Lars Clasen named chief executive of Cruise Saudi

The former Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection boss will run Saudi Arabia’s cruise development

Lars Clasen has been named chief executive of Cruise Saudi, based in Jeddah.

His 30 years of industry experience also includes being chief executive of A-Rosa River Cruises and president of German line Aida Cruises.

His appointment comes as Cruise Saudi pursues development of the cruise sector in the Red Sea and elsewhere.

Managing director Fawaz Farooqui said: “Clasen brings three decades of experience in the global cruising industry, and we look forward to having him as a key member of the team.”

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Clasen added: “I’ve been following the tremendous progress Cruise Saudi has made in such a short span of time; from setting up an entirely new industry and welcoming guests on cruise ships for the first time in Saudi Arabia, to garnering a great deal of attention globally as the newest player in the cruise industry.

“I look forward to achieving more milestones together as Cruise Saudi embarks upon a new phase of development in opening not just one gateway, but several new gateways connecting the world to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”