Aroya Cruises, the luxury cruise division of Saudi Arabia’s Cruise Saudi, has announced its highly anticipated debut in the Arabian Gulf, launching a slate of luxury itineraries beginning in February 2026. With sailings departing from both Dubai (UAE) and Dammam (Saudi Arabia), the new offerings promise to redefine regional cruise tourism by blending cultural discovery, coastal beauty, and five-star onboard hospitality.
This bold expansion is a strategic step in aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a national initiative to boost tourism and diversify the economy. By adding exciting new ports of call and immersive onboard experiences, Aroya Cruises is helping to position the Arabian Gulf as a global cruise tourism hotspot.
Dubai-Departing Luxury Voyages to Oman, Qatar, and UAE
Kicking off the 2026 season are a series of seven-night sailings from Dubai, starting February 28 through March 14. These round-trip cruises will explore some of the Gulf’s most iconic and scenic locations including:
- Muscat & Khasab (Oman) – Known for their dramatic fjords and ancient forts
- Doha (Qatar) – A hub of modern architecture and Islamic art
- Abu Dhabi & Sir Bani Yas Island (UAE) – Offering culture, wildlife safaris, and serene beaches
These cruises cater to family vacationers, luxury seekers, and cultural explorers alike. Whether wandering the souks of Muscat or enjoying a desert excursion in Abu Dhabi, guests will enjoy a fusion of tradition and modernity that makes Gulf tourism so compelling.
From Dubai to Dammam: Uniting UAE and Saudi Tourism
Following the March sailings, Aroya Cruises will launch a five-night cruise from Dubai to Dammam, Saudi Arabia’s eastern coastal city. This itinerary includes stops in:
- Doha (Qatar)
- Sir Bani Yas (UAE)
- Abu Dhabi (UAE)
- Khasab (Oman)
- Dubai (UAE)
This route is pivotal in bridging two of the Gulf’s largest tourism gateways—Dubai and Dammam—via luxury sea travel. Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in maritime tourism infrastructure, and this collaboration with Dubai further amplifies regional tourism integration.
By combining the cosmopolitan allure of Dubai with the emerging cruise market in Saudi Arabia, this itinerary is ideal for both first-time visitors and seasoned Middle East travelers.
Dammam Cruises and Red Sea Expansion
After its Dubai-Dammam voyage, Aroya Cruises will operate multiple sailings directly from Dammam, introducing a fresh departure point for luxury cruising in the region. These itineraries, running through April 30, 2026, will cover key destinations in:
- United Arab Emirates
- Oman
- Qatar
Following the Arabian Gulf season, Aroya will reposition its vessel to the Red Sea, departing on a nine-night voyage from Dammam to Jeddah. Highlights of this sailing include:
- Salalah & Muscat (Oman)
- Dubai & Khasab (UAE)
In May 2026, the cruise line will also offer five-night Red Sea itineraries from Jeddah to Sharm El Sheikh and Ain Sokhna (for Cairo) in Egypt, strengthening maritime ties between the Gulf and North Africa and supporting inbound tourism to historic Red Sea ports.
Impact on Regional Tourism and Economic Growth
The arrival of Aroya Cruises into the Arabian Gulf cruise market comes at a time of heightened global interest in sustainable and culturally immersive travel. According to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), cruise tourism is expected to contribute significantly to GDP growth across member states by 2030. With expanding ports and new regulations promoting ease of travel, destinations like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, and Qatar are seeing a surge in tourism infrastructure.
By offering new cruise routes that blend luxury, culture, and convenience, Aroya Cruises will not only boost local economies but also enhance the Gulf’s image as a world-class travel corridor.
Tourism officials in Saudi Arabia and the UAE have welcomed the move. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) stated that cruise tourism has grown by over 40% since 2019, and Aroya’s participation only strengthens that momentum.
Aroya Cruises: Elevating the Arabian Sea Experience
Launched under Cruise Saudi, Aroya Cruises is the first cruise line owned by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is expected to play a transformative role in regional tourism. With large-capacity luxury vessels, Arabic-inspired hospitality, and curated cultural experiences, Aroya is aiming to blend regional identity with international cruising standards.
Each sailing is crafted to provide guests with exceptional comfort and immersive exploration. Whether it’s luxury dining, wellness treatments, or shore excursions to UNESCO heritage sites, Aroya ensures a five-star voyage from embarkation to return.
Conclusion: Setting Sail Toward a New Chapter in Gulf Tourism
As Aroya Cruises prepares for its 2026 Arabian Gulf debut, it symbolizes more than just new routes; it represents a broader vision for the Middle East as a premium travel destination. By connecting vibrant cities like Dubai, Doha, Muscat, and Dammam through luxurious sea voyages, Aroya is offering travelers a new way to discover the rich mosaic of the Gulf.
With bookings now open, the stage is set for a historic year in Middle East tourism, and Aroya Cruises stands at the helm of this exciting transformation.
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