Saudi to develop first Red Sea private island cruise destination

A private island cruise destination is to be created in the Red Sea.

Facilities are expected to include a welcome centre, dining area, and beach club with private villas and sun-beds to accommodate initially up to 2,000 passengers.

The venture by Cruise Saudi is due to open in December although details of the location, costs and how it can become operational so rapidly have not been disclosed.

The new destination will see ships stopping for day trips.

Authentically Saudi in both design and experiences, the private island will be a first of its kind in the Red Sea, according to the country’s Public Investment Fund-owned company.

A contract to develop the island was signed with PC Marine Services, responsible for projects including cruise berth improvements in Jeddah, Dammam and Yanbu in Saudi Arabia.

Cruise Saudi chief destinations experiences officer Barbara Buczek said: “The creation of this new cruise destination in the Red Sea marks an exciting step in the development of Saudi’s cruise industry. 

“We look forward to welcoming cruise lines and their passengers to experience authentic Saudi hospitality, culture and activities in the heart of the Red Sea.”

PC Marine chef executive Adnan Alshareef added: “We recognise the importance of this remarkable opportunity to become a key contributor to the Kingdom’s marine infrastructure and the Saudi Vision 2030 by being a success partner with Cruise Saudi, and above all contributing to the flourishing tourism sector in Saudi Arabia.”