Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Now cruise boats in Jeddah can be booked through a smartphone app.

A license to this effect was issued by the Public Transport Authority (PTA) to ride-hailing app company Careem.

The new app service is expected to reduce the cost of renting a cruise boat by 50 percent compared to the usual fare, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The facility to book cruise boats through a smartphone app will be available at Jeddah Corniche in the beginning, according to Rumaih Al-Rumaih, president of PTA.

He said that the maritime transport industry offers many promising opportunities to boost the national economy and offer job opportunities for Saudis.

The maritime transport sector is working to regulate maritime transport activities by licensing yachts and boats for picnics and fishing, he said.

Al-Rumaih said that PTA’s license for smart apps for vehicles has proved a great success, attracting many Saudis to take up this service full-time or on a part-time basis.

“The extension of the smartphone app to the maritime transport sector is significant in promoting investment opportunities in this vital sector,” he said.

According to PTA chief, the Kingdom’s coastal cities have immense opportunities for Saudization thanks to the interest of local residents and visitors in marine activities.

“Saudi youth living in coastal cities have the necessary expertise to get involved in these activities.

Converting the hobbies and passion of Saudi youth for maritime activities into a viable source of income that benefits them and the national economy in general is great,” he said.

Fareed Al-Qahtani, deputy president of the authority for maritime transport, said that PTA issued the first mobile app license to Careem after its fulfillment of all requirements.

He said the maritime sector is always open to partnership with the private sector.