available on Google Pay, we’re enabling our customers to make everyday transactions faster, more secure, and more inclusive. It’s about giving them the tools they need to transact seamlessly, wherever they are.”
This update coincides with the official launch of Google Pay in Lebanon on June 24, 2025, opening a new chapter in digital payments across the region. With this new feature addition, Whish Money continues to push the boundaries of innovation, helping bridge the gap between traditional finance and the digital future.
Jeddah, 3 July 2025 – Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship (MBSC), the Kingdom’s world-class business school, proudly announces its attainment of full institutional accreditation from the National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation (NCAAA).
This significant achievement underscores MBSC’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and its alignment with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives for higher education. The NCAAA, established in 2004, serves as the official accrediting body in the Kingdom, promoting quality and optimal learning outcomes through a consultative accreditation process and continuous improvement services for higher education institutions.
Dr. Zeger Degraeve, Dean of Prince Mohammed bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship, said: ““Achieving full institutional accreditation from the NCAAA is a moment of great pride for all of us at MBSC. This is important external validation of the school’s unwavering commitment to world-class academic quality, innovation, and creating a meaningful impact in the Saudi educational landscape. This milestone recognizes our dedication to developing globally competitive graduates who are prepared to lead in today’s rapidly evolving world.”
Enas Khawqandi, Chief of Quality and Development, added: “This accreditation is the result of extensive collaborative efforts across the school. It enhances confidence in MBSC’s academic integrity, research rigor, and operational excellence — and reinforces our position as a trusted academic partner locally and globally.”
Located in King Abdullah Economic City, a contemporary urban centre that provides an unparalleled modern environment for both students and faculty, MBSC offers world-class education from Saudi Arabia for Saudi Arabia in both King Abdullah Economic City and Riyadh. The school delivers practical, hands-on experiential learning designed to develop a new generation of transformative leaders.
Dubai, UAE, 30 June 2025 – Henkel Consumer Brands officially launched the Schwarzkopf Gliss Hair Care range in GCC markets with an exclusive beauty industry event at the prestigious Bvlgari Hotel & Resort, marking a significant expansion of the brand’s regional footprint within the Middle East personal care market.
The Schwarzkopf Gliss launch event featured Middle East beauty icon and renowned actress Nadine Nassib Njeim, who serves as the exclusive brand ambassador for Schwarzkopf Gliss with more than 17 million Instagram followers, alongside a captivating model show and multiple interactive experiences showcasing cutting-edge cosmetic technology behind the Gliss hair repair range. Following Schwarzkopf’s global strategy of partnering with celebrated personalities worldwide, Njeim’s appointment represents a significant milestone bringing decades of global engineering excellence to meet diverse regional beauty needs.
“This Schwarzkopf Gliss launch represents more than a new product line for us,” said Irina Eliseeva, General Manager, Henkel Consumer Brands GCC. “With Schwarzkopf Gliss hair care products, we’re bringing decades of global innovation and Hair Care expertise to the GCC region. This launch marks more than just a new product line — it’s a promise to our consumers. A promise that their hair deserves the best, and that we are here to deliver it. This addition to our winning portfolio of products strengthens our competitive edge within the personal care market and positions us for success in meeting the diverse needs of our consumers”.
The evening attracted regionally known beauty influencers from the GCC, Egypt, and Levant regions, national media representatives, as well as Henkel GCC retail and distributor partners. Multiple interactive installations at the event included a live Gliss Lab with Henkel R&D experts demonstrating product formulation, hair health testing booths proving product efficacy through strand strength demonstrations, professional styling stations, and an Instagram-worthy box installation featuring the Schwarzkopf Gliss Ultimate Repair range.
For more than 120 years, Schwarzkopf has represented quality, expertise, and innovation in the global beauty industry. As the Hair Care expert, Schwarzkopf brings proven global technology to the GCC through Gliss products, featuring unique Liquid Hair-Repair Technology with liquid keratin to repair both damaged surface and core hair strands.
