Dubai’s cruise tourism set for major boost

Updated 26 September 2012
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Dubai’s cruise tourism set for major boost

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries are the venues for introductory workshops on cruise tourism organized for the first time by the Dubai government’s department of tourism and commerce marketing. The workshops for promoting cruise tourism in Dubai, which commenced on Sept. 15 and end on Sept. 27, cover Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain.
Hamad bin Mejren, executive director of business tourism, who represents the department at the workshops along with Jamal Humaid, director of cruise tourism, said the workshops were organized by the representative office of the department in the Saudi cities of Riyadh, Jeddah and Alkhobar.
The department is organizing the workshops in cooperation with Royal Caribbean International and Costa International, the companies that consider Dubai as the home port for tours to the region’s ports.
The workshops are seeking to familiarize the market with cruise tourism programs released from Dubai and to consolidate relationships between Dubai and travel agencies in the GCC specialized in cruise tourism, in addition to providing all the required information and experiences in this field.
The workshops, one of which has already been held in Qatar, will be in Muscat today, Kuwait tomorrow and in Manama on Thursday. It is expected that the workshops will be attended by more than 500 representatives of the main tourism companies specialized in cruise tourism.
The cruise tourism sector in Dubai has been witnessing a substantial development over the years. The department of tourism and commerce marketing has been focused on cruise tourism since the end of the 1990’s, with the department of tourism aimed at making Dubai the headquarters for the operations of the cruise ship companies in the region.
This sector has grown extensively and substantially during the past years and Dubai has succeeded in being the home port for international cruise ships in the region. In 2001, the department of tourism established the first special terminal for cruise tourism at Port Rashid. In February 2010, the department opened its new cruise ship terminal, which is considered the newest among the ports of the Middle East. The existing structure of the terminal enables handling five cruise ships at the same time and it includes the most recent devices, facilities and equipment, which ensure the exit of tourists in record time.
The efforts of the department in promoting cruise tourism in Dubai have continued through its participation in the specialized exhibitions and conferences in addition to hosting delegations related to this sector. Dubai accounted for 103 ship arrivals in 2010, hosting 390,255 passengers. The number increased to 135 ships hosting 396,000 passengers last year. It is expected that ship arrivals will reach 180 with 625,000 passengers by 2015.


Rixos Obhur Jeddah sets new benchmark for all-inclusive luxury in Saudi Arabia

Updated 19 February 2026
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Rixos Obhur Jeddah sets new benchmark for all-inclusive luxury in Saudi Arabia

  • This resort is an impressive contribution to the Kingdom’s global tourism ambitions

JEDDAH: From the moment you arrive at Rixos Obhur Jeddah, it’s clear this is not just another beachfront resort — it’s a statement. Billed as the first all-inclusive luxury experience “of its kind” in Jeddah, Rixos Obhur signals a shift in how hospitality is being represented in Saudi Arabia. It is a breath of fresh air — both literally and conceptually — introducing a global resort model while remaining rooted in regional culture.

The Kingdom has long been associated mainly with business travel and domestic tourism. But it is now positioning itself as a lifestyle destination for international travelers. Rixos Obhur actively contributes to that change, offering an experience that competes confidently with established upmarket resort destinations around the world. During my stay, it was impossible not to notice the wide range of international visitors alongside Saudi families and regional travelers.

The property is expansive, polished, and unmistakably luxurious. I stayed in a three-bedroom villa designed to accommodate up to six guests. The attention to detail throughout the space was immediately noticeable.

Rixos Obhur Jeddah also excels in its culinary and entertainment offerings, which are central to the all-inclusive concept. (Supplied)

The interiors are modern, sleek, and thoughtfully designed, striking a balance between contemporary aesthetics and warm, welcoming comfort. Everything feels new, curated, and intentional — from the furniture selection to the lighting and layout.

What truly stands out, though, is just how elevated even the smallest details feel. The bathroom amenities, including the shampoo and personal care products, are of exceptional quality — a small but telling detail that separates a luxury resort from a standard beachfront chalet experience. This is not the kind of stay where you feel you’ve “settled” for convenience; it’s one where indulgence is built into every element.

Rixos Obhur Jeddah also excels in its culinary and entertainment offerings, which are central to the all-inclusive concept. One of the highlights of my stay was the dinner and live show experience. Guests are treated to an open buffet that goes far beyond expectations, featuring premium cuts of steak, rich Turkish specialties, Arabic classics, and indulgent desserts — including Turkish Delights that live up to the brand’s heritage.

The food selection is impressively diverse, catering to an international audience while still celebrating regional flavors. This thoughtful balance ensures that every guest, regardless of background, finds something familiar and something new to enjoy. The live entertainment — including dancers and a live band — adds an energetic, celebratory atmosphere that transforms dinner into a full evening experience rather than just a meal, while the range of expertly crafted mocktails on offer further enhances the resort’s appeal.

Another standout feature of the resort is how seamlessly outdoor spaces are integrated into the overall experience. (Supplied) 

Service throughout the property is warm, attentive, and polished, creating an environment where guests feel genuinely welcomed rather than simply accommodated.

Another standout feature of the resort is how seamlessly outdoor spaces are integrated into the overall experience. Even during warmer weather, the presence of outdoor air-conditioning allows guests to enjoy open spaces comfortably — a thoughtful adaptation to the local climate. The beach, too, is immaculately clean, well-maintained, and clearly designed with families in mind.

Rixos Obhur Jeddah offers a vision of Saudi Arabia as a competitive global tourism destination, capable of delivering world-class hospitality experiences without compromise. It successfully highlights what an all-inclusive resort can look like in the Kingdom, blending international standards with regional identity in a way that feels authentic and forward-looking.

If this resort is a glimpse of where Saudi tourism is headed, the future looks both exciting and impressively refined.