Riyadh Air’s new business class cabin aims to compete with Emirates, Qatar

As motorsport enthusiasts and high-net-worth individuals flocked to Saudi Arabia for the F1 weekend, Riyadh Air used the event as a backdrop for a big unveiling. On April 19 at the Jeddah Yacht Club it showed off the seats that will soon fill the front of its planes: a plush business class designed to lure luxury-leaning travelers away from Emirates and Qatar Airways, the industry’s heavy-hitters.

The startup carrier, which is set to begin flying near the end of this year, offered a first…