Saudi’s cruise tourism is entering a new era under Cruise Saudi’s leadership, aligning Red Sea and Arabian Gulf cruising with cultural immersion and Vision 2030 ambitions.
Founded in 2021 as a Saudi Public Investment Fund company, Cruise Saudi marks its fifth anniversary in 2026 as a pioneering force in the Kingdom’s rapidly growing cruise sector.
Headquartered in Jeddah, it develops infrastructure, operations, and curated shore experiences. Cruise Saudi also owns the first Arabian cruise line, AROYA Cruises, which delivers “Remarkably Arabian” cruise experiences with world-class standards to local Saudi and international guests. . Over the past five years, Cruise Saudi has helped shape the region’s cruise industry, embedding cruising within the national tourism strategy and driving innovation, tourism growth, and international collaboration.
Cruise Saudi is the bridge between land and sea, opening Saudi’s coastal treasures to the world and transforming ports into gateways to culture, nature and discovery.
With five operational cruise gateways across the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, Cruise Saudi has already welcomed over 620,000 passengers from more than 120 nationalities, onboard 30 cruise ships from 15 international cruise lines as well as its own cruise line AROYA Cruises. By 2035, Cruise Saudi plans to develop 10 cruise gateways to Saudi’s coasts expanding both Red Sea and Arabian Gulf access, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as an emerging hub for Arabian cruise destinations and Middle East cruises.
AROYA Cruises was launched in 2023 as the first Arabian cruise line, representing a cornerstone of Cruise Saudi’s ambition to establish the Kingdom as a regional cruise hub, delivering a “Remarkably Arabian” cruise experience inspired by Saudi culture and hospitality. Alongside its Red Sea and Mediterranean deployments, AROYA Cruises launched its first Arabian Gulf season in 2026, offering itineraries across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Oman, complemented by a calendar of thematic cruises celebrating cultural and seasonal moments throughout the year.
Looking ahead, Aman at Sea, a joint venture with AMAN Group, will further expand Cruise Saudi’s portfolio, setting new standards in ultra-luxury cruising focused on wellbeing, privacy, and transformational travel. “The next evolution in Cruise Saudi’s story focuses on personalised services, curated experiences shaped by local culture and holistic wellbeing at sea,” said Lars Clasen, Chief Executive Officer of Cruise Saudi.
By 2035, Cruise Saudi aims to welcome 1.3 million cruise passengers annually and support up to 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, contributing to resilient coastal economies and sustainable national growth. Saudi Arabia cruise tourism is expanding the Kingdom’s global reach, creating experiences that connect cultures, communities, and generations.