Cruises to Duba
Duba — a quiet fishing-and-trading harbour on the north-eastern shore of the Red Sea that is only just beginning to turn into the gateway to the most ambitious urban development project of the century. This small Saudi town stretches along the coast of Tabuk Province, where the Red Sea narrows before the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba and the limestone deserts of the Hejaz reach right down to the shoreline. Three valleys — Wadi Dahkan to the north, and Wadi Salma and Wadi Kafafah to the south — have long supplied fresh water to caravans travelling along the coast. Duba is considered the closest Saudi port to the Suez Canal: it is the first patch of Saudi soil that ships see right after leaving the canal for the Red Sea, almost directly across from Egypt's Hurghada.
For a cruise traveller, Duba is not yet an established stop on the map — unlike Barcelona or Dubai, it has neither a passenger terminal nor a regular annual flow of liners. But that is exactly what makes the port interesting: Duba is quite literally the front door to NEOM, a futuristic megaproject valued at roughly USD 500 billion, and at the same time a place where thousand-year-old caravan wells sit side by side with the construction cranes of a city of the future. Overall, under the Cruise Saudi programme, the Saudi Red Sea coast has welcomed more than 500,000 cruise passengers from 129 countries since 2021, and every season the network of ports gains new calls — Duba is one of the newest. 🚢
📋 Before setting off on a cruise to Duba, or stepping ashore for a few hours in port, here's what matters most:
🇸🇦 Country: Saudi Arabia
📍 Region: Tabuk Province, Duba Governorate
👥 Population: around 55,000 residents of Duba Governorate (2022 census)
📐 Area: 12,600 km² (4,865 sq mi) — Duba Governorate
🗣️ Languages: Arabic (official); English is spoken to a limited extent, mainly in hotels and business circles
💰 Currency: Saudi riyal (SAR)
🕐 Time zone: AST (UTC+3), year-round with no daylight saving time — the same as Kyiv time in summer, one hour ahead of it in winter
☀️ Climate: hot desert (BWh): average January low +11.4 °C (52.5 °F), average August high +35.8 °C (96.4 °F); virtually no rainfall (0.3 mm / 0.01 in per year)
✈️ Nearest airport: Neom Bay Airport (NUM) — about 75 km (47 mi) from the port
⚓ Official port name: Duba Port
🗓️ Year the modern port was founded: 1994
🏛️ The history of Duba — from a caravan well to NEOM's front door
⏳ Over a thousand years of coastal trade
The history of Duba began long before modern Saudi Arabia appeared on the map. Even in the early Islamic period a small settlement stood here — smaller than nearby Al-Bad, but important for its fresh water: seven wells were recorded here as early as the eleventh century, saving thirsty trading and fishing vessels plying the northern Red Sea. Duba lay on the so-called Egyptian Hajj Road, the coastal route pilgrims from Egypt took to reach Mecca and Medina, so its wells served as a key stop for replenishing water supplies during the long journey along the desert coast.
🏯 Fortresses guarding the coast
In the fourteenth century, nearby in the Wadi al-Azlam valley, the Al-Azlam fortress was built — a mud-brick structure of roughly 1,500 m² (16,146 sq ft) that defended the coast against pirates and nomadic raids; it was restored in 2017 at a cost of around SAR 5 million. In the seventeenth century four sultanic wells of limestone were built near Jabal al-Safra, and toward the end of Ottoman rule a small fort was added to protect trade. King Abdulaziz put the finishing touch on this long history of fortifications: in 1933 a fort bearing his name rose in the old town, a few steps from the port — a limestone structure of 1,000 m² (10,764 sq ft) with four crescent-shaped towers at its corners, an inner courtyard and a mosque. It first served as the town's temporary administration and today houses a museum. That same year, 1933, Duba was finally incorporated into the unified Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
⚓ The Port of Duba — the northern gateway to the Saudi Red Sea
📊 Scale and structure of the port
The modern commercial port of Duba opened in 1994 and has remained the closest Saudi port to the Suez Canal ever since — effectively the first port of call for ships that have just left the canal for the Red Sea. It is primarily a cargo and ferry hub: a quay for Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax vessels (3 berths), two quays for breakbulk cargo (4 berths), a quay for dry bulk (2 berths) and a container quay (1 berth), with a combined annual throughput of about 15 million tonnes (16.5 million tons) of construction materials, raw materials and machinery. Regular ferries also run from here to Hurghada and Safaga in Egypt and to Aqaba in Jordan (the sea crossing takes at least three hours). Since 2021 the port has fallen under the single Development Authority for Yanbu, Umluj, AlWajh and Duba, set up to coordinate tourism and logistics development across these four governorates as part of the Vision 2030 programme.
