JEDDAH: Saudi Cruise Co., owned by the Public Investment Fund, signed a joint agreement on Wednesday with MSC Cruises to launch its trips in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf during the upcoming winter season.
The announcement came during a meeting between Fawaz Farooqui, managing director of the Red Sea Cruise Co., and Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises, in Riyadh to sign the framework agreement to mark the start of the new partnership.
The two companies are aiming to host 170,000 cruise guests this winter.
Under the agreement, the MSC Magnifica will sail in the Red Sea from Jeddah on several seven-day trips from Nov. 13 through March 26. These trips will offer passengers access to a selection of ports and destinations on the coasts of the Red Sea. A weekly stopover will be included at Al-Wajh Port, which will connect passengers with AlUla, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The city of Jeddah is preparing for the first Formula 1 race hosted by the Kingdom on Dec. 5. These trips will provide an opportunity for some passengers of the MSC Magnifica to enjoy this global sports event in conjunction with their trips aboard the cruise.
MSC Virtuosa will visit Dammam on a weekly basis from Dec. 2 through March 24, as part of its winter program in the Arabian Gulf from Dubai. This trip will allow passengers to visit the Al-Ahsa Oasis, another UNESCO World Heritage site in the Kingdom, in addition to many exciting destinations and attractions in the region.
Farooqui said his company is keen to establish a long-term partnership, which will increase the number of cruises coming to Saudi Arabia in the future.
“The Kingdom has a lot to offer to its visitors, and the new cooperation will open the doors for travelers from all over the world to be among the first to have the opportunity to explore the rich Saudi heritage and hospitality,” he said.
Farooqui also said these trips will diversify the Saudi economy and increase the country’s GDP. In addition, the cruises will provide employment opportunities in the fields of port business, tourism and entertainment in the selected destinations to nearby communities.
By the year 2035, the company aims to create 50,000 direct and indirect job opportunities through the newly established cruise sector.
Vago said he wants his company to place Saudi Arabia on the global cruise map and make it a major tourist destination.
“We look forward to providing new experiences for tourists from within and outside the Kingdom, enabling them to discover the beauty of untouched islands, the picturesque beaches along the Saudi coasts, in addition to the historical and heritage sites scattered in many tourist destinations,” he said.
Saudi Cruise partners with MSC Cruises for winter season
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Saudi Cruise partners with MSC Cruises for winter season
- The two companies are aiming to host 170,000 cruise guests this winter
Launch of Makkah Route Initiative at Karachi airport aims to facilitate Hajj pilgrims’ journey: official
- Al-Yahya said the introduction of a mobile counter-verification device is streamlining procedures for beneficiaries of the initiative
RIYADH: The launch of the Makkah Route Initiative at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport aims to facilitate pilgrims’ journeys, the Director-General of Passports Lieutenant General Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya has said.
Speaking during Sunday’s launch of the initiative at the airport, Al-Yahya said the introduction of a mobile counter-verification device, equipped with AI and innovative digital solutions, is streamlining procedures for beneficiaries of the initiative.
The initiative was launched in 2019 and 11 airports across seven countries are currently participating, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The initiative aims to provide high-quality services to Hajj pilgrims from beneficiary countries.
As part of the initiative, biometric data is collected in the pilgrim’s home country and the necessary procedures are carried out there. An electronic Hajj visa is also issued in the pilgrim’s country.
The Kingdom’s General Directorate of Passports will ensure that health requirements are met before pilgrims enter the country, and baggage will be coded and sorted according to transportation and accommodation arrangements.
Pilgrims will be transported to their residences in Makkah and Madinah by bus and partner agencies will transport their luggage separately.
Saudi Arabia launches Makkah Route Initiative at Ankara Esenboga Airport
- A lounge was set up at the airport in Ankara, making it the second Turkish airport to facilitate Makkah Route Initiative pilgrims
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia launched the Makkah Route Initiative at Ankara Esenboga Airport on Monday with the Kingdom’s ambassador to Turkiye in attendance.
A lounge was set up at the airport in Ankara, making it the second Turkish airport to facilitate Makkah Route Initiative pilgrims, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The initiative aims to provide high-quality services to Hajj pilgrims from beneficiary countries.
As part of the initiative, biometric data is collected in the pilgrim’s home country and the necessary procedures are carried out there. An electronic Hajj visa is also issued in the pilgrim’s country.
The Kingdom’s General Directorate of Passports will ensure that health requirements are met before pilgrims enter the country, and baggage will be coded and sorted according to transportation and accommodation arrangements.
Pilgrims will be transported to their residences in Makkah and Madinah by bus and partner agencies will transport their luggage separately.
Rainy Abha alive with color as jacaranda trees bloom
- Scores of picnickers and tourists have been drawn to areas like Art Street where the blossoms provide a picturesque backdrop
- Asir is home to more than 15,000 jacaranda trees, some of which can grow to a height of 18 meters (60 feet)
RIYADH: After the recent rains in Asir, the city of Abha is awash with color as the jacaranda trees that line its streets spring into life.
Scores of picnickers and tourists have been drawn to areas like Art Street where the blossoms provide a picturesque backdrop to the hustle and bustle of the city, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Asir region is home to more than 15,000 jacaranda trees, some of which can grow to a height of 18 meters (60 feet).
The jacaranda genus, which comprises about 45 species of trees and shrubs, is known for its ability to thrive in temperate regions. Within the Kingdom, the trees are mostly cultivated in moderate regions to the south.
Saudi FM meets with Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law delegation
- Strengthening of international unification with regard to supporting efforts made to ensure human security and safety in all parts of the world was discussed
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received the chairman of the Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law Dr. Jalal Al-Owaisi in Riyadh on Monday.
During the reception, Prince Faisal, Al-Owaisi, and his accompanying delegation discussed aspects of cooperation in the fields of international humanitarian law.
The strengthening of international unification with regard to supporting efforts made to ensure human security and safety in all parts of the world was also discussed during the meeting.
Later, a memorandum of understanding to enhance joint cooperation in the field of international humanitarian law was signed by the Foreign Ministry and the committee.
The MoU aims to support the integration of joint efforts and facilitate the exchange of experiences and transfer of knowledge in the field of international humanitarian law.
Madinah governor inspects pilgrim services ahead of Hajj
RIYADH: Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan on Monday visited the Welcome and Reception Center for Pilgrims on the Hijrah route to inspect the services offered to pilgrims and the preparations made to receive those who are coming to perform the Hajj rituals this year.
He also reviewed the center’s workflow, ensuring it guarantees the comfort of pilgrims and the expeditious completion of procedures related to the services provided to them, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Prince Salman, who is also chairman of the Hajj and Visit Committee in the region, inspected the workflow mechanism and services provided to pilgrims arriving from King Abdulaziz International Airport and Jeddah Islamic Port, as well as those visiting Madinah after completing the rituals.
He also examined the center’s operational indicators, which automatically monitor arrivals and groupings, along with the plan to enhance the service system through screens monitoring bus arrivals and the completion of procedures within a period not exceeding 120 seconds, by guiding pilgrims and ensuring their residences are ready to receive them.
During the tour, Prince Salman received an explanation of the center’s components, including a support center for transportation services, health clinics and ambulance transportation services, as well as the security and safety system and integrated operational services in welcome lounges, bus routes, the charity warehouse headquarters, transportation companies, and other administrative buildings within the center’s scope.
