Saudi Cruise and Qatar Tourism have officially joined the Cruise Arabia alliance, marking a significant advancement towards strengthening the cruise tourism sector in the region.
Established in March 2024, the alliance consists of maritime and tourism authorities from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Oman, creating a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing collaboration across the region and providing exceptional travel experiences to various destinations, each boasting a unique cultural identity.
The official announcement regarding this new partnership was made during the World Travel Market in London, where the involved parties signed a memorandum of understanding in the presence of Saleh Mohammed Al Gezeri, General Director of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
Other notable attendees included Tarek Magdy, Executive Director of Operations at Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Heritage and Tourism in the Sultanate of Oman, Lars Klassen, CEO of Saudi Cruise, and Omar Al-Jaber, Head of Tourism Development at Qatar Tourism.
This agreement represents a vital step in regional cooperation and reflects a shared vision to capitalize on the full maritime potential of the Gulf region as a sustainable global cruise hub connecting multiple destinations.
Additionally, this initiative is an effective move to bolster the Middle East’s position as a key player in the global cruise tourism landscape, showcasing a collaborative regional approach towards innovation, communication, and growth.
The alliance unites partners under a common commitment to expand cruise tourism. Essam Kazem, Executive Director of Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing, noted that cruise tourism continues to play a pivotal role in the growth of Dubai’s tourism sector, contributing significantly to the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, with the goal of establishing the city as a leading global destination for business and entertainment.
The Cruise Arabia alliance welcomes its new partners from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, emphasizing the importance of strategic collaboration in achieving mutual success and leveraging the capabilities of all partners, from a global connectivity network to tailored and coordinated experiences that attract more operators and travelers to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region while ensuring sustainable growth. The alliance will serve as an ideal platform for Dubai to showcase its diverse offerings, further solidifying the city’s position as a regional hub for cruise tourism.