🚢 How many liners the port can handle
Unlike Jeddah or Yanbu, Duba has no dedicated passenger cruise terminal — it is first and foremost a cargo and ferry port that is only just starting to receive cruise ships. According to industry trackers, two calls by Emerald Cruises' Emerald Kaia are scheduled here for November 2026, and limited cruise service is expected to continue at least through 2028. By comparison, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia's main cruise hub, can accommodate ships up to 365 metres (1,198 ft) long at its own dedicated terminal, and state operator Cruise Saudi has welcomed more than 500,000 cruise passengers from 129 countries since 2021 across the ports of Jeddah and Yanbu and the private island of Saba Beach. For now, Duba remains a niche, experimental addition to that network. ⚓
🏢 Which cruise lines call at Duba
As of mid-2026, only the boutique line Emerald Cruises has confirmed regular calls at Duba. None of the mainstream brands — MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Saudi Arabia's own AROYA Cruises or others — currently include Duba on their regular Red Sea itineraries: their ships mostly operate through Jeddah, Yanbu and the new terminal at AlWajh, which Cruise Saudi is developing as the gateway to AlUla. However, as NEOM develops — including the Sindalah yacht-resort island just a short distance to the north — analysts expect the list of lines calling at Duba to grow in the coming years. 🌍
💡 Interesting facts about Duba and its port
A few details worth knowing before your first visit to this destination:
🌊 Duba Port is the closest Saudi port to the Suez Canal: a ship leaving the canal for the Red Sea sees Duba as the very first stretch of Saudi shoreline, almost directly opposite Egypt's Hurghada.
🏰 King Abdulaziz Fort (1933) has four crescent-shaped corner towers — an unusual architectural touch even among Red Sea coastal fortresses.
💧 As early as the eleventh century, seven freshwater wells were recorded here — it was water, not trade, that first put Duba on travellers' maps.
🦐 Nearby operates the Tabuk Fish Company, the largest aquaculture farm in the Middle East, known chiefly for shrimp farming.
☀️ The “Green Duba” project supplies the region and neighbouring NEOM with solar power, part of Saudi Arabia's renewable energy strategy.
🏙️ Some 75 km (47 mi) from the port, NEOM is taking shape — a megaproject valued at roughly USD 500 billion that is planned to include the linear city The Line and the Sindalah yacht-resort island, formally opened in October 2024.
🕋 For centuries the coast near Duba formed part of the Egyptian Hajj Road, the route pilgrims from North Africa took to reach the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
❗ Duba is often confused with Dubai (UAE) — despite the similar-sounding names, they are two entirely different cities in different countries, on different seas, in different corners of the Arabian Peninsula.
📍 Duba's main landmarks — a quick guide for cruise travellers
Since regular liner calls at Duba are still a new phenomenon, the number of sights within reach of a short excursion straight from the port remains limited, and some of the region's attractions require a lengthy transfer. A detailed list with addresses and opening hours is available in the “Landmarks and Places of Interest” section; below is a brief overview.
🏰 King Abdulaziz Fort and Duba's Old Town — a 1933 limestone fortress with crescent-shaped towers, a few minutes' walk from the port and now a museum of the town's history.
🏯 Al-Azlam Fortress — a restored fourteenth-century mud-brick stronghold in the Wadi al-Azlam valley.
