The Saudi delegation to Doha also comprised of Mohammad Rushdi Fairak, senior manager bilateral commercial agreements, and  Nowaf Alharbi, Saudi Arabian Airlines manager Qatar and Bahrain.

"This new codeshare marks a historic milestone for Qatar Airways and Saudi Arabian Airlines and is the start of a long term relationship that will help strengthen ties between our two countries," said Al Baker, speaking at a news conference in Doha.

"We look forward to a prosperous relationship with Saudi Arabian Airlines and a long-term partnership that is going to deliver additional value to passengers flying on the Doha - Dammam route."

The bilateral codeshare agreement will be effective from February 1, 2006.

Saudi Arabian Airlines is Qatar Airways' latest codeshare partner. Qatar Airways has a network of strategic alliances with a number of airlines, including codeshare agreements with Lufthansa, Malaysian, Alitalia, Garuda Indonesia, Thai Airways, All Nippon Airways, Philippine Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Yemenia, bmi (British Midland) and Air China.

Qatar Airways operates a modern fleet of 43 all-Airbus aircraft, which will almost triple in size to 110 jets by 2015. It recently announced plans to acquire up to 80 aircraft, comprising 60 of the new generation A350s and 20 Boeing 777s worth a total of  $15.2 billion.