Ras Al Khaimah emerging as promising cruise destination says expert Jasem Zaiton

Celestyal Cruises’ three-year commitment to Ras Al Khaimah is positioning the northernmost emirate as a rising star in the Arabian Gulf’s cruise tourism sector, according to Jasem Zaiton, a regional cruise expert and Director and Co-Founder of Cruise Zaiton.

Once overlooked in favour of major cruise hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah is now gaining visibility as cruise lines seek to diversify itineraries and offer passengers more authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

The announcement of Ras Al Khaimah’s addition to Celestyal’s Arabian Gulf itineraries was made at Arabian Travel Market 2025, and was partly facilitated by Cruise Zaiton, whose founder Jasem Zaiton took part in the Cruise Arabia panel discussion during ATM 2025. 

The partnership with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority will see the co-development of bespoke shore excursions that showcase the destination’s natural landscapes, archaeological sites, and cultural heritage.

According to Jasem Zaiton, the addition of Ras Al Khaimah marks a significant shift in how cruise itineraries are being built in the Gulf. 

“There were long-standing complaints from international cruise lines about a lack of variety in Gulf itineraries,” he said. “With Ras Al Khaimah now on the map, we are seeing a real commitment to changing that.”

Zaiton noted that the emirate’s inclusion comes at a time when the regional cruise industry is maturing and beginning to cater to a broader demographic. 

“Passengers today are looking for something different. Ras Al Khaimah offers heritage, adventure, and nature-based tourism—elements that aren’t always front and centre in traditional Gulf cruise offerings,” he added.

The port’s development is part of a wider strategy to unlock new cruise destinations across the Arabian Peninsula. 

As regional collaboration strengthens under platforms such as the Cruise Arabia Alliance, cruise operators are finding more opportunities to expand beyond the traditional Dubai-Abu Dhabi-Doha circuit.

With cruise lines like Celestyal leading the charge, Ras Al Khaimah’s success could pave the way for similar destinations across the UAE and the wider region to be integrated into future itineraries. 

“This is just the beginning,” said Zaiton. “We’re starting to see a true regional cruise ecosystem take shape.”