Saudi firms sign agreements to develop Syrian oil and gas fields 

These agreements come as an extension of the existing cooperation between the Kingdom and the Syrian Arab Republic in the energy sector. SPA
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Updated 10 December 2025
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Saudi firms sign agreements to develop Syrian oil and gas fields 

RIYADH: Under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy, four Saudi companies signed agreements on Dec. 10 with the Syrian Petroleum Co. covering technical support, development, and production in Syria's oil and gas fields. 

The Saudi companies are: TAQA, ADES Holding Co., Arabian Drilling Co., and Arabian Geophysical & Surveying Co. 

These agreements come as an extension of the existing cooperation between the Kingdom and the Syrian Arab Republic in the energy sector, and within the framework of implementing the memoranda of understanding signed on Aug. 28, and the resulting workshops and field visits to related fields and facilities. 

The agreements signed include an agreement between ADES Holding Co. and the Syrian Petroleum Co., which defines the fundamental principles for the development, operation, and production of gas fields.  

It aims to establish the principles and terms that will form the basis for the final technical service contract, and the development and operation of gas fields and associated facilities in the contract area to increase current production.  

This includes five gas fields: Abu Rabah, Qumqum, North Al-Faidh, Tayyas, and Zamlah Al-Mahr, and any other area agreed upon by both parties later. 

A master services agreement between TAQA and the Syrian company was also forged to provide advanced and integrated solutions and services for building and maintaining oil and gas fields and wells in Syria. 

This agreement aims to enhance operational efficiency and increase oil and gas production through integrated and advanced solutions for well construction and maintenance, following the latest global technologies and using the latest equipment. 

Another master services agreement with the ARCAS was signed, aiming to provide technical services in the field of 2D and 3D seismic surveying services to support exploration and drilling efforts in the oil and gas sector.  

It also aims to establish a long-term strategic cooperation framework to support and propel oil exploration and develop the Syrian energy industry, ensuring rapid response and flexibility, as well as facilitating the swift commencement of technical projects. 

The last agreement on fundamental principles was signed with the Arabian Drilling Co. to provide oil and gas well drilling and maintenance services in Syria, through the leasing and operation of platforms for drilling and maintaining onshore oil and gas wells. 

Under this agreement, the Arabian Drilling Co. will provide platforms for drilling onshore wells, platforms for providing related maintenance services, as well as providing necessary maintenance services, operational support, and training and development of the national workforce. 


Cruise Saudi strengthens global ties as Celestyal makes maiden calls to Jeddah

Updated 52 min 19 sec ago
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Cruise Saudi strengthens global ties as Celestyal makes maiden calls to Jeddah

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia is accelerating its push to become a global cruise hub, with Cruise Saudi — a wholly owned Public Investment Fund subsidiary — expanding international partnerships to draw more travelers to the Kingdom’s Red Sea and Arabian Gulf ports.

The latest milestone came as award-winning Greek cruise line Celestyal completed its first-ever calls to Jeddah, signaling rising global interest in Saudi Arabia’s cultural and natural attractions.

The visits form part of Cruise Saudi’s strategy to build a year-round cruise ecosystem that supports tourism growth, boosts local supply chains, and contributes to the Kingdom’s broader economic diversification.

Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites — AlUla, Jeddah Historic District, and Al-Ahsa Oasis — are now accessible by sea, with curated shore excursions designed to deepen visitor engagement.

Cruise Saudi aims to welcome 1.3 million cruise passengers annually by 2035, creating 50,000 direct and indirect jobs and positioning the Kingdom as a premier international cruise destination.

The 1,360-passenger Celestyal Discovery arrived in Jeddah on Dec. 5, following the 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey, which made its maiden call on Nov. 29. The Journey concluded a seven-night Athens–Jeddah itinerary with stops in Turkiye and Egypt, marked by a traditional plaque exchange ceremony attended by Cruise Saudi executives, port officials and Celestyal representatives.

Passengers were welcomed with traditional Saudi hospitality and toured Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district, bustling souks, and cultural sites. Some Muslim travelers also visited Makkah to perform Umrah.

“We are honored to celebrate our maiden call in Jeddah alongside our partners at Cruise Saudi, marking the beginning of a long and effective relationship,” said Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal.

He added that Jeddah’s role as “the cultural heart of Saudi Arabia” presents strong potential for cruise tourism.

Barbara Buczek, chief destination experiences officer at Cruise Saudi, told Arab News: “This maiden Red Sea sailing highlights the strong appeal of the region and aligns with Cruise Saudi's commitment to developing seamless, high-quality cruise experiences in Saudi Arabia.”

She noted that Celestyal’s expanded itineraries reflect rising demand for distinctive Red Sea and Arabian Gulf voyages.

Since its launch in 2021, Cruise Saudi has activated five cruise ports, introduced Aroya Cruises, the Kingdom’s first homegrown cruise line, and established Aman at Sea, an ultra-luxury JV with Aman Group set to launch in 2027. The company manages the full value chain — from terminals and berths to curated excursions — and has already welcomed more than 600,000 passengers of over 120 nationalities.

Celestyal, which carries more than 140,000 passengers annually across two refurbished vessels, is aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambition to transform coastal tourism. After departing Jeddah, both Celestyal ships continued to Abu Dhabi to begin the company’s second Arabian Gulf season.

Aroya Cruises has also launched a new seasonal program featuring stops in Mykonos, Athens, Crete, and coastal cities in Turkiye, expanding on a successful inaugural season that attracted over 95,000 guests.

The growing activity underscores Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a world-class cruise destination, supported by modern infrastructure, expanding routes, and experiences that highlight the Kingdom’s culture, heritage and hospitality.