Cruise Saudi has announced the soft launch of Saba Beach, situated on Jabal AlSabaya, a newly developed private island in the Red Sea.

Welcoming the first AROYA Cruise passengers on 21 December 2024 as part of a soft launch, the island, located approximately 220 nautical miles from Jeddah, is exclusively accessible to cruise line passengers.

Offering a blend of luxury, local culture, and the natural beauty of Saudi Arabia’s coastline, the island’s design reflects Saudi cultural influences from the Aseer and Hijaz regions, incorporating coastal Roshan designs and patterns inspired by Sadu and AlKhous.

The initial phase of development includes amenities such as a floating park, full-service restaurant, retail shops, VIP beach, and VVIP beachfront villas. Visitors can enjoy a spa experience, shisha lounge, and a variety of land and water activities, including beachside cabanas and snorkeling excursions in the Red Sea’s clear waters.

“Since the inception of Cruise Saudi, our vision has been to create unique and exceptional cruise experiences for passengers from around the world. The launch of Saba Beach represents not only a world-class destination but also our commitment to enhancing Saudi’s tourism industry. We are opening up a truly unique area of the region and look forward to welcoming cruise passengers from around the world.” – Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi

Construction prioritised sustainability, utilising local materials and craftsmanship, off-site pre-fabrication, and measures to protect the surrounding environment.

Barbara Buczek, Chief Destination Experiences Officer of Cruise Saudi highlighted the significance of the Saba Beach soft launch, saying it’s seen as a pivotal moment in introducing a previously unknown facet of Saudi Arabia to both domestic and international audiences.

Also read: Redefining luxury at sea: an exclusive interview with AROYA Cruises