Cruise Saudi, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company that specializes in developing Saudi Arabia’s cruise tourism sector, recently announced signing an agreement with PC Marine Services company to develop a private island in the Red Sea as an exclusive destination for cruise-ship passengers. The company made the announcement during a ceremony at Cruise Saudi’s headquarters in Jeddah.
This project is a strategic step in Cruise Saudi’s vision to enhance the cruise sector in the Kingdom in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the national economy and increase the contribution of tourism to the gross domestic product (GDP).
Island to welcome guests by the end of the year
The new island will reflect authentic Saudi heritage through its design and diverse experiences, enhancing its status as the first of its kind in the Red Sea dedicated to cruise ship passengers.
Cruise Saudi expects the island to be ready for visitors by December 2024.
The project aims to offer tourists a diverse range of recreational activities, both coastal and aquatic. Moreover, it hosts a variety of unique facilities and services designed to create unforgettable experiences for all visitors.
Among the amenities are a welcome center, dining area, beach club, private villas, sunbathing spots, and more.
Advancing Kingdom’s maritime infrastructure
During the initial phase, the island will have the capacity to host up to 2,000 guests.
Commenting on the launch, Cruise Saudi executive director of commercial and business development Mashhoor Baeshen said the project will significantly enhance the maritime tourism sector in the Kingdom, with the island poised to become a standout attraction for visitors exploring the Red Sea.
For his part, PC Marine Services president and chief executive Adnan Alshareef added that the new island initiative presents a valuable opportunity to contribute to the advancement of the Kingdom’s maritime infrastructure, fostering growth within the maritime tourism sector in alignment with the goals of Vision 2030.
PC Marine Services, a prominent player in the maritime project industry, has handled a diverse portfolio of significant projects, including the Obhur Waterfront Development project in Jeddah and the Cruise Berth Improvements project in Jeddah, Yanbu, and Dammam ports.
For more news on hospitality & tourism, click here.
