The Gulf Cruise Industry sets Lift as Saudi and Qatar Join the Cruise Arabia Alliance
The Cruise Arabia Alliance has boosted its membership with Saudi Arabia and Qatar officially joining forces, sending officials saying it will strengthen cooperation and enhance the Gulf’s appeal as a cruise destination.
The announcement was made at the country’s travel market in London, where representatives from all six participating regions signed a memorandum of understanding to ensure their cooperation.
The Alliance now includes Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar under a shared goal of advancing the Arab mission as a sustainable and high-level destination. The agreement focuses on integrated marketing, more infrastructure development and integrated operational standards to attract cruise lines, reduce passenger traffic and better attraction.
Saleh Mohamed Al Genisiry, director general of tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, said the increased membership reflects the region’s increasing commitment to tourism development. “With the addition of Qatar Tourism and Saudi Cruises, we are growing a richer, more diverse, and more compelling travel experience for travelers around the world,” he said.
Gulf Cruise Industry
Dubai authorities have highlighted the Emirate’s continued role as a major regional recruitment hub. IS ISAMAM KAZIM, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said the enhanced cooperation will strengthen Dubai’s position as a global travel destination and support the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
Oman also welcomed an expanded alliance. He is under the Undersecretary of Tourism Azzan Bin Qassim Al Buradi said: “Expanding the Cruise Arabia Alliance ensures the diversity of options, products, and tourism experiences offered to tourists.” He also added that better connectivity at all ports will give travelers more options across the region.
With Saudi Arabia, the Partnership aligns with national tourism aspirations. Cruise Saudi CEO Lars Clasen said that the cooperation will help to deepen the involvement of other countries, to support the goals of the wider tourism, Qatar Al JABERS, Omar AL JABER of tourism in Qatar, Temple that snow will raise the position of the Gulf as a destination for cruises around the world.
Bahrain emphasized the economic relevance of the agreement. Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of the Tourism and Exhilales Authority, said: “By building on our maritime heritage, we will develop Cruise Tourism, and improve the hotel experience by advancing Bahrain’s tourism strategy 2022-2026.”
Officials acknowledged that the expansion marks an important moment for regional cooperation. They said that unified marketing efforts, integrated development and an emphasis on the guest experience position the Arabian Gulf to be highly competitive in the global travel market.
