On Saudi Founding Day 2023, Cruise Saudi – a 100% Public Investment Fund owned company established to develop the cruising sector achieved a remarkable record for the first time in welcoming nearly 9,000 tourists visiting key Saudi destinations by three cruise ships calls in two ports.

The day marked the arrival of MSC Splendida with 3,000+ passengers, Residences at Sea’s ultra-luxury private residential ship The World with 80+ residents and guests in Jeddah Islamic Port. At the same time, King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam welcomed MSC World Europa with 5,600+ passengers.

In Jeddah, with the collaboration of all relevant Authorities and local Partners, the tourists were welcomed at the passengers’ terminal with the Founding Day traditional activities, including cultural gifts, Saudi coffee, dates, and folklore dances.

The tourists, who represent different nationalities – the top 5 being English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Russian – witnessed and engaged in the vibrant Saudi Founding Day festivities in their different excursions in both Jeddah and the Eastern Province through Dammam Port.

In Jeddah, the well-designed excursions included a flight to visit AlUla, Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, an enjoyable walk at Jeddah’s Waterfront (Corniche), as well as a journey back in time through centuries of culture and traditions by visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Jeddah Historical District (Al Balad), filled with vibrant artwork, exotic scents, traditional markets (souks) and the authentic Hijazi architecture that is unique to the region. Muslim passengers and crew were presented with a unique experience, as Cruise Saudi facilitated their visit to Makkah and performed Umrah.

From Dammam, the excursions included Saudi’s third UNESCO World Heritage site accessible via cruising, Al Asha Oasis, exploring the Qara Mountain, Princess School, and AlQaisariyah Souq. Other excursions provided an escape to the sandy beach on the tranquil waters of the Arabian Gulf or a city drive with a visit to Dammam’s distinctive Love Market.

Cruise Saudi’s ongoing cruising season – from November 2022 until May 2023 – is set to welcome 75+ scheduled calls by ships from several global cruise lines sailing the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.