Cruise Saudi is introducing cruise tourism to Saudi Arabia, connecting the Red Sea with major inland destinations, so tourists can reach Saudi Arabia by sea and explore its rich history, unique culture, and varied landscapes.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 61 – June 2022
The company's objective is to develop a world-class, fully integrated and sustainable cruise industry that serves as an additional engine of growth and as another dimension of experience for the overall tourism sector, in line with the "Vision 2030" development plan, a transformation plan launched by the Saudi leaders (or the Saudi government).
Saudi Arabia enjoys a strategic location as a crossroads between Europe, Africa, and Asia, with approximately 250 million people in these regions within a three-hour flight of the Red Sea or the Persian Gulf. This is one of the many reasons why Cruise Saudi is well-positioned to transform the Saudi Arabian coast into a thriving regional cruise hub, attracting international, domestic, and regional tourists.
Their goal is to receive 1.3 million passengers in 2035.
Since its launch nearly a year and a half ago, Cruise Saudi Arabia has completed its summer and winter seasons in 2021/22, welcoming approximately 50,000 cruise passengers from over 80 countries and making more than 70 port calls. Major international cruise lines, including MSC, Scenic Group, Viking Cruises, and Silversea, have called at Saudi Arabian ports.
Collaboration has been key to Cruise Saudi's success, and the organization has worked closely with local and international organizations to support cruise ship arrivals in Saudi Arabia. In partnership with the Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI), the country's first cruise passenger terminal was built at the Islamic Port of Jeddah, enabling both the family-oriented MSC Bellissima and the luxury mega-yacht Scenic Eclipse to call at Jeddah during the summer and winter seasons. The ports of Yanbu and Dammam are now equipped with the necessary infrastructure to receive cruise ships, opening up not only Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast but also its Persian Gulf coast to passengers for the first time.
Saudi Arabia is brimming with diverse landscapes, from vast deserts to unparalleled marine habitats, pristine beaches and islands, and monuments of historical and cultural significance. All of this is underpinned by a vibrant, warm, and hospitable culture. The country boasts six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, none of which had previously been included in a cruise itinerary. One such site is the historic center of Jeddah, the country's commercial hub and one of Saudi Arabia's largest cities, which seamlessly blends heritage and modernity and is home to the second-largest port in the Middle East.
Another unique and historic destination is the city of Yanbu, with a history stretching back at least 2,500 years, when it was a key point on the spice and incense trade route from Yemen to Egypt and the Mediterranean region. It is also the diving capital of Saudi Arabia, offering a wealth of water sports and adventure activities; dive and snorkel in its crystal-clear waters to discover the most pristine coral reefs in the Red Sea, teeming with colorful fish, and explore the mysterious and ancient underwater shipwreck of the Iona. Meanwhile, the city of Dammam is a modern metropolis and a popular destination for arts, sports, and entertainment.
With the goal of welcoming 1.3 million cruise passengers by 2035, as part of the “Vision 2030” program to attract 100 million regional and international visitors to Saudi Arabia by 2030, Cruise Saudi will be welcoming travelers from around the world. And what better way to explore the country’s nature, culture, and heritage, and experience its renowned Arabian hospitality, than from the comfort of a cruise ship!
