Saudi Arabia, the oil-rich gulf Kingdom, is expanding the horizon of civil aviation in its growing market. Quite a few airlines have already been granted license to operate by its aviation regulator, the General Authority of Civil Aviation. Here is a list of the new airline companies:

1. SaudiGulf Airlines: It is based in Dammam and is expected to initially fly on four domestic and regional routes covering Damman, Riyadh, Jeddah and Dubai. It has begun services using 4 A320s and is expected to increase it to 20 in one year. It is owned by the Al Qahtani Group.
2. Flyadeal: flyadeal is a Jeddah based airline which is a low cost carrier promoted by Saudia. This is expected to begin operations in middle of next year.
3. Nesma: Nesma Airlines is actually an Egyptian carrier which has been floated with Saudi Arabian funding. This airline has also been granted permission to fly to or from Saudi destinations. It flies from Cairo, Alexandria and Asyut in Egypt to Abha, Yanbu, Buraidah, Taif, Tabuk, Jeddah, Hail and Jizan in Saudi Arabia. It also flies to European destinations which are essentially tourist spots.  
4. Sky Prime: This is the newest airline to be granted license to fly. It has been granted permission to fly for providing Chartered services to VIPs. It is likely to commence operations next year with 7 airplanes, including 3 Airbuses, 2 Gulfstream carriers and 2 Embraer jets.