Abu Dhabi’s Economy Rises 3.5% in Q2 2023  

Visitors at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) in Abu Dhabi. (epa)
Visitors at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) in Abu Dhabi. (epa)
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Abu Dhabi’s Economy Rises 3.5% in Q2 2023  

Visitors at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) in Abu Dhabi. (epa)
Visitors at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) in Abu Dhabi. (epa)

The Statistics Center – Abu Dhabi (SCAD) announced the gross domestic product (GDP) estimates for the second quarter of 2023, revealing a whopping 12.3 percent growth of the non-oil economy and a 3.5 percent increase in the total GDP compared to the same period in 2022.

Abu Dhabi's non-oil economic activities have maintained remarkable growth in Q2 2023, leading the value of the emirate's real non-oil GDP to $42 billion, the highest since 2014 to break a record registered in the first quarter of the current year, where it surpassed $39 billion.

According to preliminary estimates, the value of Abu Dhabi's real GDP in the second quarter of 2023 reached its highest level at $78.2 billion, driven by the growth of all non-oil activities, to continue the increase of its contribution to the GDP to 53.7 percent.

It boosted the growth of the emirate's non-oil GDP by 9.2 percent in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period last year.



Cruise Saudi Announces Development of Private Red Sea Island for Cruise-Ship Tourism

The announcement was made during a ceremony held at Cruise Saudi’s headquarters in Jeddah. SPA
The announcement was made during a ceremony held at Cruise Saudi’s headquarters in Jeddah. SPA
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Cruise Saudi Announces Development of Private Red Sea Island for Cruise-Ship Tourism

The announcement was made during a ceremony held at Cruise Saudi’s headquarters in Jeddah. SPA
The announcement was made during a ceremony held at Cruise Saudi’s headquarters in Jeddah. SPA

Cruise Saudi, a company fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and specialized in developing the Kingdom’s cruise tourism sector, announced the signing of a contract with PC Marine Services company to develop a private island in the Red Sea as an exclusive destination for cruise-ship passengers.
The announcement was made during a ceremony held at Cruise Saudi’s headquarters in Jeddah.
This project is a strategic step in Cruise Saudi's vision to enhance the cruise sector in the Kingdom, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the national economy and increase the contribution of tourism to gross domestic product (GDP).
The new island will reflect authentic Saudi heritage through its design and diverse experiences, enhancing its status as the first of its kind in the Red Sea dedicated to cruise-ship passengers.
It is expected to be ready to welcome visitors by December 2024, positioning itself as a unique and prominent destination on the Kingdom's cruise tourism map.
The project aims to offer tourists a diverse range of recreational activities, both coastal and aquatic, complemented by a variety of unique facilities and services designed to create unforgettable experiences for all visitors. Among the amenities planned are a welcome center, dining area, beach club, private villas, sunbathing spots, and more. During the initial phase, the island will have the capacity to host up to 2,000 guests.
Cruise Saudi executive director of commercial and business development Mashhoor Baeshen said the project will significantly enhance the maritime tourism sector in the Kingdom, with the island poised to become a standout attraction for visitors exploring the Red Sea.
PC Marine Services president and chief executive Adnan Alshareef highlighted that the new island initiative presents a valuable opportunity to contribute to the advancement of the Kingdom's maritime infrastructure, fostering growth within the maritime tourism sector in alignment with the goals of Vision 2030.
PC Marine Services, a prominent player in the maritime project industry, has handled a diverse portfolio of significant projects, including the Obhur Waterfront Development project in Jeddah and the Cruise Berth Improvements project in Jeddah, Yanbu, and Dammam ports.