With this launch, we’re not just celebrating Hair Care, we’re elevating it. The brand’s “for every you” positioning emphasizes inclusivity and addresses diverse regional beauty needs with scientifically-backed formulations that cater to the Gulf region’s discerning consumers.
Overall, the successful event generated significant engagement through influencer posts and media coverage across the Middle East, resulting in high impressions and strong social media impact. With this launch, Henkel continues delivering on its Purposeful Growth Agenda by elevating GCC Hair Care. Henkel’s legacy of innovation makes Schwarzkopf Gliss poised for regional success and well-positioned to meet consumer needs across Gulf markets
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 3rd July 2025: CARMA, the global leader in media intelligence and research solutions, in partnership with SOCIALEYEZ, the Middle East’s leading team of creative strategists, and Cicero & Bernay, a leading communications consultancy, officially launched the Fifth Edition of the landmark Kingdom Reputation Report during an exclusive event held at Crowne Plaza Hotel Riyadh, Digital City (RDC). The gathering brought together leading voices in media, business, and communications to explore the evolving global perception of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom’s remarkable transformation under Vision 2030.
The event commenced with a keynote speech by Mazen Nahawi, Founder & CEO of both CARMA and SOCIALEYEZ, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Sean Trainor, Founder of Salient Communication Group. The panel featured renowned industry leaders, including Islam Zween, CEO of Argaam Investment Company; Rawan Althagafy, Founder, Coach, and EQ Leadership Expert at Elevating Minds; and Rebecca Wiles, Senior Vice President at Teneo.
Drawing on AI-powered analysis and human-led interpretation of media content across more than 100 countries, CARMA’s report reveals a marked increase in positive sentiment surrounding Saudi Arabia’s modernisation efforts, cultural diplomacy, and global leadership. The volume and tone of media coverage affirm that the Kingdom is gaining investor trust and attention as a future-ready nation at the forefront of innovation.
The new study reveals a decisive shift in the Kingdom’s international reputation. In 2024, positive coverage in top-tier traditional media climbed to 86%, a 30% increase since 2020. This momentum has been driven mainly by economic diversification, sports, and the rapid growth of the tourism sector, which experienced a 60% surge in visibility over the past year. Vision 2030 continues to reshape the narrative, now accounting for 60% of reporting on Saudi Arabia and signalling broader recognition of the nation’s transformation.
Mazen Nahawi, Founder and CEO of CARMA and SOCIALEYEZ said: “This fifth edition of the Reputation Report clearly illustrates that the Kingdom’s reforms, mega-projects, and diplomatic efforts are being recognised and respected globally, aligning with Vision 2030. Whether in sustainability, cultural transformation, or economic diversification, Saudi Arabia is delivering results that command attention by building credibility and shaping identity, and media intelligence is giving us the clarity to see what’s working and where the momentum is. The resulting data tells a powerful story of progress.”The report highlights several key trends that are shaping Saudi Arabia’s global image. To begin with, media coverage is increasingly reflecting the Kingdom’s ambitious push for economic diversification and innovation, led by major initiatives such as NEOM and the Red Sea Development. In addition, strategic investments in sports, arts, and entertainment are enhancing Saudi Arabia’s soft power, encouraging cultural exchange, and fostering goodwill on the international stage. High-profile state visits and cross-border engagements are also helping to position the Kingdom as both a regional stabiliser and a valued partner. Furthermore, the ongoing commitment to social and economic reform continues to bolster Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a progressive and resilient nation. Taken together, CARMA’s data analysis and sentiment tracking confirm a consistent international perception of Saudi Arabia as an innovative, forward-looking country.
