The Middle East’s cruise sector is making a concerted push for growth, with industry leaders highlighting opportunities in luxury and expedition cruising, season extension, and digital innovation during discussions at Seatrade Europe 2026. 

Despite ongoing turbulence in the Red Sea, the tone was one of optimism, with operators betting on the region’s long-term potential.

Grant Holmes, Global Vice President, Cruise and Superyacht Sector at Inchcape Shipping Services, described the region’s biggest challenge as seasonality. 

“The season is too short,” he said, noting that the current November-to-March window limits the Gulf’s potential. Holmes argued that incentives could encourage operators to stay longer, particularly into April and May. 

“The first one [strategy] is to lengthen the season, just by a few weeks, and then into the months, and to find ways to incentivise cruise lines to stay a little bit longer, which might even attract Germans and some of the other European markets,” he explained, adding that financial support may play a role.

Holmes said attracting ships into the shoulder season “is really possible,” with Asian markets, especially China, offering additional promise. He added that the region could ultimately “be the world leader in the digitalisation of passengers,” suggesting that technological innovation will be a key differentiator for Middle East cruise operations.

Luxury and expedition cruising is another area gaining traction. Holmes pointed to Oman as an emerging hotspot, with the country’s port network expanding from three to 11 in recent years. 

“All of these additional ports are focused on the luxury and expedition markets, because we have 3,000km of coastline in Oman, and there are beautiful little gateways – like Sur, Sohar, Dibba and Masirah Island – that we can visit.” He described Salalah’s tropical climate and Masirah Island’s ecological richness as examples of the diverse experiences available.

Saudi Arabia is also working to diversify its cruise offering, with a particular emphasis on cultural and nature-based tourism. 

Mashhoor Baeshen, executive director of commercial and business development at Cruise Saudi, highlighted Jeddah’s UNESCO World Heritage status, Yanbu’s Old Town, and Al Wajh, which is being developed as a gateway to Al Ula. He also confirmed that new operations have launched in Dammam, further expanding the Kingdom’s portfolio.

Baeshen said cultural authenticity and natural landscapes remain the most sought-after elements for visitors, aligning with the company’s vision to position Saudi Arabia as a distinct global cruise destination. 

He also noted that Aroya Cruises’ repositioning from the Mediterranean to the Arabian Gulf has been well received, with the line attracting a notably younger demographic, averaging just 26 years old.

Despite security concerns in the Red Sea, industry players remain confident that the Gulf’s cruise market is poised for long-term expansion. With new ports opening, younger audiences engaging, and operators exploring ways to lengthen the season, the Middle East is positioning itself for a stronger role in global cruise deployment.