Cruise Saudi signs MoU with university to develop talent in cruiseCruise Saudi signs MoU with university to develop talent in cruise

Cruise Saudi and the University of Prince Mugrin signed an MoU yesterday at Cruise Saudi’s office in Jeddah, which aims to enhance the development of specialised training programs, curricula and internships aligned with the needs of the Saudi's growing cruise industry. 

Collaboration between Cruise Saudi and the University of Prince Mugrin has been ongoing: they signed their first MoU in 2021, with the university playing a key role in the success of Cruise Saudi’s ‘Ambassadors Program.’ As part of the program, 56 Saudi Hospitality and Tourism department students participated in onboard training with MSC Cruises, enabling the students to gain practical skills from industry experts with decades of experience. 

Cruise Saudi

Cruise Saudi will provide industry insights and inputs to guide the development of training programs and curricula at the university. The partnership will ensure that these educational initiatives are specifically tailored to meet the evolving demands of the cruise industry. 

Cruise Saudi plans to create 50,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Saudi tourism sector by 2035. 

‘This collaboration with the University of Prince Mugrin is a significant step towards shaping the future workforce for the cruise industry in Saudi,’ remarked Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi. ‘This partnership will help create valuable opportunities for Saudis and contribute to the success of the Kingdom’s tourism sector.’ 

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University of Prince Mugrin

The Madinah-based institution will leverage its educational resources and expertise to create high-quality training programs aimed at equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge for a career in cruise tourism. This partnership will also include the creation of internship opportunities for students, providing practical experience and fostering connections between academia and industry, and creating job opportunities. 

Bandar Hajjar, UPM’s president, stated, ‘The tourism and hospitality sectors are integral to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, representing key pillars in the Kingdom’s ambitious journey toward economic diversification and global recognition as a premier destination. 

‘At the University of Prince Mugrin, we are deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals who will lead this transformation. Our partnership with Cruise Saudi reflects this vision, fostering innovation, practical training, and industry collaboration to empower our students to contribute meaningfully to the flourishing Saudi tourism ecosystem.’