Industry experts to speak at Gulf region’s first cruise summit

Senior executives from the cruise and travel industries and related sectors will speak at the Gulf region’s first dedicated cruise leadership summit.

Connections Cruise Arabia will take place on board the QE2 in Dubai on September 18, and has been created by Aspire parent Jacobs Media.

The summit will bring together 120 senior cruise and travel industry leaders for a series of panel discussions and closed-door sessions designed to boost the region’s growth as a global cruise hub.

The discussions will cover the potential of both the inbound and outbound cruise markets, and will be bolstered by the release of the first edition of the Connections Cruise Arabia Report.

Confirmed speakers (pictured left to right) include Jacobs Media chairman Clive Jacobs, dnata Travel Group chief executive John Bevan, Clia UK & Ireland managing director Andy Harmer and DP World chief operating officer Hamza Mustafa.

Other speakers include representatives of some of the world’s leading cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, NCL, Celestyal, MSC Cruises, Tui Cruises and Aroya.

The summit has the backing of partners including headline partner Emirates and dnata, alongside cruise line sponsors NCL, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea and Celestyal. 

It is due to expand to a two-day event in 2026, with more than 300 senior leaders expected to attend.

Jacobs said: “Connections Cruise Arabia marks the realisation of my long-held vision to connect the cruise industry with the Gulf’s extraordinary potential.

“I have always believed the region could play a defining role in the future of cruise – not just as a destination, but as a strategic hub.”