Saudi Arabia’s tourism and aviation scene has been buzzing lately — and Qatar Airways just added more fuel to the excitement. Announced during a high-energy panel at the TOURISE Summit in Riyadh, the airline confirmed a major expansion of its Saudi operations. And for travellers across the region, including frequent flyers in the UAE who often zip through Doha for long-haul connections, this is big news.
Starting 5 January 2026, Qatar Airways will boost services to Riyadh and Jeddah, while also launching a completely new route to Hail, strengthening its footprint across the Kingdom like never before.
This isn’t just another network upgrade; it’s a clear sign of how rapidly regional travel demand is climbing.
A Big Push into Saudi Arabia
For years, Qatar Airways has maintained a strong presence in Saudi Arabia. But the airline is now taking things up a notch. With the latest expansion, Qatar Airways will operate over 150 weekly flights across 13 Saudi cities — the highest number the airline has ever offered in the Kingdom.
At the Riyadh summit, Qatar Airways Group CEO Eng. Badr Mohammed Al Meer spoke passionately about the airline’s growing role in the Kingdom, noting that nearly 2.5 million passengers from Saudi Arabia were carried over the past year alone. That’s a massive number, and it clearly reflects how heavily travellers in the region rely on Doha’s global hub.
For UAE residents — especially Dubai-based travellers who often take advantage of competitive Qatar Airways fares — increased Saudi connectivity also means smoother onward journeys, easier regional business travel, and better flexibility for multi-city trips.
Hail Joins the Network — A New Gateway for Northern Saudi
One of the biggest highlights of the announcement is the addition of Hail to Qatar Airways’ network.
From January, the airline will launch three weekly flights connecting Doha to Hail. The route is strategically valuable — Hail is a growing economic and cultural centre in northern Saudi Arabia, and its tourism sector has been gaining serious attention.
For travellers, especially those who explore the region often, the new route opens up fresh possibilities. Think quick weekend escapes, access to heritage sites, and easier connections for business travellers who previously had limited options.
And of course, with Doha as the transfer point, Hail residents now get seamless links to more than 170 global destinations — from London and Paris to Bali and Seoul.
More Daily Flights to Riyadh and Jeddah
The other major announcement: Qatar Airways is increasing flights to two of Saudi Arabia’s busiest and most influential cities.
Riyadh (RUH)
Flights will jump from six daily to seven daily, offering travellers an additional option for morning or evening connections. With Riyadh’s booming business sector and the number of UAE residents regularly flying in for meetings, this is a welcome addition.
Jeddah (JED)
Jeddah, which receives a huge number of Umrah visitors year-round, will also see an upgrade from six daily to seven daily flights.
This gives UAE-based travellers more flexibility when choosing connecting flights to Makkah, especially during busier seasons when traffic is at its peak.
For Saudi travellers, the added frequency helps spread out travel demand, easing congestion and offering better timing options — whether travelling for business, leisure, or religious purposes.
Why This Expansion Matters for the Region
1. Stronger Gulf Connectivity
As Gulf countries continue pushing tourism and large-scale events, strong air links have become essential. This expansion strengthens the region’s travel ecosystem, with Doha acting as a gateway for millions.
Dubai residents will likely feel this shift too, as more regional routes often translate into better fares and competitive offers — something UAE travellers always appreciate.
2. A Vote of Confidence in Saudi Tourism
Saudi Arabia’s tourism efforts have been on full display — from mega projects on the Red Sea to major entertainment and hospitality announcements across Riyadh and Jeddah. Qatar Airways increasing its footprint signals confidence in the Kingdom’s vision.
3. Boost for Pilgrimage Travel
Jeddah’s enhanced flight frequency directly supports religious travel. With more seats and more timings, pilgrims across the region will find it easier to plan their Umrah trips — especially from the UAE, where quick weekend Umrah trips are becoming more common.
4. A Win for Travellers Across the Gulf
The biggest winners? Travellers.
More frequency means more choice. More destinations mean more opportunities. And with Doha’s Hamad International Airport consistently being ranked among the world’s best, the overall travel experience becomes much smoother.
For Dubai residents who frequently fly through Doha, small changes like these often lead to bigger improvements — shorter layovers, better combinations of long-haul flights, and more flexibility around peak seasons.
A Growing Aviation Landscape
Qatar Airways’ expansion also reflects how competitive and dynamic the Gulf aviation sector has become. With airports in Dubai, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and Doha undergoing massive transformations, the region is setting itself up as a global aviation powerhouse.
And while travellers often notice the big changes — new lounges, upgraded terminals, fresh routes — it’s these smaller, strategic expansions that truly improve the travel experience on a day-to-day basis.
Starting January 2026, Qatar Airways will:
- Launch a new route to Hail (three times a week)
- Increase flights to Riyadh and Jeddah to seven daily services
- Operate 150+ weekly flights across 13 Saudi cities
- Connect travellers to 170+ global destinations via Doha
It’s a major step for the airline, a win for Saudi Arabia’s tourism growth, and a strong boost for Gulf connectivity overall.
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