Aroya Cruises, the first-ever Arab cruise line and a subsidiary of Cruise Saudi under the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has announced a landmark partnership with Riyadh Season 2025 — uniting two of the Kingdom’s fastest-growing sectors: entertainment and maritime tourism. As part of the collaboration, the cruise line’s flagship vessel, Aroya, will become one of Riyadh Season’s official venues, hosting select events and curated experiences at sea. The initiative extends the excitement of the annual festival beyond Riyadh’s streets, creating a seamless crossover between land-based entertainment and luxury voyages.
New stage on the sea and on land
The crossover doesn’t stop offshore. On land, Boulevard City and Boulevard World — two of Riyadh’s most popular entertainment zones — will feature Aroya-inspired experiences designed to preview life on board. The centrepiece attraction, the Aroya Lagoon, will transform Boulevard World’s lake into a cruise-themed destination with family-friendly activities and installations that reflect the brand’s Arabian heritage and sense of adventure.
As an official Riyadh Season zone, Aroya Cruises will offer visitors a first-hand look at its “Remarkably Arabian” luxury cruise concept. The partnership connects land-based attractions with sea voyages, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s ambition to position itself as a global leader in leisure, culture, and tourism.
Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s tourism vision
The partnership was formally signed on 2 October 2025 in Riyadh between Cruise Saudi and the General Entertainment Authority (GEA). The ceremony was attended by senior officials including H.E. Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the GEA; Eng. Faisal Bafarat, CEO of GEA; Turky Kari, Executive Director of Marketing at Cruise Saudi; and Ghassan Khan, Chief Strategic Officer at Cruise Saudi.
This collaboration reflects Cruise Saudi’s ongoing commitment to supporting national initiatives that foster cultural engagement and align with Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification and community development. Through this partnership, Aroya Cruises assumes an active role in the Kingdom’s entertainment ecosystem while spotlighting the growing potential of Saudi Arabia’s cruise tourism sector.
Extending Riyadh Season to the seas
Aroya Cruises’ participation will see Riyadh Season experiences integrated into its upcoming voyages, transforming its vessels into floating entertainment destinations. Select seasonal activities will be hosted on board, offering passengers immersive, themed events that mirror the creativity and vibrancy of Riyadh Season. The initiative aims to merge the thrill of Saudi Arabia’s most dynamic festival with luxury maritime travel, positioning the Red Sea, Arabian Gulf, and Mediterranean as central elements of the Kingdom’s evolving tourism narrative. It also marks a milestone moment for the cruise industry in the Middle East, introducing a new category of entertainment-driven voyages inspired by Saudi culture.
Launching on 10 October, Riyadh Season 2025 is expected to attract millions of visitors from across the world. As one of the Middle East’s most prominent festivals, it continues to showcase Saudi Arabia’s growing influence as a destination for creativity, innovation, and cultural celebration.
