Cruise Saudi appoints Taha Nazer as acting CEO to drive new phase of growth

Cruise Saudi has appointed Taha Nazer as acting chief executive officer, signalling a transition into a new phase focused on scaling operations and advancing its long-term development strategy.

Nazer, who has served as the company’s chief financial officer since 2023, will now assume responsibility for strategic, commercial, operational, and financial priorities.

He succeeds Lars Clasen, who led the company through its initial build-out phase, including the launch of AROYA Cruises and the development of the Aman at Sea concept.

“I am proud of the Board’s confidence in entrusting me to lead Cruise Saudi during this important phase,” said Nazer. “Our focus remains on strengthening performance and accelerating the delivery of our strategic and commercial objectives, while creating real and sustainable value.”

The leadership change comes as Cruise Saudi moves from initial market entry towards expansion, with a focus on increasing passenger volumes, refining its cruise product, and supporting the wider development of Saudi Arabia’s cruise ecosystem.

A central component of that strategy has been the introduction of AROYA Cruises, the company’s first cruise brand, and the first cruise line in the world designed specifically for the regional market.

Positioned within the premium segment, AROYA represents an effort to develop a locally relevant cruise offering, rather than relying solely on international operators.

The cruise line’s first ship, Aroya, has been deployed across the Red Sea, Mediterranean, and Arabian Gulf, forming the foundation of Saudi Arabia’s domestic cruise proposition and supporting broader tourism objectives under the country’s Vision 2030 framework.

Alongside Aroya, Cruise Saudi has been involved in the development of Aman at Sea, a high-end cruise concept linked to the Aman hospitality brand.

The project reflects a move into the ultra-luxury segment, targeting a different customer base and aligning with wider investment in high-end tourism infrastructure across the Kingdom.

The company’s strategy is also underpinned by continued investment in port infrastructure.

Cruise Saudi has been working to develop and upgrade cruise terminals along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, including facilities in Jeddah, Yanbu, and Dammam. These developments are intended to support both homeport and transit operations, improving capacity and enabling the Kingdom to accommodate a wider range of vessels.

Port development has been a key enabler of the region’s emergence as a cruise destination, providing the physical infrastructure required to support turnaround operations and passenger handling at scale.

The expansion of these facilities is expected to play a role in attracting additional international cruise lines, while also supporting the growth of domestic operators.

Nazer brings more than 19 years of experience across the oil and gas, aviation, and cruise sectors, with a background in finance and governance. His appointment suggests a focus on execution and operational scaling, as Cruise Saudi moves to consolidate its position within the regional and global cruise market.