Dubai leads Cruise Arabia expansion as Saudi Arabia and Qatar join alliance
New members unite to boost Gulf’s cruise tourism through regional collaboration
DUBAI/LONDON – In a major development set to reshape the region’s cruise tourism landscape, Cruise Saudi and Qatar have officially joined the Cruise Arabia Alliance, a partnership led by Dubai, bringing together the Gulf’s top destinations under one unified strategy.
The alliance, launched in March 2024 by Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Oman, aims to collectively promote cruise tourism, enhance port infrastructure, and create seamless travel experiences across the Arabian Gulf.
The expansion was formally announced at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, where officials from all six member states signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The signing ceremony was attended by Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; Tarek Magdy, Chief Operating Officer at the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing; Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism – Sultanate of Oman; Lars Clasen, Chief Executive Officer of Cruise Saudi; and Omar Al Jaber, Chief of the Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism.
The enhanced alliance signifies a shared commitment to strengthen the Arabian Gulf’s global standing as a connected, sustainable, and world-class cruise hub. The expansion is expected to unlock new opportunities for international cruise operators, strengthen tourism infrastructure, and attract a greater share of global cruise traffic to the region.
Cruise Arabia Alliance
With Saudi Arabia and Qatar now on board, Cruise Arabia unites six key destinations – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar – under a single vision: to position the Gulf as one of the most compelling and accessible cruise regions in the world.
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “As a founding member of Cruise Arabia, Abu Dhabi has always championed regional collaboration to unlock the potential of our shared waters. This expanded alliance empowers us to achieve global recognition and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading cruise hub, while building a year-round destination defined by culture, hospitality, and authentic experiences.”
He added that the inclusion of Cruise Saudi and Qatar Tourism enriches the alliance’s collective offering, making the region’s cruise itineraries more diverse and appealing to travellers worldwide.
Dubai’s strategic role
Dubai’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the Cruise Arabia Alliance and driving its expansion. Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said that cruise tourism continues to play a central role in advancing the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which seeks to consolidate Dubai’s position as a global hub for business and leisure.
“Cruise Arabia Alliance welcomes its new partners, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, further demonstrating how strategic collaboration leads to shared success,” Kazim said. “Together, we will attract more cruise operators and passengers to the GCC region while promoting sustainable growth and world-class connectivity.”
He added that the alliance’s expansion gives Dubai a stronger platform to showcase its diverse tourism portfolio – from cultural landmarks and modern attractions to luxury hospitality and maritime experiences – reinforcing the city’s reputation as the cruise capital of the Middle East.
Shared vision for the Gulf
From Oman to Saudi Arabia, the alliance reflects a shared Gulf-wide vision to boost the region’s cruise ecosystem through investment, innovation, and coordination.
Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism – Sultanate of Oman, said that the expansion will provide “a strong and efficient foundation” for the cruise tourism sector.
“The Cruise Arabia Alliance will introduce diverse tourism experiences across the Gulf,” he said. “Oman has adopted international best practices to develop tourism through targeted plans and promotional campaigns that highlight the Sultanate’s attractions and natural beauty.”
Oman’s participation complements its ongoing efforts to attract cruise travellers by offering a mix of cultural heritage, coastal adventures, and luxury experiences.
Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi, said the partnership is a crucial component of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to develop a thriving cruise industry in alignment with Vision 2030.
“By joining Cruise Arabia, we strengthen our collective ability to attract more cruise lines, enhance guest experiences, and contribute to the growth of regional tourism,” he noted.
Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in cruise terminals and coastal infrastructure, positioning ports such as Jeddah and Yanbu as gateways to the Red Sea and beyond.
Enhancing visitor experience
For Qatar Tourism, joining Cruise Arabia marks an opportunity to showcase the nation’s growing tourism offerings to a global audience.
Omar Al Jaber, Chief of the Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, said: “Through this partnership, we aim to enhance visitor experiences, drive greater connectivity across ports, and showcase the richness of our culture, heritage, and hospitality to travellers worldwide.”
He added that Qatar continues to invest in cutting-edge infrastructure and seamless travel experiences, supported by world-class port facilities and hospitality services that cater to growing cruise passenger numbers.
Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority, highlighted that regional cooperation reflects a unified Gulf vision to strengthen marine tourism as a key driver of economic diversification.
“This partnership builds on the region’s maritime legacy and global standing, helping boost hotel occupancy and related industries, while advancing Bahrain’s Tourism Strategy 2022–2026,” she said.
Economic and tourism impact
The expansion of the Cruise Arabia Alliance demonstrates the Gulf’s growing focus on integrated tourism development, economic diversification, and sustainability. Rising affluence in key source markets and increasing family travel demand are driving the popularity of cruise holidays in the region.
By aligning efforts across six nations, the alliance aims to elevate the Gulf’s profile on the global cruise map through joint marketing initiatives, coordinated port schedules, and harmonised operational standards. These efforts are expected to stimulate local economies, create new job opportunities, and enhance the appeal of multi-destination itineraries.
The partners’ shared objectives also include adopting environmentally responsible practices and promoting the region’s authentic heritage through culturally immersive shore excursions and experiences that highlight the Gulf’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.
With enhanced collaboration, the Cruise Arabia Alliance envisions a connected maritime corridor offering passengers an effortless journey between iconic coastal cities, from Dubai’s glittering skyline to Muscat’s serene shores and Jeddah’s historic waterfront.