Cruise Saudi appoints Taha Nazer as Acting CEO

Cruise Saudi has named Taha Nazer as its Acting Chief Executive Officer.

Nazer, who has served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer since 2023, succeeds Lars Clasen, who played a key role in establishing Aroya Cruises and developing cruise destinations across Saudi Arabia. 

Nazer brings more than 19 years of experience across the oil and gas, aviation and cruise sectors. In his new role, he will oversee Cruise Saudi’s strategic, commercial, operational and financial priorities, including cruise destination development across Saudi Arabia as well as international projects.

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Raid bin Abdullah Ismail, Chairman of Cruise Saudi, said: “The board thanks Lars for his leadership and contributions to Cruise Saudi [and] has appointed Taha Nazer with full confidence in his ability to lead the company through this phase.”

Nazer added: “Our focus remains on strengthening performance and accelerating the delivery of our strategic and commercial objectives, while creating real and sustainable value.”

The appointment comes ahead of Aroya Cruises’ return to operations, with sailings set to resume from Jeddah on 14 May 2026. The itineraries will cover destinations across Saudi, Egypt and Jordan, ahead of the brand’s second Mediterranean season in June.

Cruise Saudi is also progressing its Aman at Sea project, a joint venture with Aman Group, with delivery of the ultra-luxury vessel expected in 2027.

For more information, visit www.cruisesaudi.com