Saudi Arabia and Qatar have officially joined the Cruise Arabia Alliance, a regional partnership designed to bolster cruise tourism and foster closer cooperation across the GCC. The expansion was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by all six member destinations, which also include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, and Bahrain. The announcement was made at the World Travel Market in London, an event where the UK remains a key market for Gulf tourism.
The alliance aims to position the Gulf as a world-class, sustainable cruise destination by combining efforts in marketing, infrastructure development, and establishing consistent operational standards. Officials stated the partnership will help attract more cruise lines, create seamless travel experiences for passengers, and showcase the region’s shared culture and heritage.
A Unified Vision for Gulf Cruising
Leaders from the member states expressed a shared commitment to developing the region’s cruise offering. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, said the expansion reflects a collective vision to realise the full potential of the Arabian Gulf. “With the inclusion of Qatar Tourism and Cruise Saudi, we are growing a collective offering that is richer, more diverse, and more compelling for travellers worldwide,” he commented.
Echoing this sentiment, Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, highlighted the benefits of regional teamwork. “Cruise Arabia Alliance welcomes its new partners, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, further highlighting how strategic collaboration leads to shared success and sustainable growth across the GCC,” Kazim said.
Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi, Oman’s Undersecretary for Tourism, added that the enlarged alliance will provide travellers with greater variety and improved regional connectivity. “Expanding the Cruise Arabia Alliance ensures a diversity of choices, products, and tourism experiences offered to visitors,” he noted.
Strategic Goals and Regional Impact
The new members view the alliance as a critical part of their national tourism strategies. Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi, described the partnership as a key element of the kingdom’s Vision 2030 tourism goals. “By joining forces with Cruise Arabia, we can attract more cruise lines, improve guest experiences, and support regional growth,” Clasen said. These national objectives also include major industrial and energy projects, such as the recent Arctech solar factory expansion in Jeddah.
For Qatar, the collaboration is expected to raise the Gulf’s profile as a cruise destination. Omar Al Jaber, Chief of the Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, stated, “Through this partnership, we aim to drive greater connectivity across regional ports and showcase the richness of our culture, heritage, and hospitality.”
Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority, emphasised the partnership’s role in achieving regional economic goals. “By building on our maritime heritage, we will boost cruise tourism, increase hotel occupancy, and improve visitor experiences, directly advancing Bahrain’s Tourism Strategy 2022-2026,” she explained.
The expansion of the Cruise Arabia Alliance marks a significant milestone in Gulf tourism cooperation. By presenting a united front, the six-nation group is poised to build a stronger, more connected cruise sector capable of competing on the global stage.
