The country's Public Investment Fund launches the company "Cruise Saudi," whose objective is to establish and develop the cruise industry in Saudi Arabia, boost the kingdom's efforts tobecome a tourist destination on the international cruise map, and develop the tourism sector.
Jeddah-based Cruise Saudi will enhance the kingdom's efforts tobecome a new tourist destination on the international cruise map and will form a strategic bridge between maritime and land operations by developing cruise ports and terminals in several Saudi cities, ensuring an integrated experience for visitors.
The company's launch is part of the Public Investment Fund Strategy 2021-2025, which focuses on diversifying revenue streams beyond oil. Saudi cruises are expected to boost the economy, creating 50,000 direct, indirect, and seasonal jobs by 2035.
Cruise Saudi works in collaboration with the relevant authorities to develop tourist destinations, aiming to offer cruise itineraries that provide an exceptional guest experience and create opportunities to explore Saudi heritage and culture, including UNESCO World Heritage sites and the country's natural destinations, while ensuring environmental preservation and the protection of natural resources. Investment in tourism projects is part of its strategy to develop promising sectors and achieve high profitability in the medium and long term.
In 2020, Cruise Saudi operated a charter program in the Red Sea with a Silversea ship, the Silver Spirit, carrying out several itineraries for resident passengers, which began last August.
Cruise Saudi's management team includes two prominent executives from the cruise industry: Miguel Reyna, with proven experience after 20 years with Royal Caribbean Group, who will hold the position of "Chief Development & Asset Management Officer"; and Mark Robinson, with more than 30 years of experience in senior management at companies in the cruise and travel sector such as Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services or Global Ports Holding, who will hold the position of "Chief Commercial & Operations Officer".
