Connections Cruise Arabia to Launch in March 2026
With the Gulf gearing up to be the epicentre of the rapidly evolving cruise sector, Jacobs Media has announced the launch of the inaugural Connections Cruise Arabia event in March 2026. The landmark two-day event will bring together more than 300 senior leaders and influencers from across the global cruise and travel ecosystem to shape the future of cruise.
Part of Connections, a Jacobs Media brand, the event will explore both inbound and outbound cruise opportunities, showcasing the region’s vast potential for cruise lines, ports, DMCs, investors and government bodies – featuring pre-scheduled B2B meetings, a ‘New to Cruise’ training platform and insightful thought leadership content.
Prior to the March event, Connections Cruise Arabia will begin with a one-day event approx. 100 delegates on 18 September 2025.
Designed as a dynamic annual forum, Connections Cruise Arabia aims to foster collaboration, innovation and investment across the full cruise value chain, including cruise lines, travel agents, tourism boards, tour operators, ports and authorities, DMCs and industry media.
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The forum will feature interactive panels where industry leaders will address critical topics including infrastructure development, sustainability initiatives, regional growth strategies, and the significant economic impact of cruise tourism. Recognizing the importance of industry education, a dedicated ‘New to Cruise’ training platform will be offered to enhance global travel trade readiness in the cruise sector. Furthermore, attendees will benefit from a unique meeting format, engaging in carefully curated one-to-one meetings and various networking opportunities specifically designed to build trust and facilitate valuable business connections.
Globally, the cruise industry continues to surge, with passenger numbers forecast to exceed 35 million in 2026, overtaking pre-pandemic levels. The Gulf, strategically bridging East and West, is seen as one of the most promising frontiers for cruise expansion and investment, with increasing numbers of cruise lines including Gulf ports in their itineraries.
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As the Gulf continues to evolve as a world-class tourism destination, Connections Cruise Arabia will offer a powerful platform to spotlight its credentials as a global gateway for cruise travellers and a vital hub in the cruise industry’s next chapter.
Clive Jacobs, chairman and founder of Jacobs Media, said: "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.
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"There has been significant investment in the region as a future hub for the burgeoning global cruise industry, and we are delighted to support and drive these ambitious plans. Connections Cruise Arabia will be more than an annual event; it will serve as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration and leadership for the cruise sector in the Gulf and beyond."
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