Qatar Airways continues focus on UAE market with Ras Al Khaimah flight, its fifth airport in the UAE

The passenger throughput in the United Arab Emirates is associated with transfer traffic, and understandably since well over half of passengers connect. But often ignored is the growing point-to-point traffic, especially in Dubai, which is a hub for business, tourism and shopping.

Qatar Airways has made the UAE its largest source market. Qatar has more seats to the UAE than any other country, including India although this is skewed by Indian bilateral restrictions. In comparison, local carriers Emirates and Etihad do not feature Qatar amongst their 10 largest markets.

Qatar serves four points in the UAE: Dubai International (accounting for 58% of Qatar's UAE seat capacity), Abu Dhabi, Dubai Al Maktoum and Sharjah. Ras Al Khaimah will become Qatar's fifth UAE destination when flights launch in Feb-2016. Ras Al Khaimah sees scheduled service only from LCC Air Arabia, which established a base at Ras Al Khaimah after RAK Airways went out of business.