Cruise Saudi appoints Abdullah Alarfaj as Acting CFO

Jeddah-based Cruise Saudi has appointed Abdullah Alarfaj as Acting Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately, as the company continues to strengthen its leadership team and accelerate its growth ambitions in the Kingdom's emerging cruise tourism sector.

Announcing the appointment, Cruise Saudi said the move reflects its commitment to reinforcing organisational stability, enhancing operational efficiency, and advancing its strategic and operational priorities.

“Cruise Saudi has announced the appointment of Abdullah Alarfaj as Acting Chief Financial Officer. This appointment reflects the company's commitment to strengthening its leadership, reinforcing organizational stability, and enhancing operational efficiency. It also supports the execution of Cruise Saudi's strategic and operational priorities as the company continues its next phase of growth and expansion,” the company said in a statement.

Alarfaj has been serving as Senior Director of Financial Control at Cruise Saudi since July 2024. In that role, he has overseen financial governance and control functions, contributing to the company's financial management framework as it expands its operations across Saudi Arabia and international markets.

With more than 19 years of experience spanning financial management, governance, strategic planning, operational oversight, and procurement, Alarfaj brings a diverse leadership background from both the public and private sectors.

Prior to joining Cruise Saudi, he served as Executive Director at Arab Recycling Company, and Senior Financial Specialist for Governance and Planning at Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Finance. His previous experience includes key roles at Waraq Arab Paper Manufacturing Company, and Saudi Aramco. 

Academically, Alarfaj holds an MBA in Corporate Governance from the University of Birmingham, Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Financial Management from the University of Hull. He also earned a Master Certificate in Commercial Contract Management from Villanova University.

The appointment comes as Cruise Saudi continues to evolve its leadership structure. Last year, the company named Taha Nazer as Acting Chief Executive Officer. Nazer had previously served as Chief Financial Officer since 2023 and now oversees the company's strategic, commercial, operational, and financial priorities, including the development of Saudi Arabia's cruise tourism sector and destination infrastructure across the Kingdom.