🐠 Duba's beaches and coral reefs — uncrowded diving and snorkelling spots in the northern Red Sea.
🏙️ NEOM and Sindalah Island — a futuristic megaproject and yacht resort just a short distance from the port.
🏔️ Tabuk City — the administrative capital of the province of the same name, 180 km (112 mi) away, a starting point for longer excursions further inland.
✨ Why add Duba to your cruise itinerary
Duba is a choice for travellers who want their cruise to offer not well-worn tourist trails but a genuine sense of discovery.
First, it offers a contrast found nowhere else: thousand-year-old caravan wells and an Ottoman-era fortress sit just a short distance from the construction site of NEOM, one of the most ambitious urban projects on Earth. 🏗️
Second, it offers untouched coastline: the coral reefs of the northern Red Sea remain far less visited than the Egyptian or Jordanian resorts on the other side of the gulf. 🐠
Third, it offers a chance to see Saudi Arabia at an early stage of its tourism opening — still without crowds or established infrastructure, but with an authenticity that is fading fast as Vision 2030 moves forward. 🌅
The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group can help you choose a Red Sea itinerary that includes off-the-beaten-path ports such as Duba, take care of your Saudi e-visa arrangements, and tell you which lines and dates already have confirmed calls at this port. 🤝
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general guidance and is accurate as of the date of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. For up-to-date details, please check with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
How to Get to the Port of Duba (Port of NEOM)
Duba is a small port town on the northern coast of the Red Sea, in Tabuk Province, roughly 800 km (497 mi) from Jeddah and Mecca along the coastal highway. It is not a classic tourist cruise hub like Barcelona or Dubai: today the port of Duba is undergoing a major transformation — from a traditional cargo-and-ferry harbor it is becoming a state-of-the-art container terminal within the NEOM megaproject, and since 2022–2024 it has been officially managed by the NEOM company under the new name Port of NEOM. ℹ️ Important to note honestly: as of August 2026, no major international cruise line has confirmed regular liner calls at Duba on a permanent basis — the port currently operates primarily as a cargo, container, and Ro-Pax (roll-on/roll-off passenger) facility. A few boutique and expedition operators (Emerald Cruises, for example) have mentioned a “NEOM” call in preliminary announcements for the 2026–2027 season, though it is not clear whether this refers to Port of NEOM in Duba itself or to the superyacht marina on Sindalah Island — a separate NEOM facility that opened to superyachts in 2026. This guide has been prepared ahead of the curve, given the rapid growth of Saudi Arabia's cruise industry, and describes the real infrastructure and practical ways to reach the port of Duba today. 🎯
📍 Where exactly is the port of Duba (Port of NEOM)
The historic harbor of Duba sits right next to the town of the same name on the Red Sea coast.
📌 GPS address (historic Duba port): Duba Port, Duba, Tabuk Province, Saudi Arabia (approximate coordinates 27.56° N, 35.55° E)
The modern cargo-and-ferry terminal, Port of NEOM, newly built as part of the Oxagon industrial zone, is located roughly 35–40 km (22–25 mi) north of central Duba along the coast — this is where ferries from Egypt and cargo vessels currently call. There is not yet a dedicated passenger cruise terminal building with check-in desks, waiting areas, or gangways comparable to Barcelona's — boarding and disembarkation are handled at the port's working quays.
🚶 Distance to central Duba: the historic port — within the town; the new Port of NEOM terminal — about 35–40 km (22–25 mi)
❗ Important: if you are booking a trip that includes a call or embarkation at Duba, always confirm the exact quay and terminal with your cruise operator or on your voucher a few days ahead — the region's infrastructure is changing quickly.
✈️ From the airport to the port of Duba
Duba has no airport of its own, so you will need to travel via one of three nearby airports.
