Jeddah Historic District Program, Cruise Saudi Sign MoU to Take in Rising Number of Int'l Cruise Visitors

The Jeddah Historic District Program and Cruise Saudi signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to accommodate the increasing number of international cruise visitors. (SPA)
The Jeddah Historic District Program and Cruise Saudi signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to accommodate the increasing number of international cruise visitors. (SPA)
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Jeddah Historic District Program, Cruise Saudi Sign MoU to Take in Rising Number of Int'l Cruise Visitors

The Jeddah Historic District Program and Cruise Saudi signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to accommodate the increasing number of international cruise visitors. (SPA)
The Jeddah Historic District Program and Cruise Saudi signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to accommodate the increasing number of international cruise visitors. (SPA)

The Jeddah Historic District Program and Cruise Saudi, a company fully owned by the Public Investment Fund, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to accommodate the increasing number of international cruise visitors who will enjoy exploring the authentic sites of the historic district.

"Central to the goals of the Jeddah Historic District Program and Cruise Saudi is introducing the region's historical landmarks and cultural identity, enlivening its commercial outlets, encouraging entrepreneurs to invest in the region, and supporting Saudi tourist guides to enhance the tourist experience," said the Jeddah Historic District Program in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency on Monday.

Jeddah Historic District Program Director General Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim Al-Issa said: "The tourism sector is experiencing growth and prosperity, which contributes to boosting the Kingdom's presence on the global tourism map, in line with Saudi Vision 2030."

"Our strategic partnership with Cruise Saudi aims to drive economic growth and actively engage in the district's revitalization. We are committed to protecting the tangible and intangible heritage that earned the district its UNESCO status, recognizing its profound cultural impact," he added.

"Jeddah’s Historic District is one of our most popular Shorex destinations, and we continue to witness how much international passengers enjoy exploring its unique historic sites through the tours and experiences we offer," said Cruise Saudi CEO Lars Clasen.

"This MoU represents our shared vision and marks an exciting new chapter, paving the way for collaborative efforts to draw even more visitors to this enchanting destination while protecting its heritage and authenticity," he added.



World Bank Redirects Funds Towards Lebanon Emergency Aid

Flames rise from Israeli airstrikes in Dahiyeh, Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
Flames rise from Israeli airstrikes in Dahiyeh, Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
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World Bank Redirects Funds Towards Lebanon Emergency Aid

Flames rise from Israeli airstrikes in Dahiyeh, Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
Flames rise from Israeli airstrikes in Dahiyeh, Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

The World Bank announced on Thursday that it was redirecting funds originally earmarked for development programs in Lebanon towards emergency aid for people displaced by Israeli bombardment of the country.

"The World Bank is activating emergency response plans to be able to repurpose resources in the portfolio to respond to the urgent needs of people in Lebanon," said a statement from the US-based multilateral institution.

The multilateral institution currently has $1.5 billion in funding for programs in Lebanon. Part of this amount will be redirected.

Since September 23, more than 1,000 people have been killed in an Israeli air-and-ground campaign on Lebanon that has targeted armed group Hezbollah in the south and east of the country, with strikes expanding to include the capital Beirut.

Thousands have been displaced since the bombing began, and the funds would be used to provide aid to those populations, the World Bank said.

"This would include emergency support to displaced people that could be deployed through a digital platform the World Bank helped put in place during the Covid epidemic," the statement said.