The Malaysian government has unveiled a new initiative aimed at attracting 6,000 tourists through the IslamiCruise Malaysia-Saudia partnership in 2026.

The partnership marks a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia’s AROYA Cruises, which has been chartered to operate the voyage.

The charter represents AROYA Cruises’ inaugural venture into Malaysia and wider Asia, signalling the Saudi Arabian cruise line’s expansion into new markets. The launch ceremony was officiated by Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

“IslamiCruise will represent the Madani government’s desire to make Malaysia a prime destination throughout 2026,” Zahid said during the event. He highlighted that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to positioning Malaysia as a hub for Islamic tourism.

The 26-night cruise will include port calls in Salalah (Oman), Male (Maldives), and Banda Aceh (Indonesia), offering a distinctive culturally sensitive experience with Muslim-friendly activities such as congregational prayers, religious lectures, and recreational entertainment.

At the launch event in Kuala Lumpur, IslamiCruise Managing Director and Founder Suhaimi Abd Ghafer emphasises that AROYA Cruises’ vessel, Aroya, had been refurbished to reflect Islamic and Arabian cultural elements.

Operating out of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and Port Dickson, Malaysia, the ship aims to attract both Muslim and non-Muslim travellers seeking a halal experience, with a 13-night roundtrip cruise package on offer.

Over the past decade, IslamiCruise has completed 52 such charter voyages, serving travellers from over 15 countries and setting a global benchmark in halal tourism.

This new partnership with AROYA Cruises, a Saudi Arabian cruise operator, further underscores its commitment to expanding its offerings and supporting local tourism industries.

The collaboration between IslamiCruise and AROYA Cruises is expected to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a leading destination for Islamic tourism while opening new horizons for AROYA Cruises in the Asian market.

At 150,000 gross tons and carrying upwards of 3,500 passengers, Aroya is one of the largest cruise ships sailing in the Middle East. She features five complimentary dining options and 10 specialty dining experiences, as well as a plethora of lounges, most of which serve sisha.

There are a similarly wide array of cafes aboard Aroya, offering everything from specialty coffee, chocolate and ice cream to bubble tea and freshly-baked desserts, and the ship boasts one of the largest retail spaces in the global cruise fleet.