🛫 NEOM Bay Airport (NUM) — the closest option:
• Distance to the port: about 75 km (47 mi)
• Travel time: roughly 1–1.5 hours by car
• The airport mostly serves domestic flights and charters connected to NEOM projects; there is no regular international service from Ukraine
🛫 Tabuk Regional Airport / Prince Sultan International Airport (TUU) — the largest airport in the region:
• Distance to the port: about 145 km (90 mi)
• Travel time: roughly 2–2.5 hours by car along the coastal highway (Road 80)
• Receives regular domestic flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, plus a few international connections within the Gulf region
🛫 Al Wajh Domestic Airport (EJH):
• Distance to the port: about 150 km (93 mi)
• Travel time: roughly 2 hours
🚖 Airport transfer: there are practically no formal taxi ranks or ride-hailing services such as Careem or Uber in Duba itself or near the port — this is a small provincial town, not a tourist center. The most reliable option is a privately booked transfer arranged in advance, or a rental car from Tabuk or NEOM Bay airport.
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private transfers from any of the three airports straight to the port of Duba for its clients — simply share your flight number when booking.
🚆 By train to Duba
There is no direct rail connection to Duba or the NEOM region anywhere in Saudi Arabia. The high-speed Haramain line links only Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, and King Abdulaziz International Airport, while the freight-oriented North–South Railway runs inland, bypassing the Red Sea coast in this area. If your route includes a train, the best option is to travel by rail to Medina or Jeddah, then continue to Duba by air (via Tabuk) or by car.
🚗 By private car — parking near the port (and car rental)
Duba is connected to the rest of Saudi Arabia by two main routes:
• Road 80 — Tabuk–Duba direction (about 145 km / 90 mi)
• Coastal Route 55 — Duba–Al Wajh–Jeddah direction (about 800 km / 497 mi to Jeddah in total)
🅿️ Parking: since the port operates primarily as a cargo and industrial facility within the restricted Oxagon zone, there is not yet a dedicated commercial passenger parking area comparable to Barcelona's BSM lots. Entry to the port area is controlled by security, and visitors' cars are usually left in the area in front of the checkpoint — confirm current arrangements with the port or your cruise agent in advance.
🚗 Car rental: rental desks are available at Tabuk and NEOM Bay airports, as well as in Tabuk itself; rental options in Duba are practically nonexistent. Drivers from Ukraine will need an international driving permit and a credit card for the deposit.
🛡️ GPS route: from Tabuk, take Road 80 west toward the coast, then Coastal Route 55 toward the port; from Al Wajh, take Route 55 north.
⚓️ By ferry from Egypt — Duba as an international sea hub
Despite the lack of regular cruise calls, Duba already functions today as a genuine international sea gateway — a passenger-and-cargo ferry from Safaga, Egypt, arrives here nightly. This is a unique detail worth knowing for travelers planning a combined Egypt–Saudi Arabia route.
• Operator: International Union Shipping Company (also operating under the Kenzy Travels brand)
• Route: Safaga (Egypt) ↔ Port of NEOM / Duba (Saudi Arabia)
• Schedule: departs Safaga nightly, after midnight; arrives in Saudi Arabia the following day at roughly 2:00 p.m.
• Crossing time: about 9 hours at sea (plus lengthy customs and border procedures during boarding and disembarkation)
• Cost: roughly 4,000 EGP per person (cash only); a private cabin is recommended over open Pullman-style seating
• Booking: arranged directly with the operator (currently mostly via WhatsApp, a few days before departure); the ticket is issued and paid for in cash at the port
• Documents: a passport and a printed Saudi e-Visa are required
• On board — a basic cafeteria with meals, vehicle transport is available, alcohol is prohibited
⚠️ Important: there is practically no public transport from the port into Duba town itself — arrange a pickup or transfer in advance.
🏙️ From Tabuk and nearby towns to the port
From Tabuk (the region's largest city, 145 km / 90 mi): private transfer or taxi — roughly 2–2.5 hours via Road 80; book a car in advance, as there are no roadside taxis along the route.
From the NEOM urban area / NEOM Bay: about 75 km (47 mi), 1–1.5 hours along the coastal route.
From Al Wajh (another regional port developing as a gateway to AlUla): about 150–160 km (93–99 mi), 2–2.5 hours via Route 55.
