Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has unveiled an innovative product ahead of the holy month of Ramadan and Umrah season – Protectasbih, the world’s first sanitizing prayer beads. Timely for the anticipated surge of guests and pilgrims, this creation combines spiritual tradition with modern health consciousness, offering a dual function that redefines the pilgrimage experience.
Developed in collaboration with creative agency partners, Protectasbih integrates the spiritual practice of tasbih with the added benefit of hand sanitisation, providing pilgrims with a unique tool for both spiritual devotion and hygiene maintenance, unlike any other traditional beads.
Tea tree oil, renowned for its antimicrobial properties, serves as the key sanitising element in Protectasbih. Through innovative molding techniques, this oil is seamlessly infused into a solid bead, ensuring effective protection against a broad spectrum of bacteria while upholding the sanctity of the pilgrimage journey.
Essam Akhonbay, VP Marketing, Saudia, expressed pride in the introduction of this innovative product, stating, “At Saudia, the well-being of our guests is our top priority. Protectasbih represents our dedication to enhancing the pilgrimage experience, enabling guests to embark on their spiritual journey with confidence and peace of mind.”
With 7.8 million guests, December was the busiest month in the fourth quarter during which the Dubai airport welcomed a total of 22.4 million guests, a year-on-year growth of 13.8 per cent compared to Q4 of last year. Q3 remained the quarter with the highest traffic since 2019 with 23 million guests while August, with 7.9 million guests, was the month with the highest traffic.
Protectasbih will be readily available on board for all Saudia passengers, ensuring a healthier and more sanitary pilgrimage experience. Additionally, these innovative prayer beads have been distributed throughout the holy city of Makkah, further enriching the spiritual journey of pilgrims.Saudia had transported over 30 million guests in 2023, representing a remarkable 21 per cent surge compared to the previous year. The airline also reported operating more than 176.3 thousand flights, reflecting a 4 per cent increase, with transit flights witnessing a staggering 77 per cent growth compared to 2019.
Saudia currently operates flights to over one hundred destinations across four continents, boasting a diverse fleet of 142 aircraft. With strategic investments in King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudia aims to establish a central hub for transit flights, bridging the East with the West.
