The Cruise Arabia Alliance has expanded its membership with Saudi Arabia and Qatar formally joining the regional grouping, a move that officials say will strengthen cooperation and boost the Gulf’s appeal as a cruise destination.
The announcement was made at the World Travel Market in London, where representatives from all six participating destinations signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise their collaboration.
The alliance now brings together Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar under a shared goal to advance the Arabian Gulf as a sustainable and high-quality cruise destination. The agreement focuses on coordinated marketing, improved port infrastructure and unified operational standards to attract more cruise lines, ease passenger movement and better showcase the region’s heritage and cultural attractions.
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, said the enlarged membership reflects a rising regional commitment to tourism development. “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.
Gulf cruise sector
Dubai officials highlighted the emirate’s continued role as a major regional embarkation point. Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said the enhanced partnership would reinforce Dubai’s position as a global cruise hub and support the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
Oman also welcomed the expanded alliance. Undersecretary for Tourism Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi said: “Expanding the Cruise Arabia Alliance ensures a diversity of choices, products, and tourism experiences offered to visitors.” He added that improved connectivity across ports would give travellers more options across the region.
For Saudi Arabia, the partnership aligns with national tourism ambitions. Cruise Saudi CEO Lars Clasen said the collaboration would help deepen international engagement, improve guest experiences and support wider goals under Vision 2030. Qatar also positioned the alliance as part of its broader tourism strategy, with Omar Al Jaber, Chief of the Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, stating that stronger links would elevate the Gulf’s standing as a global cruise destination.
Bahrain emphasised the agreement’s economic relevance. Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, said: “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.”
Officials agreed that the expansion marks a significant moment for regional cooperation. They said that unified marketing efforts, coordinated development and an emphasis on visitor experience position the Arabian Gulf to compete more strongly in the international cruise market.
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