Connections Cruise Arabia Launches In Dubai – Showcasing Major Opportunities For Cruise Tourism Expansion
The inaugural Connections Cruise Arabia Leadership Summit took place in Dubai today, onboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 at Port Rashid. The exclusive, invitation-only event welcomed close to 200 senior travel and cruise professionals, including global executives, government stakeholders and leading travel agents who are shaping the future of cruise tourism in the GCC region and beyond.Representatives from Emirates Airline, DubaiDepartment of Economy and Tourism, Cruise Saudi,Celestyal, Ponant and other industry powerhouses attended, to chart the future of cruise tourism.
Matthew Scott, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Network Passenger Sales Development (NPSD) said: “Emirates’ participation in Connections Cruise Arabia 2025 reflects our commitment to Dubai and the wider region’s cruise future. We hope today’s engaging discussions and insights will unlock the strategic growth initiatives and potential Emirates has been helping to build. Emirates has been a key contributor to Dubai’s emergence as a premier cruise destination. Our partnerships with a growing number of cruise operators, and continued collaboration with local stakeholders to further develop the city’s infrastructure and create more seamless air-sea experiences, is accelerating Dubai’s trajectory as a maritime tourism hub.”
Clive Jacobs, Founder and Chairman of Jacobs Media, the organisers of the event commented: “Connections Cruise Arabia is an exciting platform to drive growth in one of the most innovative and ambitious travel sectors. Together we have an opportunity to position this region as an epicentre for cruise tourism, that can redefine the sector. The future of cruising in the Gulf is gaining significant momentum and this event is just the starting point of what’s to come.”
Looking ahead, the Summit served as a launchpad for an expanded forum in 2026. The two-day gathering will introduce a new-to-cruise platform and bring together senior cruise leaders, suppliers and travel agents for pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings, keynote sessions, panel discussions and networking opportunities in the pioneering ‘Connections Way’. The event will further connect the global cruise industry with the Gulf’s key decision-makers, strengthening the region’s position as a leading hub for cruise tourism.
The event unveiled the Cruise Insight Report – a comprehensive, data-led analysis of global cruise trends and the region’s emerging position as a global cruise hub.
The report revealed that the average cruise passenger is now 46 years old, with 36% under the age of 40. Younger travellers, in particular, are driving demand for expedition and exploration voyages. Between 2023 and 2024, passenger numbers in this niche rose by 22%. The first purpose-built exploration cruise ship entered service only a decade ago, but there are now around 40 such vessels in operation, and global expedition capacity is forecast to grow by 150% between 2019 and 2029.
The global luxury cruise fleet has more than tripled since 2010, rising from 28 ships to almost 100 in 2023. By 2028, it is forecast that 1.5 million travellers will choose a luxury cruise.
During a panel session entitled: ‘Why a Middle East Cruise Hub Makes Sense’, industry leaders examined the unique advantages and opportunities that make the Middle East an ideal hub for cruise tourism.
Angelo Cappuro, Global Executive Director at MSC Cruises Exploration, highlighted that value for money is a big factor for people that is driving growth. The fact that people can visit several places during cruise trips is also an important driver. He explained how people enjoy cruising as a way of learning and understanding destinations in a unique way.
Dr. Megan Clampitt, Global Head of Science and Program Development at Ponant added that the company is offering experiences for people to learn more about sustainability and conservation. There has been an increase in more engagement with local communities so that people get a deeper understanding of cultures.
Anna Gregori, VP of Brand, PR and Customer Experience at Celestyalemphasised that her organisation has big ambitions to make the Middle East a hub.Celestyal is a destination immersive cruise line, offering short cruises as well as opportunities for people to experiences places for longer periods. People choose to cruise because it’s experience rich and hassle light.
Mashoor Baeshen, Executive Director of Commercial and Business Development – Cruise Saudi – added that cruise tourism is a major focus for Saudi Arabia, helping to create thousands of jobs and contribute to the economy.
The event is supported by leading cruise lines including Azamara, Celebrity Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Silversea and Transcend Cruises. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading trade association representing the global cruise industry, also participated in the event.