Summary: Aroya Cruises will launch its inaugural Arabian Gulf voyage on Feb 21, 2026 aboard Aroya Manara. The seven-night itinerary departs Dubai and calls at Jeddah, Yanbu, Dammam and Abu Dhabi; the initiative is led by Public Investment Fund-owned Cruise Saudi and supports Vision 2030 tourism targets.

Aroya Cruises' inaugural Arabian Gulf voyage will sail on Feb 21, 2026, marking a high-profile push into Gulf cruise tourism. The seven-night maiden sailing aboard Aroya Manara departs Dubai and will call at Jeddah, Yanbu, Dammam and Abu Dhabi, combining luxury onboard services with visits to underrepresented Gulf ports.

A Milestone for Saudi Cruise Tourism

The new service is presented by Aroya Cruises under Public Investment Fund-owned Cruise Saudi and is positioned as a strategic element of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 tourism diversification. The programme aims to expand the nation’s cruise capability and supports a broader target of 1.3 million annual cruise passengers by 2035. The season opens with sailings from Feb 21 and runs through May 8, offering voyage options of two to seven nights.

Itinerary and Onboard Experience

The maiden itinerary links Dubai’s international gateway with Saudi Red Sea and eastern ports before finishing in Abu Dhabi, giving guests access to modern cityscapes and heritage sites. Onboard, Aroya Manara features amenities tailored to regional preferences, including halal dining, dedicated prayer facilities and family-friendly entertainment.

  • Dubai (Departure): International gateway with pre- and post-cruise tourism options
  • Jeddah: Historic Al-Balad and Red Sea coastline, serving as a major homeport
  • Yanbu: Coastal heritage excursions and Red Sea access
  • Dammam: Eastern Province attractions such as the Corniche and Half Moon Bay
  • Abu Dhabi (Call): Cultural landmarks including Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi

Aroya Manara spans eighteen decks with varied venues and amenities designed for Muslim-majority markets, including all-inclusive non-alcoholic packages and children’s zones. The product is intended to appeal to GCC families and faith-conscious international travellers, with targeted marketing toward Indian and other Asian markets.

Aroya Manara docked at a Gulf port with city skyline and passengers boarding
Aroya Manara will operate the maiden Arabian Gulf season, connecting Dubai, Jeddah, Yanbu, Dammam and Abu Dhabi.

Economic and Local Tourism Benefits

Officials expect cruise calls to drive visitor spending across port cities, supporting hotels, restaurants and local vendors. Cruise Saudi’s programme includes terminal upgrades and broader ecosystem development aimed at creating employment and diversifying local economies.

  • Projected jobs: 50,000 positions supported through expanded cruise activity
  • Infrastructure: Port and terminal upgrades in Jeddah and other ports
  • Seasonal economic boost: Increased tourism spending from arrivals and shore excursions
  • Product diversification: New east- and west-coast tourism flows for Saudi Arabia

Sustainability and Regulation

Aroya has stated that the operation will follow eco-friendly practices and maritime regulations to protect Gulf waters. Licensing from the Saudi Red Sea Authority and other regulators underpins safe operations and sets standards for coastal tourism management.

Regional Collaboration and Future Outlook

The new Gulf sailings reinforce UAE–Saudi tourism ties and create cross-border promotional opportunities. Jeddah’s role as a homeport is intended to anchor Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a regional cruise hub, while future expansion plans discussed by industry stakeholders include broader international itineraries beyond the Gulf.

What this means for travellers and the industry: Aroya’s launch expands cruise options in the Arabian Gulf with products tailored to regional preferences, creates new port-demand for local businesses, and advances Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives. For travellers, the development offers more halal-friendly cruise choices, additional embarkation ports, and new short- and mid-length itineraries across the Gulf.