The report highlights several key trends that are shaping Saudi Arabia’s global image. To begin with, media coverage is increasingly reflecting the Kingdom’s ambitious push for economic diversification and innovation, led by major initiatives such as NEOM and the Red Sea Development. In addition, strategic investments in sports, arts, and entertainment are enhancing Saudi Arabia’s soft power, encouraging cultural exchange, and fostering goodwill on the international stage. High-profile state visits and cross-border engagements are also helping to position the Kingdom as both a regional stabiliser and a valued partner. Furthermore, the ongoing commitment to social and economic reform continues to bolster Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a progressive and resilient nation. Taken together, CARMA’s data analysis and sentiment tracking confirm a consistent international perception of Saudi Arabia as an innovative, forward-looking country.
Ahmed Dahduli, Managing Director – Saudi Arabia at CARMA, added: “What we see today is a confident ownership of Saudi Arabia’s narrative, reflecting the reality of its transformation. The Kingdom is no longer defined by external perceptions alone, and through strategic investments in culture, sport, tourism, and diplomacy, it is actively shaping how it is viewed on the global stage. This Reputation Report affirms the growing importance of media intelligence: not just as a measurement tool, but as a lens to understand sentiment, track progress, and provide cultural context that drives smarter decisions.”
CARMA’s Kingdom Reputation Report draws on advanced natural language processing, proprietary content monitoring, and expert media analysts to deliver unparalleled clarity into how nations are perceived in a fragmented, fast-moving global media landscape.
The Riyadh launch event concluded with a networking dinner, giving attendees the opportunity to connect with speakers and the CARMA team and to discuss the implications of the report for Saudi Arabia’s global reputation.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 25 June 2025: Coursera, a leading online learning platform, today announced a significant 73% year-over-year increase in Professional Certificate enrollments in Saudi Arabia, signaling strong national demand for flexible, job-relevant credentials that align with the Kingdom’s transformation goals, according to the platform’s annual Global Skills Report.
Now in its seventh year, the report also revealed a 165% surge in Generative AI (GenAI) enrollments, further highlighting Saudi Arabia’s rapid progress in building an AI-ready workforce capable of driving future innovation.
This growth in enrollments comes as Saudi Arabia accelerates its economic transformation, with the labor market evolving at an unprecedented pace. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 projects that 45% of work tasks in the Kingdom will be automated by 2030, exceeding global averages. In response, employers are prioritizing skills in technological literacy, AI, big data, and cybersecurity. Furthermore, with 38% of companies expected to remove degree requirements to broaden talent access, the shift toward skills-based hiring continues to gain momentum, underscoring the increasing importance of agile, future-ready reskilling models.
Drawing on data from Coursera’s global community of over 170 million learners, the Global Skills Report 2025 identifies where skill proficiencies are rising, where gaps remain, and what drives learner behavior across more than 100 countries. The report confirms Saudi Arabia’s bold strides in AI-driven transformation, noting that 73% of Saudi organizations are already running AI programs and 82% are committed to large-scale upskilling initiatives.
New to this year’s report is the AI Maturity Index, which assesses countries’ readiness for AI by combining Coursera data with external metrics from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Saudi Arabia ranks 37th globally out of 109 countries, placing it among the top three performers in the region. Major investments, including Project Transcendence, a US$100 billion partnership with global tech leaders, and Neom’s US$5 billion AI data center, demonstrate the Kingdom’s sustained commitment to digital innovation.
Based on the set of skills emphasized in the Future of Jobs Report 2025, artificial intelligence and machine learning have emerged as the most in-demand skills among employers, with Saudi learner enrollments in these areas growing by 140%. While AI/ML lead this growth, other employer-prioritized skills such as customer service, systems thinking, and talent management remain important, though learner engagement with these varies. According to the report, cybersecurity enrollments also rose by 61%, a reflection of the Kingdom’s broader emphasis on building a secure and resilient digital ecosystem.