From central Duba itself to the new Port of NEOM terminal: by private car or transfer, 35–40 minutes.
♿ Accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility
Since the port of Duba (Port of NEOM) is primarily an industrial cargo facility rather than a dedicated passenger terminal, there is no confirmed information about ramps, elevators, or specialized transport for passengers with reduced mobility. If your trip includes a call or embarkation at this port, be sure to notify your cruise line and your cruise manager of any needs in advance — boarding and disembarkation for passengers with reduced mobility at such ports is typically arranged individually, with the help of ship's staff.
⏰ When to arrive at the port
Since there is currently no regular passenger schedule at the port of Duba, the expected arrival time should be confirmed directly with your cruise line or your Four Gates Group cruise manager for each specific sailing. Based on standard practice for small and expedition ships at Red Sea ports without developed tourist infrastructure:
🔵 If Duba is a port of call (a stop during your cruise): the “all aboard” deadline is typically set 60–90 minutes before the ship's scheduled departure — the exact time is always listed in the onboard daily program.
🟢 If Duba is used for embarkation or disembarkation: the recommended arrival time at the port is 3–4 hours before the stated departure, given Saudi Arabia's border and customs formalities and the absence of fast check-in infrastructure. Every Four Gates Group voucher will always include the exact, up-to-date boarding time for your specific cruise.
💡 Life hacks and important tips from the Four Gates Group experts
🔒 Apply for your Saudi e-Visa in advance. Ukrainian citizens are eligible for a Saudi e-Visa; the process is online and takes a few days. Bring a printed copy — internet connectivity in the NEOM region is not always stable enough to display the electronic version.
💵 Carry cash in Saudi riyals (SAR). ATMs and card terminals are scarce in Duba and near the port, and ferry tickets or private transfers are often paid for in cash.
👙 Dress conservatively. Shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women; alcohol consumption is not an option in Saudi Arabia — it is prohibited nationwide, including on ferries and at the port.
📶 Download offline maps in advance. Mobile signal and navigation can be unreliable in the sparsely populated coastal region between Tabuk and NEOM.
🤝 Book your transfer only in advance. There is no walk-up taxi or car rental in Duba or on the approach roads to the port — a private transfer arranged before you fly in is the only reliable way to arrive on time.
📞 Always confirm the port's current status with your cruise specialist before traveling. Infrastructure in Duba and the NEOM project is changing very quickly — terminals, ferry schedules, and even the port's official name may be updated.
📞 Contacts
Port of NEOM, official website and contact form: portofneom.com — the port does not currently publish a direct public phone number or email; inquiries are handled through the online form on its website
Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI): mawani.gov.sa
Saudi Arabia Police: 999
Ambulance: 997
Fire Department: 998
Coast Guard: 994
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients):+38 097 653 05 53
Duba is a port that is still at the very start of its cruise journey, yet it already serves as a genuine Red Sea gateway for Saudi Arabia, closely tied to the ambitious NEOM project. The cruise experts at Four Gates Group are closely following the development of the region's infrastructure and will help you plan your travel logistics as precisely and up to date as possible — from choosing your arrival airport to arranging a private transfer right to the quay. 🛳️✨
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general guidance and was accurate at the time of publication. The port of Duba (Port of NEOM) is under active development, so ferry schedules, the availability of regular cruise calls, terminals, prices, and transport conditions may change without notice. Always confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant facilities.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
Duba Landmarks and Places of Interest: A Complete Guide for Cruise Travelers
Duba is no metropolis with queues at the museum — it is a quiet “Pearl of the Red Sea”: a fishing town of coral-stone houses, a founding king's castle, and a coastline that is only just opening up to tourism. The port's main draw is authenticity: no crowds, but genuine old Arabia, excellent diving, and the closest gateway inland to legendary Hegra. A liner's call in Duba typically lasts 8–10 hours, which is enough to explore the town itself at a relaxed pace and, with an arranged transfer, venture out to one of the surrounding natural or historical landmarks. Below is a verified guide to the main sights, with an honest assessment of distances and travel time. 🎯
🏛️ 1. Duba Old Town
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Duba's historic quarter is a maze of narrow, unpaved lanes winding between traditional stone houses with carved wooden doors and shutters painted in bright colors. Most buildings remain in their original, unrestored state — which is why a stroll here is often compared to stepping back several centuries. 🚪
🔹 The entrance to the old town lies just past a grove of palm trees, to the right of King Abdulaziz Castle — a landmark you can't miss.
