JCDC-Jeddah Central Development Co, which is wholly owned by Saudi Arabia's PIF-Public Investment Fund, signed an initial agreement with Cruise Saudi (PIF-owned) in order to design Jeddah International Cruise Terminal.
The Marina will provide residents and tourists with ways to explore the coastal areas, fostering the growth of the marine tourism industry of the Kingdom, according to a press release.
Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz Al-Sulaim (JCDC's CEO) said their plan was to develop "a world-class marina that includes a luxury cruise destination, as a continuation of this rich maritime legacy." Al-Sulaim added their partnership with Cruise Saudi would help them accelerate their efforts as they "work to diversify the Kingdom’s tourism and entertainment industries, which is a key PIF and Saudi Vision 2030 objective.”
Reflecting the commitment of JCDC to establishing Jeddah as one of the major cruiseship and superyacht destinations in the region, the memorandum is expected to strengthen the position of Jeddah as "a multi-faceted maritime hub," the statement adds.