Cruise Saudi’s launch of AROYA Cruises aims to revolutionize the industry, with ambitions to welcome 1.3 million cruise visitors and create 50,000 job opportunities, while positioning Saudi Arabia as a premier international cruising destination.
Cruise Saudi, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has recently made a groundbreaking announcement with the launch of its very own cruise line. The company aims to support its ambitious target of welcoming 1.3 million cruise visitors and generating 50,000 direct and indirect job opportunities in Saudi Arabia by 2035. The newly unveiled cruise line, named AROYA Cruises, promises to provide passengers with extraordinary experiences and a unique opportunity to explore the breathtaking wonders of Saudi Arabia from the perspective of the sea. Although specific itineraries and packages have yet to be revealed, exciting announcements are expected in the coming months.
According to Cruise Saudi’s CEO, Lars Clasen, the establishment of AROYA Cruises represents a significant milestone in the company’s grand strategy to build a premium cruise ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, aligning perfectly with the goals outlined in Vision 2030. Clasen stated, “This momentous step marks a historical milestone in Cruise Saudi’s ambitious strategy to create a premium cruise ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, in line with Vision 2030.”
Ghassan Khan, currently serving as Cruise Saudi’s Chief Strategy Officer, has been appointed to lead AROYA Cruises’ independent operational and management team. In this role, Khan will play a pivotal role in steering the brand towards success. Khan expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming launch, recognizing it as a privilege to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s emergence as an international cruising destination. He said, “This is an extremely exciting time. It is a privilege to bring this cruise line to launch as a core element of Saudi’s development as an international cruising destination.”
The decision to establish AROYA Cruises aligns with the overarching goals of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is driving the national transformation strategy in Saudi Arabia. PIF is actively developing and promoting the country as a vibrant tourism destination, with the aim of attracting an impressive 100 million visitors annually by the end of the decade. Highlighting the importance of AROYA Cruises, Clasen reiterated, “This momentous step marks a historical milestone in Cruise Saudi’s ambitious strategy to create a premium cruise ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, in line with Vision 2030.”
As the launch of AROYA Cruises draws near, anticipation continues to build within the tourism and travel industries. The unveiling of itineraries and packages in the coming months will undoubtedly spark further excitement among travel enthusiasts worldwide. With its commitment to providing unparalleled passenger experiences and showcasing the hidden gems of Saudi Arabia’s coastline, AROYA Cruises is poised to make a significant impact on the cruise industry while contributing to the economic growth and transformation of Saudi Arabia as a whole.
