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
Ministry of Culture launches crafts hackathon as part of Year of Handicrafts
- Registration open until Jan. 31
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Culture has launched a crafts hackathon to bring together creators and innovators from diverse fields.
The event aims to generate innovative solutions for various aspects of the handicrafts sector, including marketing, design and production, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
It aligns with the broader objectives of the Year of Handicrafts 2025.
The Ministry of Culture annually celebrates a distinctive Saudi cultural element, highlighting and celebrating it through projects and events.
The year 2025 has been designated as the Year of Handicrafts to solidify the position of handicrafts as authentic cultural heritage while promoting the practice, preservation and documentation of the craft, as well as its presence in contemporary life.
Registration for the hackathon is open until Jan. 31.
The selection of qualified participants will begin in early February, followed by a two-day training camp on Feb. 14-15.
It targets a diverse range of participants, including artisans, designers, developers and programmers. Teams must consist of at least three and no more than five members.
All participants must be at least 18 years old.
Handicrafts have long held a special place in Saudi Arabia’s cultural fabric, representing a prosperous heritage passed down through generations.
Throughout 2025, the ministry will organize an array of events, exhibitions, educational programs and competitions under the banner Year of Handicrafts.
Saudi Foreign Minister meets with his Syrian counterpart
- Al-Shibani arrived with a high-level Syrian delegation on Wednesday night
RIYADH: Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his Syrian counterpart Asaad Al-Shaibani in Riyadh on Thursday to discuss the latest developments in Syria.
Prince Faisal reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to supporting Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity while emphasizing efforts to achieve security, stability, and prosperity for the Syrian people, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The discussions also focused on preserving Syrian state institutions, enhancing its capabilities, and facilitating its reintegration into the Arab and Islamic worlds, SPA added.
Senior Saudi officials including Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan and ambassadors Saud Al-Sati and Faisal Al-Majfal were also in attendance.
Al-Shibani arrived with a high-level Syrian delegation on Wednesday, including Defense Minister Marahf Abu Qasra and Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab.
They were welcomed at King Khalid International Airport by Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji.
This marks Al-Shibani's first foreign trip since the ouster of former Syrian president Bashar Assad on Dec. 8.
The visit comes after Syria’s new leader, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, praised Saudi Arabia's potential role in shaping Syria’s future during an interview with Al Arabiya on Sunday.
Saudi Arabia launches air bridge to deliver urgent aid to Syria
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Wednesday launched an air bridge to deliver essential aid to Syria, supporting efforts under the new leadership to rebuild the country after years of civil war.
Two planes carrying relief supplies landed at Damascus International Airport, Saudi aid agency KSrelief told Arab News.
The planes, which left from King Khalid International Airport, carried food, shelter and medical supplies, along with a KSrelief team to help address the difficult conditions faced by the Syrian people, KSrelief said.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of KSrelief, said: “The air bridge launched on Wednesday will be followed by a land bridge in the coming days to provide urgent relief to the Syrian people.”
Al-Rabeeah said that the humanitarian initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting those in need worldwide, reaffirming the Kingdom’s dedication to assisting nations in crisis.
He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s consistent support since the Syrian crisis began in 2011 and its significant role in international humanitarian efforts.
Al-Rabeeah said that, through KSrelief, Saudi Arabia has continuously provided aid to internally displaced Syrians, refugees in neighboring countries, and victims of the northern Syrian earthquake in February 2023.
According to KSrelief, the Kingdom’s total aid to the Syrian people from 2011 to the end of 2024 exceeds $856 million.
The first aircraft was received by Abdullah Al-Harees, charge d’affaires of the Saudi Embassy in Syria; Mohammed Hazem Bakleh, president of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent; and several media representatives.
Al-Harees emphasized that this assistance is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing humanitarian efforts through KSrelief, aimed at alleviating the suffering caused by the crisis in Syria.
Bakleh expressed deep gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its humanitarian aid, noting that the relief will be distributed to those in need in all Syrian territories, without discrimination.
Saudi defense minister discusses Syrian political transition with officials
- Syrian delegation was led by foreign minister Asaad bin Hassan Al-Shaibani
- Al-Shibani also held meeting with Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan
RIYADH: Saudi defense minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held a high-level meeting on Thursday in Riyadh with senior officials from Syria’s new administration, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The discussions focused on advancing Syria’s transitional political process to meet the aspirations of the Syrian people while ensuring the nation’s security, stability, and territorial integrity, SPA added.
The Syrian delegation was led by foreign minister Asaad bin Hassan Al-Shaibani, accompanied by defense minister Major General Marhaf Abu Qasra and Chief of the General Intelligence Service Anas Khattab.
The meeting also included prominent Saudi officials, among them Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Prince Abdulrahman bin Mohammed, Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of General Intelligence Khalid bin Ali Al-Humaidan;
The high-level Syrian delegation arrived in Saudi Arabia Wednesday night.
The delegation was received by Saudi Deputy FM Waleed Elkhereiji at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.
Al-Shibani, said on X on Monday that he had accepted an invitation from his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan to visit the Kingdom, in what would be his first foreign trip since the ouster of former president Bashar Assad on Dec. 8.
It follows comments made by Syria’s new leader, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who said Saudi Arabia had a major role to play in his country’s future during an interview with Al Arabiya, which aired on Sunday.
“Saudi Arabia has a major role in Syria’s future, and I take pride in everything it has done for us,” he said, adding that he spent his early childhood in Riyadh and hoped to visit the city again.
Al-Sharaa also praised recent Saudi statements as “very positive” and commended Riyadh’s efforts toward stabilizing Syria.
Saudi Arabia condemns New Orleans attack
- Texas man crashed a pickup truck into a crowd in New Orleans’s French Quarter before opening fire with a gun, killing at least 10 people and injuring 35
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced on Wednesday a deadly car ramming in New Orleans, Louisiana, that struck a crowd celebrating New Year’s Eve.
A 42-year-old Texas man crashed a pickup truck into a crowd in the city’s French Quarter before opening fire with a gun, killing at least 10 people and injuring 35, in an early morning attack the FBI said was a potential act of terrorism.
The suspect was fatally shot in an exchange of gunfire with police. Potential homemade bombs were found in the truck and around the French Quarter, the FBI said.
A Daesh flag was also located in the vehicle, the agency added.
A Saudi Foreign Ministry statement expressed the Kingdom’s complete rejection and denunciation of all forms of violence.
It also expressed the Saudi Arabia’s solidarity and sincere condolences to the families of the victims, the American people, and the US government. It also wished the injured a speedy recovery.
