Flydubai, Dubai’s first low-cost airline, will launch four weekly flights to Sana’a, the capital Yemen, starting April 22.

“We are delighted to add Yemen to our expanding Middle East network and are deeply grateful to the Yemeni authorities for their support,” said flydubai’s CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith.

“Flydubai’s low-cost direct connection will provide travellers with an easy link to Sana’a, in turn driving tourism and investment to this historically-rich and culturally-vibrant city.”

The UAE recorded Dh500 million ($136 million) worth of exports annually to Yemen between 2007 and 2010, and in recent years the two countries have developed trade and collaborations, particularly in the areas of medical services, agriculture, infrastructure and real estate.

“Historically, the UAE and Yemen have enjoyed strong socio-political and cultural ties. By increasing direct air links between the two countries, we aim to boost trade and tourism, taking bilateral relations to the next level,” added Ghaith Al Ghaith.

One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Sana'a is Yemen’s largest city, political and administrative centre and home to 30 per cent of the country’s industrial establishments.

Declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1986, the old city attracts visitors from across the Arabian Peninsula and further afield thanks to its rich traditions and culture, ancient fortifications, unique architecture, and beautiful gardens.

With the addition of Sana’a, flydubai has expanded its Middle East route map to 11 countries – Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Yemen. – TradeArabia News Service