Gulf region's first cruise summit hailed as 'platform for growth'

Organisers and partners of the Gulf region’s first cruise forum have hailed the success of the inaugural event.

The Connections Cruise Arabia Leadership Summit took place on board Queen Elizabeth 2 in Dubai last week, with almost 200 senior executives from the sector and related fields in attendance.

It was organised by Travel Weekly parent Jacobs Media and included contributions from Emirates Airline, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Cruise Saudi, Clia and a range of leading cruise lines.

It also featured the launch of the Cruise Insight Report, a data-led analysis of global cruise trends and the region’s emerging position as a cruise hub.

Matthew Scott, Emirates senior vice-president for network passenger sales development, said: “Emirates’ participation in Connections Cruise Arabia 2025 reflects our commitment to Dubai and the wider region’s cruise future.

“We hope today’s engaging discussions and insights will unlock the strategic growth initiatives and potential Emirates has been helping to build.

“Emirates has been a key contributor to Dubai’s emergence as a premier cruise destination. Our partnerships with a growing number of cruise operators, and continued collaboration with local stakeholders to further develop the city’s infrastructure and create more seamless air-sea experiences, is accelerating Dubai’s trajectory as a maritime tourism hub.”

Clive Jacobs, founder and chairman of Jacobs Media, added: “Connections Cruise Arabia is an exciting platform to drive growth in one of the most innovative and ambitious travel sectors. Together we have an opportunity to position this region as an epicentre for cruise tourism that can redefine the sector.

“The future of cruising in the Gulf is gaining significant momentum and this event is just the starting point of what’s to come.”

The inaugural one-day Summit will be expanded to a two-day event in 2026, including a new-to-cruise platform.

The event will also bring together senior cruise leaders, suppliers and travel agents for pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings, keynote sessions, panel discussions and networking opportunities in the pioneering ‘Connections Way’.