Cruise Saudi reveals plans to develop Jazan for cruise tourism

The announcement was made at a MASAREB ceremony at the Grand Millennium Jazan Hotel, where the RCJY – represented by Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries (JCPDI) – and Cruise Saudi signed a memorandum of understanding with the objective to develop the accessibility and the experiences in the region on a local, regional and international level.

In attendance were Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz bin Mohammad bin Abdulaziz, deputy governor of Jazan region; President of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu Khaled Al-Salem; Acting CEO of Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries Hussain bin Yahya Fadhli, leaders in Saudi Arabia's tourism sector plus a key delegation from Cruise Saudi including its MD Fawaz Farooqui and CEO Lars Clasen.

Farooqui emphasised Cruise Saudi’s enthusiasm to collaborate with RCJY in the aligned vision to create a sea gate welcoming international tourists to explore the southern region as part of the Saudi cruising ecosystem. 

‘Huge potential’ 

Clasen said, ‘The reimagining and development of JCPDI is another significant milestone in Saudi’s tourism journey as part of Vision 2030, of which cruising forms a significant component.

‘By opening up Jazan to global tourists, we can continue to expand on our unique offering of previously untapped extraordinary and unique tourist experiences. We’re excited to see what the future holds between Cruise Saudi and a destination which has such huge potential for international tourism.’

Cruise Saudi’s Chief Strategy Officer Ghassan Khan hinted at plans to develop Jazan in 2021. 

Shore excursions in Jazan

Jazan is nestled on the tip of Saudi’s Red Sea coast and is home to pristine beaches, azure seas, forests and mountain peaks. Stretching over 200km along the Red Sea, it aligns with the existing Saudi ports operated by Cruise Saudi providing a base from which to conduct shore excursions.

Fadhli stated, ‘Today marks a promising step for us within Saudi’s prospering tourism sector. We are delighted to be exploring a partnership with Cruise Saudi as part of our wider ambitions to develop JCDPI waterfront. With improved access to the wider southern region, we’re looking to develop this area into a thriving hub for business, tourism and leisure.’

Saudi Arabia aims to welcome 1.3m cruise passengers by 2035.