These trends align with the Kingdom’s strategic focus on talent development. Under the Human Capability Development Program, Saudi Arabia is cultivating a highly educated, tech-savvy labor force to power long-term growth across critical sectors such as healthcare, tourism, and technology. These efforts also support the National Skills Platform’s objectives to equip the workforce with future-ready capabilities and advance the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Kais Zribi, Coursera’s General Manager for the Middle East and Africa, said: “Strategic investment in human capital is critical to navigating the evolving landscape of AI and the future of work. Coursera’s Global Skills Report 2025 highlights Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach to upskilling and reskilling through accessible digital learning solutions that empower Saudi learners in building in-demand skills and advancing their careers. This commitment, reflected in strong growth across enrollments in Professional Certificates, GenAI, and cybersecurity, aligns directly with workforce development, a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030.”
The report places Saudi Arabia 54th globally in overall skills proficiency and among the top five countries in the MENA region. Domain-level scores show 60% proficiency in business skills, 40% in technology, and 52% in data science.
Of the 1.5 million Coursera learners in Saudi Arabia, 29% are women. Among them, 39% are enrolled in STEM courses, 25% in GenAI, and 24% pursuing Professional Certificates. Closing the gender skills gap and expanding women’s participation in high-demand fields will be critical to unlocking the full potential of Saudi Arabia’s talent pool and driving sustainable economic growth and inclusive prosperity.
Footwear and apparel giant, Nike, is set to report its fiscal Q4 earnings this Thursday, after markets close US time. Although the company is continuing to grapple with weak consumer spending, elevated inventory levels, and margin pressure from discounting, it has managed to consistently beat consensus EPS estimates. Josh Gilbert, Market Analyst at eToro states that Nike’s turned earnings beats into a habit, but it’s a habit Wall Street no longer rewards. Despite beating EPS expectations in each of the last six quarters, shares have fallen each time post-earnings, underscoring the market’s deeper concerns and investor skepticism. Either way, expect volatility, with the market expecting an 8% move after the earnings release.
Nike shares are down 19% year-to-date, and the biggest near-term concern is profitability. Nike is aggressively clearing inventory through heavy discounting, particularly in staple sneaker franchises like Air Force 1s and Dunks, but this comes at the cost of margins. Nike’s CFO warned that gross margins would likely decline this quarter, pressured by both markdowns and U.S. tariffs on goods from China and other countries. Meanwhile, competition is heating up, with rivals like On, Hoka and Adidas gaining ground, particularly in performance and lifestyle categories. Sales across the globe look set to fall in the double digits, but China remains the biggest drag with expectations of a 20% decline.
Investors are looking for some optimism, but its outlook could remain clouded by tariff concerns, however, recent price hikes could be a saving grace. Nike’s unmatched brand equity and global footprint provide a strong foundation, but execution this quarter and next will be critical to determining whether this iconic brand can regain its stride. Nike’s results will also serve as a bellwether for the health of global consumer spending and discretionary retail demand heading into the second half of the year.
This isn’t going to be an overnight turnaround for Nike. As CEO Elliott Hill has said himself, it’s a marathon, not a sprint, which suggests investors are going to need some patience. But, investors won’t be patient forever; they’ve heard the turnaround story, they want results, not just promises.
If Hill’s plans to restore wholesale partnerships and push for new products while focusing on footwear bear fruit, it is likely to drive profitability and grow market share once again over the next few years. The market is looking for earnings of USD$0.13 with revenue of USD$10.7 billion.
Simon Peters, Crypto Analyst at eToro finds that Bitcoin dipped below the $100,000 level over the weekend, as geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran intensified. The US undertook air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, and Iran, in retaliation, is now threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping channel which could impact global markets and in particular oil prices.
As the price began falling on the back of the escalating geopolitical tensions, approximately $313 million worth of traders’ long positions were liquidated, exacerbating the price fall to $98,000.
The sell-off was short lived however. Bitcoin is now back above $100,000 level, currently at $101,500.
June 27, 2025, We are thrilled to announce that FlyNow Aviation has achieved a significant milestone in the development of our modular eCopter family. In early June, our first untethered test flights were successfully completed at our newly secured testing site in Eastern Austria. This location enables unrestricted flight operations and accelerates our technical progress.