🔹 Duba was known for centuries as the “Pearl of the Red Sea” thanks to its role as an important trading port.
🔹 The town once lay on the Egyptian Hajj caravan route — pilgrims, merchants, and cargoes of spices and frankincense passed through here along the coast.
📜 History:
A settlement on the site of modern Duba existed long before the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: thanks to its sheltered bay near the southern entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba, the town had long served as a haven for fishing and trading vessels. Toward the end of the Ottoman period, a small fortification was built here to protect trade between Duba and the Egyptian ports. The old town took on its present-day form in the first half of the 20th century, and after the region joined the Kingdom in 1933, its layout finally took shape around the new governor's castle.
🚢 Getting there from the port:
• The old town sits right next to the port and the center of Duba — the closest landmark of all.
• Taxi: 5–10 minutes, approximately SAR 15–25
• On foot: 20–30 minutes along the waterfront, depending on the berth
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Entry to the quarter — free, open access around the clock
• The most comfortable time to walk is morning or late evening, given the hot climate
⚠️ Tip: some of the houses are private homes, so avoid photographing residents or peering into courtyards without permission.
🏰 2. King Abdulaziz Castle (Qasr al-Malik Abdulaziz)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The castle stands on the highest point of Duba's old town, with views over the entire market and harbor — no surprise, since it was built as the ruler's residence. 🏯
🔹 Its four corner towers are shaped as “three-quarter circles” — a distinctive feature of early-20th-century Arabian fortification architecture.
🔹 Building stone was first brought in by sailing ships from Al-Muwaylih Fortress and Burqan Island, and later quarried from local limestone deposits.
🔹 In 2022, Saudi Arabia's Heritage Commission added the castle to the National Register of Architectural Heritage as one of 37 newly protected sites in Tabuk Province.
📜 History:
The castle was built in 1933 on the orders of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, right after the country's unification into a single Kingdom. It was constructed by local craftsmen and residents of the Duba, Al Wajh, and Yanbu governorates. At its center is a spacious rectangular courtyard surrounded by a series of rooms and utility spaces, with a mosque on the northern side. The castle had two entrances — a western one and a main eastern one, which still bears an inscription with the construction date of 1933. It originally served as the ruler's residence and the governorate's administrative seat.
🚢 Getting there from the port:
• Taxi: 5–10 minutes, approximately SAR 15–25. The castle and old town are easy to combine in a single walk
• On foot: 20–25 minutes from the pier
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Viewing the exterior and grounds — free
• The castle is a protected heritage site, and interior access for tourists is limited — check on-site for current visiting options
• Nearby parking makes a handy starting point for a walk through the old town
⚔️ 3. Al-Azlam Fortress (Qal'at al-Azlam)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
This is one of the best-preserved Mamluk-era fortresses on the entire Red Sea coast — a rectangular structure measuring 90×39 meters (roughly 295×128 feet), with thick limestone walls up to 7 meters (about 23 feet) high and four corner towers topped with domes and octagonal upper chambers. 🏜️
🔹 Two freshwater wells once flanked the fortress — today they are filled with sand, but their outlines are still clearly visible.
🔹 In 2017, the Saudi Tourism Authority carried out a major restoration of the site costing roughly SAR 5 million, after which the fortress reopened as a museum site.
🔹 The northeastern entrance leads into an inner courtyard and a large vaulted hall with intersecting vaults — a rare architectural feature for the region.
