Saudi Arabia’s start-up cruise line AROYA Cruises and Egypt’s production powerhouse MBC Studios have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand Middle East filming and story-telling onto the high seas.

The MOU, signed at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, where AROYA Cruises is exhibiting for the first time, signals future cooperation between AROYA and the film and TV production company on cinematic production projects.

AROYA will launch in December this year with a single cruise ship, but has indicated plans to expand the fleet to three in the coming years. It is the first homegrown cruise line in the Arab world, and the only cruise line specifically targetting the Middle East source market.

The exact nature of the projects on which the two companies will collaborate was not outlined, but will likely include travel and industry-specific documentaries, as well as movies and TV series with AROYA’s ship Manara as a principle filming location.

“Partnerships and collaborations are a crucial part of the success of any cruise line, and we are delighted to have signed an MOU with MBC Studios,” said Lars Clasen, CEO, Cruise Saudi. 

“We have a shared passion for the Middle East and strive to showcase authentic Arabian life and the extensive wonders the region has to offer to the world,” he added. “A good cruise line draws on aspects of storytelling to delight its passengers and showcase the destinations it visits, and like MBC Studios, we know that the Middle East has a captivating story to tell.” 

AROYA Cruises is 100% owned by Cruise Saudi, which is itself owned by Saudi Arabia’s PIF soverign wealth fund. The cruise line will operate as an independant brand, however, sailing roundtrip itineraries in the Red Sea out of Jeddah.

Manara, the former World Drea, is currently undergoing a bow-to-stern refit and refurbishment in Europe and will be redesigned as a floating resort with facilities across 18 decks, including 15 restaurants, 20 venues for entertainment, a retail area, and wellness and spa facilities.

AROYA Cruises celebrates Saudi’s rich cultural heritage and signature hospitality, Hafawa and will play a key role in Cruise Saudi’s efforts to build an offshore and onshore cruise ecosystem in the Kingdom. 

Operating within the wider context of Saudi’s Vision 2030 to diversify the economy, Cruise Saudi plans to welcome 1.3 million cruise passengers annually by 2035 and support the country’s wider tourism industry.

Saudi Arabia, which recently opened up to cruise ships for the first time, has already accommodated MSC Cruises for three cruise seasons and has welcomed more than 300,000 cruise tourists.