Qatar Airways soars to new heights: Unveils Saudi expansion with spectacular AlUla ceremony

Friday, January 12, 2024

His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al-Saud, the Minister of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Royal Commission for AlUla, extended a warm welcome to His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, the Minister of Culture of the State of Qatar, and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.

During their visit, the delegation explored Saudi Arabia’s inaugural UNESCO Heritage Site, the Hegra Archaeological Site. Qatar Airways hosted an unforgettable outdoor luncheon at AlUla’s prestigious luxury desert resort, seamlessly blending natural landscapes with luxury for a unique traditional and cultural experience.

Qatar Airways proudly announced the success of its inaugural journey to AlUla, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the airline’s dedication to offering unparalleled travel experiences across more than 170 destinations globally. The carefully curated trip showcased AlUla as an exciting new destination, combining history, culture, and luxury for travelers.

The VIP delegation, including notable figures such as His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani and His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al-Saud, commenced their itinerary with a visit to the heart of the city’s Old Town. The tour highlighted the revitalized Old Town, a historical gem with ancient traditional architecture given a modern touch.

The journey continued with explorations of various sites, showcasing a harmonious blend of modernity and history. Notable visits included the sustainable and biodiverse district, Oasis, and multiple publishing houses, providing insights into the local culture and its connection to literature.

The pinnacle of the trip was the significant visit to Hegra, the Kingdom’s first UNESCO Heritage Site, where His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al-Saud received the VIP delegation for a photo opportunity against the remarkable backdrop of the Tomb of Lihyan Son of Kuza.

Qatar Airways, recognized as the Best Airline in the Middle East, hosted a stunning outdoor lunch at one of AlUla’s most sought-after luxury desert resorts, Our Habitas AlUla. The combination of natural beauty and luxury offered the airline’s VIP guests a unique and unforgettable experience, complemented by delectable Arabic cuisine and Qatari cultural performers.

Minister of Culture of the State of Qatar, H.E. Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, emphasized the success of the Culture, Tourism, and Entertainment Committee of the Qatari-Saudi Coordination Council. He expressed appreciation for the contributions of H.H. Minister of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al-Saud, in achieving this milestone.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “As a destination, AlUla embodies the blend of history, culture, and luxury making it a must-visit city in the Kingdom of Saudi-Arabia. We are delighted to expand our network in Saudi to 10 destinations with this new addition, and to serve our key market with diverse travel options across the world. Qatar Airways looks forward to offering travellers in Saudi Arabia an unparalleled experience onboard our leading airline and through the Best Airport in the Middle East, Hamad International Airport.”

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, expressed delight in expanding the airline’s network to 10 destinations in Saudi Arabia, including AlUla. He looks forward to offering passengers an unparalleled experience both on board and at Hamad International Airport, recognized as the Best Airport in the Middle East.

Travelers can anticipate immersive tours in AlUla, uncovering hidden treasures, archaeological sites, art installations, and more, showcasing the city’s diverse richness. Qatar Airways’ successful inaugural trip to AlUla reaffirms its commitment to providing the best travel experience, connecting passengers to over 170 destinations worldwide with two weekly flights to AlUla. The total number of destinations in Saudi Arabia now stands at 10, with 125 weekly flights covering AlUla, Dammam, Gassim, Jeddah, Medina, NEOM, Riyadh, Tabuk, Taif, and Yanbu.

Flight schedule to AlUla:

Sunday (local time)

• Doha (DOH) to AlUla (ULH) – QR1202 Departure 07:35, Arrival 10:15
• AlUla (ULH) to Doha (DOH) – QR1203 Departure 11:45, Arrival 13:55

Friday (local time)

• Doha (DOH) to AlUla (ULH) – QR1202 Departure 07:30, Arrival 10:10
• AlUla (ULH) to Doha (DOH) – QR1203 Departure 12:15, Arrival 14:25

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