Cruise Saudi: A Private Island in the Red Sea


Cruise Saudi, a company owned by the Public Investment Fund and responsible for creating and developing Saudi Arabia’s cruise sector, has signed an agreement in Jeddah with PC Marine Services to develop a private island in the Red Sea exclusively for cruise tourism.

Authentically Saudi in both design and experience, this private island will be the first of its kind in the Red Sea, offering a unique destination for exploration within Saudi Arabia, exclusive to cruise ship passengers. Cruise lines will include one-day stops at the island, where visitors can enjoy the facilities or book one of the many land and sea excursions. Amenities will include a welcome center, dining area, and a beach club with private villas and sun loungers, initially able to accommodate up to 2,000 guests.

Barbara Buczek, Chief Destination Experiences Officer at Cruise Saudi, emphasized that creating this new cruise destination in the Red Sea marks an exciting step in the development of Saudi Arabia’s cruise sector. She noted that the entire team is eager to welcome cruise lines and their passengers, offering them the chance to experience authentic Saudi hospitality, culture, and activities in the heart of the Red Sea.

Adnan Alshareef, CEO and Chairman of PC Marine Services, expressed pride in being the primary contractor for the Private Island project, recognizing the importance of this remarkable opportunity to become a key contributor to the Kingdom’s maritime infrastructure and Saudi Vision 2030. He highlighted PC Marine Services’ leadership in the maritime construction sector, having overseen projects like the development of Jeddah’s Obhur Waterfront and cruise docking enhancements in Jeddah, Dammam, and Yanbu.

The development of this private island represents a strategic and innovative step in Cruise Saudi’s vision to create a thriving cruise sector. In line with the objectives of Vision 2030 to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy, the island is set to be an attractive proposition for international visitors, from seasoned cruise travelers to first-time explorers.

Cruise Saudi continues to operate within the broader framework of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to diversify the economy, aiming to welcome 1.3 million cruise passengers annually by 2035 and support the country’s broader tourism industry. Cruise Saudi positions itself as a trusted partner for both international and local entities, overseeing the development of services and infrastructure, including state-of-the-art cruise terminals, ground service training, and the creation of onshore excursions that will transform the country’s coastlines into a world-class cruise destination.

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Giorgia Lombardo

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