Cruise Arabia Alliance Expands as Saudi Arabia and Qatar Join Forces to Boost Gulf Tourism

Cruise Arabia Alliance Expands as Saudi Arabia and Qatar Join to Strengthen Gulf Cruise Tourism

The Cruise Arabia Alliance has officially expanded its membership with Saudi Arabia and Qatar joining the regional partnership, marking a major step toward advancing cruise tourism and deepening cooperation across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The announcement was made during the World Travel Market in London, where representatives from all six member destinations Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise their collaboration.

The alliance aims to position the Arabian Gulf as a world-class, sustainable cruise destination, focusing on joint marketing, infrastructure development, and unified operational standards. Officials noted that the strengthened partnership will help attract leading international cruise lines, deliver seamless travel experiences, and highlight the Gulf’s shared culture and maritime heritage.

Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said the expansion underscores a shared commitment to unlocking the full potential of the region’s cruise industry. “With the inclusion of Qatar Tourism and Cruise Saudi, we are growing a collective offering that is richer, more diverse, and more compelling for travellers worldwide,” he said.

Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said the collaboration will further consolidate Dubai’s position as a global cruise hub. “Cruise Arabia Alliance welcomes its new partners, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, further highlighting how strategic collaboration leads to shared success and sustainable growth across the GCC,” he noted.

Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi, Oman’s Undersecretary for Tourism, added that the enlarged alliance provides greater variety and improved regional connectivity.“Expanding the Cruise Arabia Alliance ensures a diversity of choices, products, and tourism experiences offered to visitors,” he said.

From Saudi Arabia, Cruise Saudi CEO Lars Clasen emphasized that the alliance supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.“By joining forces with Cruise Arabia, we can attract more cruise lines, enhance guest experiences, and support regional growth,” he said.

Omar Al Jaber, Chief of the Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, said the partnership will further elevate the Gulf’s profile as a world-class cruise destination.“Through this partnership, we aim to drive greater connectivity across regional ports and showcase the richness of our culture, heritage, and hospitality,” he explained.

Representing Bahrain, Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority, highlighted the alliance’s alignment with the kingdom’s long-term tourism strategy “By building on our maritime heritage, we will boost cruise tourism, increase hotel occupancy, and enhance visitor experiences directly advancing Bahrain’s Tourism Strategy 2022–2026,” she said.

Officials agreed that the alliance’s expansion represents a milestone in Gulf tourism cooperation, laying the groundwork for a stronger, more connected cruise sector that reflects the GCC’s shared vision for sustainable growth and international appeal.