Shaping the Future of Urban Air Mobility Since 2019, FlyNow Aviation has been advancing sustainable air mobility with a clear vision — to provide efficient, clean, and affordable flight solutions, suitable as well for urban applications. From our first modular flight tests in 2021 to the maiden flight of our full-scale 1:1 prototype in 2023, our team has been committed to revolutionizing 3D mobility through technical simplicity, cost efficiency, and uncompromising safety standards.
Starting in 2023, we conducted extensive flight testing at Salzburg Airport (LOWS), where safety regulations require tethered operations due to nearby air traffic and infrastructure. These tethered flights were crucial for system validation and allowed us to collect valuable data and train the flight control computer.
Building on this foundation, we have now successfully transitioned to untethered flight testing at our newly secured test site in Eastern Austria.
“Every milestone brings us closer to making urban air mobility a reality for everyone. The successful untethered flight of our eCopter is not just a technical achievement — it’s visible proof that our vision works. Many didn’t take our tethered flights seriously, but seeing is believing. With this free flight, we’ve shown that FlyNow is ready to lift urban mobility off the ground,” said Yvonne Winter, Co-Founder and COO of FlyNow Aviation GmbH. “We focus on reducing complexity and maximizing safety — principles that are essential for scalable, sustainable air transport.”
What This Milestone Means The untethered test flights of the FlyNow eCopter focus on gathering extensive flight data under real-world conditions. These lower-altitude flights are essential to: – Validate system stability and safety – Optimize flight control and propulsion systems – Advance our modular platform toward full certification
Having achieved our first certification milestone in 2022 in Specific Category SAIL II, FlyNow is now actively testing the second iteration of the eCopter and on the way towards SAIL IV that enables commercial cargo transportation.
Looking Ahead FlyNow Aviation’s roadmap includes launching commercial cargo operations by 2027. After accumulating over 1 million kilometers with the cargo version to meet the highest safety standards, passenger flights will follow, providing safe, low-emission, and affordable urban mobility.
Our patented, counter-rotating rotor technology and modular design ensure: – Industry-leading low noise emissions (only 55 dB(A) at 150m altitude, comparable to the sound level of a dishwasher) – Exceptional efficiency and minimal energy consumption (30 kWh per 100 km) – Market-leading affordability, with up to 10x lower production costs compared to other solutions on the market – making a flight on the FlyNow eCopter as affordable as a regular taxi trip.
“Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is poised to become a transformative force in global infrastructure. As China accelerates its ‘Low Altitude Economy,’ the Sky Alliance for Automated Air Mobility (SALAAM.earth) — the strategic partnership between FlyNow Aviation and Skyroads with many aligned members — introduces a practical model: Automated Air Mobility. This innovation shifts the mobility paradigm from the software-driven era to a cyber-mechanical age, integrating AI into safe, analogue, sustainable transport systems,” Yvonne Winter said.
About FlyNow Aviation FlyNow Aviation is revolutionizing the future of urban mobility with our fleet of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft called eCopter. These aircraft are designed to solve the growing issues of urban congestion and environmental degradation by offering an on-demand, fast, and efficient mode of transport.
The eCopter family includes a one- and two-seater for personal transportation, a cargo version with a 200 kg payload capable of carrying a standard Euro pallet, as well as dedicated firefighting and rescue models — offering maximum flexibility for diverse urban and regional applications.
FlyNow’s eCopters come with several advantages, including production costs up to 10 times lower than competing technologies, unparalleled energy efficiency with longer flight times and greater range, and minimal noise emissions, ensuring a seamless passenger experience and positive social reception. Our ability to operate large fleets profitably, coupled with rapid certification readiness, positions FlyNow as a leader in the quickly evolving urban air mobility market.
With these cutting-edge features, FlyNow is reshaping the way cities will handle air transportation, offering a cleaner, faster, and more sustainable alternative to traditional ground transportation. Read more about FlyNow Aviation
