Saudi start-up carrier Riyadh Air has opened ticket sales for daily flights between Dubai and Riyadh, giving UAE passengers a direct route to the Saudi capital from June 18, Emerging Travel reported on June 8.

The launch deepens air links between the Gulf's two largest economies as regional carriers expand short-haul routes and build onward networks, with Riyadh Air positioning the Saudi capital as a connecting hub, but comes amid ongoing political tensions between the two neighbours following the fallout from the regional war with Iran.

The service will run between Dubai International Airport and King Khalid International Airport on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

Flights from Dubai will operate as RX0244, departing at 6.30pm and arriving in Riyadh at 7.20pm local time, while the return service RX0243 will leave Riyadh at 2.05pm and arrive in Dubai at 5pm. Tickets are available through the airline's app, website and travel providers.

The carrier said the route served demand for business and leisure travel and gave Dubai passengers onward connections through Riyadh to London, Manchester and planned routes across Asia.

"The launch of our new service to Dubai marks another milestone in our journey to connect Riyadh to the world, and the world to Riyadh," chief executive Tony Douglas said.

He said the route had been selected to serve a key market for business and onward connections, aligning with the airline's ambition to become a global carrier and a contributor to Vision 2030.

The Dreamliners will carry four cabin classes, with Business Elite and Business offering flat-bed seats in a 1-2-1 layout, Premium Economy in a 2-3-2 configuration and Economy in 3-3-3.

The airline said schedules remained subject to change due to operational, regulatory or safety circumstances, advising passengers to check its website or app before travel.