The maritime and tourism authorities of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Oman have formalised the Cruise Arabia alliance – a strategic regional partnership that will promote the Arabian Gulf as a cruise ship destination globally. An official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the stakeholders at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB Berlin) travel trade convention. Key objectives of the Cruise Arabia alliance include collaboration to enhance the cruise experience for passengers, attract more cruise liners to the region, improve infrastructure at ports and drive economic growth in the regional cruise tourism sector. The partners will also work together on enhancing the regional cruise ecosystem, improving key stakeholder relations, and conducting joint marketing efforts both regionally and internationally. Dubai has been a significant player in the Cruise Arabia alliance, working closely with its partners to create interconnected and integrated regional cruise services. Previously, Dubai and the neighbouring countries have participated in international trade exhibitions as a single grouping under the banner of the Cruise Arabia alliance. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “The Cruise Arabia alliance will further reinforce Dubai’s position as the cruise hub of the region, aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, launched by our visionary leadership, to further consolidate Dubai’s status as one of the top three global cities for business and leisure. The growth of our cruise tourism has been largely shaped by the continuous support of our stakeholders and partners, and this alliance will result in more cruise operators seeking to anchor in Dubai, capitalising on its strategic location and promoting the city’s diverse offerings, world-class infrastructure and superior air and sea connectivity. Dubai and its …
Read More »Saudi Arabia introduces e-visa for cruise passengers
It was announced that there is a new Saudi Arabia eVisa for cruise passengers. The e-maritime visa is for travelers joining a cruise in Saudi Arabia or arriving at one of its ports onboard a cruise ship. The new eVisa is specifically for cruise tourists. The visa is for passengers: Flying into Saudi Arabia to join a cruise ship, Arriving at a Saudi Arabian port by cruise ship, The new visa has been introduced to facilitate visa processes for cruise passengers. It is now easier for foreigners to fly into the country to join a cruise ship, or visit the country as part of their cruise itinerary. The Saudi Arabia e-maritime visa is a type of transit visa. It cannot be used for extended stays in the country. For longer vacations, foreigners should apply for a tourist eVisa for Saudi Arabia. The tourist visa for Saudi Arabia is for multiple entries of up to 90 days each. The Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa application is also online. Travelers complete the form electronically and receive the approved visa by email. To get an e-maritime visa for Saudi Arabia, applicants must already have purchased a cruise ticket. This visa is only available to people who can prove they will take a cruise to or from Saudi Arabia. They will also require a valid passport. All cruise eVisa applications must be made through the online system. The information provided by applicants is checked in cooperation with the Saudi Cruise Company. To apply for the Saudi Arabia cruise eVisa, eligible travelers must complete the online form, pay the visa fees, and submit the request. Applicants need to provide basic personal and passport details, and information …
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