The Cruise Arabia Alliance has expanded to include Saudi Arabia and Qatar, marking a significant development in efforts to strengthen cruise tourism and coordination across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The announcement, made at the World Travel Market in London, saw representatives from all six participating cruise destinations, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, sign an agreement formalising the alliance. 

The partnership aims to present the Gulf as a world-class cruise destination through coordinated marketing, harmonised operational standards, and infrastructure development across ports.

Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, described the alliance’s expansion as a milestone in regional cooperation.

“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.

The Cruise Arabia Alliance was initially launched by Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, and Bahrain in 2023 to promote the Arabian Gulf as a single integrated cruise region. The addition of Saudi Arabia and Qatar significantly broadens the network, linking all major regional ports under one framework for the first time.

Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said the alliance would help build a stronger platform for attracting new cruise lines.

“Inspired by our visionary leadership, cruise tourism continues to play a pivotal role in the growth of Dubai’s tourism sector, advancing the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure,” he said.

“The Cruise Arabia Alliance welcomes its new partners, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, further highlighting how strategic collaboration leads to shared success and collectively amplifies our strengths, from world-class connectivity to curated experiences, drawing more operators and passengers to the GCC region while promoting sustainable growth,” he added. “Together, we will unlock new opportunities, from joint marketing at international events to diversified itineraries that highlight our shared heritage and innovation.”

The inclusion of Saudi Arabia and Qatar also reflects their growing investment in cruise infrastructure. Jeddah on the Red Sea, and Dammam and Doha on the Arabian Gulf coasts of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have all introduced modern cruise terminals in recent years, signalling a shift toward greater maritime tourism integration across the Gulf.

Oman’s Undersecretary for Tourism, Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi, said the alliance would expand travel options and strengthen regional connectivity.

“Expanding the Cruise Arabia Alliance ensures a diversity of choices, products, and tourism experiences offered to visitors,” he said.

Cruise Saudi CEO Lars Clasen linked the move to the kingdom’s wider Vision 2030 objectives.

“By joining forces with Cruise Arabia, we can attract more cruise lines, enhance guest experiences, and support regional growth,” he said.

Similarly, Omar Al Jaber, Chief of the Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, said the alliance would raise the Gulf’s profile as a unified cruise destination.

“Through this partnership, we aim to drive greater connectivity across regional ports and showcase the richness of our culture, heritage, and hospitality,” he said.

Economic alignment across the GCC

Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, highlighted the alliance’s economic impact.

“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,” she said.

While each Gulf state continues to pursue its own tourism strategy, the Cruise Arabia Alliance provides a rare example of practical cooperation. Shared initiatives such as unified marketing, standardised port processes, and joint participation in international travel fairs will strengthen the region’s visibility among cruise operators.

The expansion of the Cruise Arabia Alliance marks a turning point in the evolution of cruise tourism in the Gulf. The inclusion of Saudi Arabia and Qatar connects all major regional players, laying the foundation for smoother itineraries and coordinated port development.

The alliance signals an emerging consensus that the region’s growth depends on collective branding rather than competition. For the global cruise industry, it may represent the first step toward a fully integrated Arabian Gulf itinerary network capable of competing with established Mediterranean and Caribbean circuits on both infrastructure and visitor experience.