Tribune News Network
DOHA
Qatar Airways (QA) has announced the success of its inaugural journey to AlUla, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking the airline’s commitment to providing unparalleled travel experiences across more than 170 destinations worldwide. The meticulously curated trip showcased AlUla as a new and exciting destination, offering travellers a unique blend of history, culture and luxury.
A VIP delegation, including HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, Minister of Culture of Qatar, attended the inaugural flight. Other notable attendees included HH Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al-Saud, Minister of Culture of Saudi Arabia; Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr Badr Mohammed Al-Meer; Acting Chief Executive Officer Royal Commission for AlUla Abeer Al Akel; and Phillip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer, Royal Commission for AlUla.
The VIP delegation started the itinerary with a visit to the heart of the city’s Old Town. The tour showcased the revitalised Old Town, a historical gem with ancient traditional architecture revamped with a modern touch. The journey continued with an exploration of various sites, highlighting a synergy of modernity and history, notably a visit to the sustainable and biodiverse district, Oasis, as well as to multiple publishing houses, providing a deeper understanding of the local culture and its affinity to literature.
The pinnacle of the trip was the significant visit to the Kingdom’s first UNESCO Heritage Site, Hegra, where HH Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al-Saud received the VIP delegation for a photo opportunity which included a remarkable backdrop of the Tomb of Lihyan Son of Kuza.
Qatar Airways, 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 mix of natural landscape and luxury provided the airline’s VIP guests with a unique and unforgettable experience, while indulging in delectable Arabic cuisine. QA added a touch of its signature excellence to the luncheon by complementing the gathering with Qatari cultural performers presenting an authentic traditional experience in a breath-taking setting.
HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani highlighted that this inauguration is a testament to the success of the Culture, Tourism, and Entertainment Committee of the Qatari-Saudi Coordination Council.
He emphasised the importance of investing in archaeological sites and developing their accessibility to enable the exploration of the rich cultural heritage of AlUla. He also expressed his pride in the Qatari-Saudi relations, which are strengthened by culture, affirming the fundamental role culture plays in consolidating the ties between the intellectuals of Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
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.”
Travellers can expect to enjoy AlUla’s immersive tours which unveil the city’s hidden treasures, archaeological sites, art installations, and more, leaving visitors in admiration of the city’s diverse richness.
Operating two weekly flights to AlUla, Qatar Airways brings the total number destinations to Saudi Arabia to 10, including 125 weekly flights across 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