📜 History:
Al-Azlam Fortress was built in the 13th–14th centuries under the Mamluk sultan Muhammad ibn Qalawun as a waystation on the Egyptian Hajj route, where pilgrims and caravans replenished their water supplies and rested on the journey to Mecca. In 1508 (916 AH), the fortress was substantially rebuilt under Sultan Qansuh al-Ghawri. Together with King Abdulaziz Castle and the remains of the Sultanic wells, it forms part of a group of sites officially recognized by Saudi Arabia as the “Ruins of Duba Valley” — a testament to the region's centuries-long role in trade and pilgrimage.
🚢 Getting there from the port:
• The fortress lies roughly 40–45 km (25–28 miles) south of Duba, on the road toward Al Wajh
• Taxi/private transfer: 40–50 minutes one way, approximately SAR 120–180 round trip including waiting time
• Self-drive car rental is not available at the port — arrange a transfer in advance through your cruise manager
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Admission is nominal or free (confirm on site — there is no official online ticketing)
• The best time to visit is in the morning, before the midday heat sets in
🐠 4. Al Numan Island and Red Sea Diving
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Al Numan Island is a coral-fringed islet a few kilometers off Duba, long regarded as one of the area's best spots for diving and snorkeling. 🤿
🔹 Water visibility in this stretch of the Red Sea can reach several dozen meters (well over 100 feet), with reefs home to colorful fish, moray eels, and soft coral gardens.
🔹 Unlike Egypt's overcrowded dive sites, the reef off Al Numan has seen very little tourist pressure — one of the arguments for the Red Sea's “new” frontier.
🔹 Duba's southern corniche is also open for swimming and water activities right by the town, with no need to head out to sea.
📜 History:
The waters off Duba fed local fishermen for centuries — fishing, alongside trade, was historically the backbone of the town's economy. Interest in the region's islands and reefs has grown only in recent years, alongside the broader development of tourism along the northern Red Sea coast and the neighboring NEOM megaproject.
🚢 Getting there from the port:
• Diving and snorkeling trips depart by boat directly from Duba's port waters or nearby piers
• Time at sea: 15–30 minutes depending on the exact launch point
• It's best to book in advance through your cruise manager, as a well-established network of tourist dive centers in Duba is still developing
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Prices for boat-based diving/snorkeling trips vary by operator and duration — check current packages and rates with your Four Gates Group cruise specialist
• Bring your own snorkeling mask and swim-friendly sun protection
🏖️ 5. Sharma Beach and the Coast South of Duba
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Sharma is a sandy beach south of Duba that remains largely untouched by mass tourism: there's no dense hotel development, just clean Red Sea shoreline and the relaxed atmosphere of a fishing village. 🌊
🔹 The area is known for its gradually growing water-sports infrastructure, from kayaking to spearfishing.
🔹 The coastal strip south of Duba (the corniche) is a traditional weekend picnic spot for local families.
📜 History:
Like the rest of Duba governorate's coast, this land historically belonged to three coastal wadis — Dahkan, Salma, and Kafafah — which for centuries shaped the location of the region's small fishing settlements.
🚢 Getting there from the port:
• Taxi: 15–25 minutes depending on the exact beach, approximately SAR 40–70
• An arranged transfer is more convenient to book through your cruise manager, as there is no regular public transport to the beaches
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Beach access — free
• Facilities (loungers, equipment rental) are limited — bring your own beach gear and water
🏜️ 6. Wadi Tayyib al-Ism — Arabia's “Grand Canyon” and the “Valley of Moses”
💡 Interesting facts and background:
One of the most striking natural sights in the Kingdom's northwest — a gorge whose entrance is formed by granite massifs that look as though they were split in half by some giant force. Inside await cool streams, palm groves, and shade that keeps the temperature noticeably lower than the surrounding desert. 🌴
🔹 According to tradition, this is where the Prophet Musa (Moses) arrived after fleeing Egypt, during his exile in the land of Midian — hence its popular name, the “Valley of Moses.”
🔹 The gorge is often described as a miniature version of America's Grand Canyon, thanks to the scale of its sheer rock walls and the sharp contrast between the stark stone and the greenery within.
