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.



GCC Signs Landmark Electricity Market Connection with Iraq

Deputy Governor of the Eastern Province oversees the signing of a contract for the implementation of the project of linking the Gulf Electricity Market with Iraq (SPA)
Deputy Governor of the Eastern Province oversees the signing of a contract for the implementation of the project of linking the Gulf Electricity Market with Iraq (SPA)
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GCC Signs Landmark Electricity Market Connection with Iraq

Deputy Governor of the Eastern Province oversees the signing of a contract for the implementation of the project of linking the Gulf Electricity Market with Iraq (SPA)
Deputy Governor of the Eastern Province oversees the signing of a contract for the implementation of the project of linking the Gulf Electricity Market with Iraq (SPA)

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries signed on Wednesday a contract to implement a project linking the Gulf electricity market with Iraq. The project aims to strengthen energy security and will allow the GCC states to supply Iraq with approximately 3.94 terawatt-hours of electricity annually at competitive prices.
The signing ceremony took place at the Gulf Electricity Interconnection Authority headquarters in Dammam (eastern Saudi Arabia), under the patronage of Prince Saud bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Eastern Province.
The event also marked the inauguration of an upgrade to the control center systems of the Gulf Electricity Interconnection Authority. The ceremony was attended by the Authority’s CEO, Eng. Ahmed Al-Ibrahim, and the CEO of the Gulf Laboratory Company, Eng. Saleh Al-Omari.
The Deputy Governor launched the upgraded control center systems for the electricity interconnection network, designed to improve the efficiency and flexibility of electricity systems in addressing both current and future challenges.
The upgrade also enhances cybersecurity by adopting advanced technologies that offer high levels of protection against cyberattacks and growing threats, ensuring safe and efficient operations. This initiative is expected to contribute to improved grid stability, boost operational capacity, and support the transition to clean energy.
Prince Saud noted that the project linking Iraq to the Gulf electricity market will help ensure a sustainable energy supply, facilitate local projects, and enhance the stability of Iraq’s electrical grid. This will reduce reliance on costly traditional energy sources and increase the efficient use of available resources.
He added that the project is considered one of the key strategic initiatives that foster economic and social cooperation between the GCC and neighboring countries.
For his part, Al-Ibrahim said that since its launch, the project has successfully prevented any partial or total blackouts in GCC electricity networks by providing immediate emergency support. The interconnected grid, which spans over 1,000 kilometers from Kuwait to Oman, has facilitated more than 2,800 instances of power support since operations began, including over 50 cases of renewable energy loss.
He revealed that the project has so far saved approximately $3.6 billion in costs, compared to the project’s investment and operational expenses, which totaled around $1.5 billion.