Jacobs Media has announced the launch of Connections Cruise Arabia, the Gulf region’s first dedicated B2B cruise summit, set to take place in March 2026. The two-day event will convene over 300 senior leaders from across the global cruise and travel sectors, to discuss the future of cruise tourism in the Middle East.
As part of the Connections brand, the summit will focus on both inbound and outbound cruise opportunities in the Gulf. Attendees can expect pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings, a ‘New to Cruise’ training platform and insightful panels covering infrastructure, sustainability, regional development and the economic impact of cruise tourism.
The Gulf region is rapidly emerging as a significant player in the global cruise industry. According to Tourism Economics, the Middle East has seen a 125% increase in average cruise days between 2019 and 2024, albeit from a low starting point. Dubai’s strategic location and substantial investments in tourism infrastructure, including a $12bn commitment to AI and tech by 2030, further position the city as a developing cruise hub.
Clive Jacobs, chairman and founder of Jacobs Media, stated, “Connections Cruise Arabia is a powerful extension of the Connections portfolio, which has driven progress in the travel industry over the last 10 years through the ‘Connections Way’ – a pioneering event format of forging meaningful business relationships through shared experiences.”
With the global cruise industry projected to reach a revenue of $18.4bn by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 12.9% , the Gulf’s investments indicate that the region could become a rising hub in the industry.
For more information about Connections Cruise Arabia, visit connectionsluxury.com/cruise-arabia.
