Saudi Arabia‘s proposed $500 billion megacity of Neom may still be coming to life, but as of this month, travellers from the UAE will have another option when it comes to flights to Neom airport (NUM), with Dubai-based budget carrier Flydubai launching a new weekly service.

Located in northwest Saudi Arabia on the shores of the Red Sea, Neom is arguably the most talked-about and anticipated of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 mega projects. The now world-famous destination comprises 10 jaw-dropping developments which include Trojena, a ski resort in the mountains of Neom, The Line, a newly linear smart city running 170 kilometres through the desert, and Sindalah, a luxury yachting and island destination set to draw the world’s jet set.

Flydubai is joining Saudi national carrier Saudia in connecting Dubai and Neom, with Saudia launching its 2,013km Dubai-Neom flight route in August 2022. Previously, the futuristic destination, currently a beautiful tapestry of beaches, deserts, wadis and mountains, was accessed only by regional Tabuk airport, a connecting flight from the Kingdom’s metropolitan hubs like Riyadh and Jeddah.

Flydubai’s Dubai-Neom flights will launch on 16th March with a twice-weekly service using Boeing 737-800s. Alongside its debut flight to Neom, Flydubai has also launched its first-ever flight to Saudi Arabia’s Qaisumah, a village ear the city of Hafar al-Batin in Eastern Province. Flydubai’s Dubai-Qaisumah marks the first time passengers will be able to fly directly from the UAE to the Saudi Arabian destination – with Flydubai being the sole operator of flights. Two weekly services will serve Qaisumah with flights commencing on 21 March.

While still very much in development, the first phase of Neom is set to open as early as 2024 – the luxury yachting destination of Sindalah in the islands of Neom. The new island destination will add a new season to the world’s yachting calender, drawing in sailers and elite travellers with its beautiful beaches, unspoiled Red Sea coastline, impressive 86-berth marina and three five-star hotels, shops, dining and leisure facilities, sports club, golf course and spa. Sindalah aims to act as the gateway to the Red Sea and Saudi Arabia for the world’s yachting set and cement itself as one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the Middle East.