Qatar Airways has announced an expansion to its UAE services with the launch of direct flights to Ras Al Khaimah, commencing October 1st 2015.

Operating daily, QR1120 will depart Doha’s Hamad International Airport at 20:15 hours and arrive at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport at 22.30 hours.

The return flight QR1121 will depart at 23:30 hours and arrive in Doha at 23:45 hours.

“The UAE is a market that is strong and full of confidence,” said Qatar Airways chief executive, Akbar Al Baker.

“Today, Qatar Airways enjoys a robust operation in the UAE with 98 flights a week to Dubai, 28 flights a week to Dubai World Central, 42 flights a week to Abu Dhabi and 21 flights a week to Sharjah.

“Now with the addition of seven weekly flights to Ras Al Khaimah, Qatar Airways will have a total of 196 weekly flights from Doha to the UAE.”

Having launched Sharjah and Dubai World Central in March 2014 and with the announcement to launch Ras Al Khaimah in October this year, Qatar Airways is significantly increasing its operations to the UAE as a result of growing demand for more capacity in and out of the country.

Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, chairman of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport said: “We are delighted to welcome Qatar Airways to the network of airlines operating at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.

“Ras Al Khaimah is a global destination for both tourism and commerce and the new daily Qatar Airways QR1120 flight will service up to 400,000 passengers travelling in and out of the Emirate on an annual basis from October.

“Starting from today, we are embarking on an ambitious strategy that will focus on evolving our tourism, investment, and trade proposition through which we will market Destination RAK to support our goal to become a globally ranked centre for all three.

“I’m positive that our partnership with Qatar Airways will have a transformational impact on bringing tourists seeking luxury, tranquillity and adventure as well as making Ras Al Khaimah a major hub for local, regional and international businesses.” 

Operating an Airbus A320 on the Ras Al Khaimah route, passengers from key markets in Europe, the Americas and the GCC region will have increased availability of flights to the UAE when transiting via Doha.