JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has launched a company to establish the cruise sector in the country, aiming to generate more than 50,000 jobs in the tourism industry.
Saudi Cruise, launched by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), will work on putting the Kingdom on the international cruise map as a tourist destination, in line with the goals of the Vision 2030 reform plan.
It will develop routes that allow people to explore the country’s heritage and culture in a way that preserves the environment and protects natural resources.
“The employment rates have decreased due to the pandemic,” said Layal Abdullah, a 27-year-old public relations employee in Jeddah. “The fact that the Kingdom is working toward empowering a whole new sector, while also working toward raising employment rates, is encouraging.”
Abdullah also said she expected cruises to be a hit with locals and visitors alike.
“Like everything the Kingdom has accomplished through its investment in tourism, from Saudi Seasons to AlUla and other sites, I’m absolutely sure this will draw a lot of people.”
Others were also optimistic about the arrival of a new industry — and a new way of holidaying — but were concerned about cruise prices being out of reach.
Financial analyst Ahmad Al-Asmari told Arab News that while the new project was “very appealing,” it would be disappointing if it catered to a certain social class.
He recalled the prices of the Red Sea Spirit leisure cruise, which ranged between SR7,000 ($1,866) and SR10,000. “If they’re anything like that, I don’t believe many locals will be interested just due to the fact that they can’t afford it,” he added.
The launch of the Jeddah-based company is in line with the PIF’s 2021-2025 strategy, which focuses on unlocking the Kingdom’s potential in the non-oil sectors.
The fund and its subsidiaries aim to contribute to the country’s gross domestic product with SR1.2 trillion through non-oil revenue by the end of 2025.
It aims to make the most of the Kingdom’s tourist attractions, as well as its historical and cultural heritage, starting with UNESCO sites and geographical sites that showcase the country’s mountainous or marine environment.
Red Sea Spirit launched its first recreational cruise in Saudi Arabia last August, with itineraries taking in the sights at Yanbu, Ras Abyadh, NEOM, and Magna.
Saudi Arabia launches cruise company, aims to generate more than 50,000 jobs
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Saudi Arabia launches cruise company, aims to generate more than 50,000 jobs
- Red Sea Spirit launched its first recreational cruise in Saudi Arabia last August, with itineraries taking in the sights at Yanbu, Ras Abyadh, NEOM, and Magna
Camel organization welcomes Saudi HQ approval
RIYADH: The International Camel Organization welcomed the Saudi Cabinet’s decision to approve a headquarters agreement between the Kingdom’s government and the organization.
The decision reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing support for the camel sector and its efforts to elevate its role internationally, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Fahd bin Falah bin Hathleen, chairman of the camel organization, expressed his gratitude for the Cabinet’s decision.
He said: “The organization has worked over the years to develop strategies and policies to promote the global camel economy. These efforts aim to advance rural and desert communities, preserve heritage and culture, foster scientific research, and encourage camel-related sports that attract global interest.
“Additionally, we have organized international events, expanded partnerships with global organizations, and prioritized camel welfare, health, and regulations governing their movement.”
Bin Hathleen said that the Saudi Cabinet’s decision underscores the government’s commitment, under King Salman’s leadership, to strengthening the organization’s role and enhancing international cooperation in the camel sector.
He noted that the decision aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to foster sustainable development, support key sectors, and boost international collaboration to benefit camel breeders and owners locally, regionally, and globally.
This achievement also supports the Year of the Camel and the International Year of the Camelids 2024 initiatives, which are designed to highlight the untapped potential of the animals, SPA reported.
These initiatives advocate for increased investment, further research, capacity-building, and the adoption of innovative practices and technologies in the camel sector.
3rd Global Conference for Giftedness and Creativity underway in Riyadh
- More than 300 talented individuals and local and international speakers from over 50 countries were attending the three-day conference
RIYADH: The third edition of the Global Conference for Giftedness and Creativity opened in Riyadh on Sunday, bringing together a select group of experts and talented individuals in science, technology, and innovation.
More than 300 talented individuals and local and international speakers from over 50 countries were attending the three-day conference, which was inaugurated by Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, governor of Riyadh region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Organized by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, also known as "Mawhiba," the conference is being held at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) until Tuesday.
Themed "Beyond Creative Minds," the conference aims to showcase the potential of the gifted, develop a comprehensive care system to support them, bolster integration and strategic partnerships, and enhance opportunities for global exchange and cooperation.
An exhibition and various cultural visits are being held on the conference sidelines, the SPA report said.
According to the Mawhiba site, the conference reflects the success achieved in the two previous editions, and "provides an opportunity for partners to contribute to sponsoring the journey of talented people from different countries of the world."
Saudi-European talks to strengthen cooperation in environmental fields
- Saudi minister, EU security and political officials discuss reinforcing existing work on coping with climate change
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir met with European officials on Sunday in Riyadh, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Al-Jubeir, who is also the Saudi climate envoy, held talks with Delphine Pronk, chair of the EU Political and Security Committee, and Luigi Di Maio, EU special representative for the Gulf region.
They discussed issues surrounding climate change and environmental cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the EU, as well as ways in which existing cooperation on tackling climate change could be strengthened. They also talked about the recent development in foreign policy in Europe and the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia maintains a strong dialogue with the EU, with both parties sharing views on several foreign policy issues, including the Saudi-led Arab Peace Initiative for the Middle East.
The EU and Saudi Arabia are also linked through trade relations, with the EU becoming the Kingdom’s second main trading partner after the volume of trade exchange between Riyadh and Brussels peaked at $80 billion in 2023.
Saudi FM arrives in Italy to attend G7 ministerial meeting
RIYADH: Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Italy on Sunday to participate in an expanded ministerial meeting of the Group of Seven (G7) countries in Fiuggi, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The meeting will discuss the current situation in the Middle East, SPA added.
During his stay in Fiuggi, Prince Faisal will hold a number of discussions that will address regional and international issues.
Saudi fund chief receives Tajikistan’s deputy prime minister
- Saudi Ambassador to Tajikistan Walid Al-Rashidan was among the officials in attendance
RIYADH: CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development Sultan Al-Marshad received First Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan Hokim Kholiqzoda and his accompanying delegation in Riyadh on Sunday.
During the meeting, the Saudi fund’s development projects were discussed, as well as ways to enhance development cooperation between both sides, the official account wrote on X.
Saudi Ambassador to Tajikistan Walid Al-Rashidan was among the officials in attendance.
Kholiqzoda’s visit included a tour of the Saudi fund’s exhibition center, which showcases the organization’s 50-year journey, including notable development projects and their impacts on the lives of beneficiaries.