🔹 A footbridge leads to the deepest part of the canyon, setting a dramatic tone for the walk from the very start.
📜 History:
The valley lies in the Maqna area, near the southern coast of the Gulf of Aqaba, in the historic region of Midian mentioned in Abrahamic tradition. The springs of Maqna have long served as a resting place for caravans and travelers, and today they remain a popular picnic spot for people from northern Saudi Arabia.
🚢 Getting there from the port:
• Wadi Tayyib al-Ism and the Maqna springs lie a considerable distance north of Duba — roughly 150–180 km (93–112 miles) along the coastal road bordering the Gulf of Aqaba
• Private transfer/4x4: 2–2.5 hours one way — a full round trip takes up most of the day
• Recommended only as a private, full-day excursion booked in advance through your cruise manager
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Entry to the gorge — free; it's a natural site with no official ticket control
⚠️ Important: given the length of the drive, this excursion is realistic only with a call of at least 9–10 hours and an advance-booked transfer.
🏛️ 7. Hegra and AlUla — Saudi Arabia's First UNESCO World Heritage Site
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Hegra is an ancient Nabataean city, sometimes called Jordanian Petra's “younger sister,” that has stood virtually untouched for millennia. More than 110 monumental tombs have been preserved here, carved directly into the desert rock. 🏛️
🔹 The facades of many tombs still bear inscriptions naming the people buried within — among them healers, military leaders, and local nobility.
🔹 In 2008, archaeologists discovered the remains of a Nabataean woman, from which they created a facial reconstruction called “Hinat” — the world's first reconstruction of a Nabataean woman's face, now on display at the Hegra Visitor Centre.
🔹 Hegra became Saudi Arabia's first site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
📜 History:
The area around Hegra was inhabited well before the 1st millennium BCE, but the city reached its peak during the Nabataean Kingdom — the same civilization that built Petra. Hegra served as the kingdom's second city and a key node on the caravan trade routes linking Arabia with the Mediterranean. Today, the modern town of AlUla sits nearby, with its own historic old town and a growing network of hotels that have made the region one of the Kingdom's leading tourist destinations.
🚢 Getting there from the port:
• AlUla and Hegra lie deep inland, roughly 300–330 km (186–205 miles) from Duba — the route runs through the city of Tabuk (about 180 km/112 miles, roughly 2–2.5 hours) and then continues south for around another 3 hours
• Total travel time: approximately 5–5.5 hours one way, meaning 10–11 hours just for the round-trip transfer
⚠️ An honest heads-up: with a standard 8–10-hour call, visiting Hegra in a single day is practically impossible. It's realistic only for ships with an extended or overnight call in Duba, or as a separate 1–2-day overland excursion arranged before or after the cruise
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Hegra Day Tour (3 hours): SAR 95 per person
• Premium tour by private vehicle (2 hours): SAR 1,000 per vehicle
• Children under 4 — free
⚠️ Important: independent entry to Hegra is prohibited — the site can only be visited as part of an organized tour departing from the Hegra South Gate. Book tickets in advance through the official site, experiencealula.com, as daily slots are limited.
🎨 8. Other Places Worth Knowing About
• 🐟 Al Mina fish landing and restaurant — a fresh catch straight off the boats and a local terrace overlooking the harbor, located opposite the old town, by the port.
• 🍽️ Alseajan Restaurant — another popular seafood spot by the harbor, serving traditional Arabian and seafood cuisine.
• ⚂️ Maqna Springs — natural springs near the town of the same name, a popular picnic spot usually visited together with Wadi Tayyib al-Ism on the same trip.
• ⛵️ Ferry links to Egypt and Jordan — regular ferries run from Duba's port to Hurghada and Safaga (a crossing of 3 hours or more), underscoring the town's historic role as a Red Sea transport hub.
• 🌆 NEOM and Sindalah Island — some 25–30 km (16–19 miles) north of Duba, one of the world's largest urban development projects, valued at over USD 500 billion, is taking shape. Sindalah Island — NEOM's first tourism destination, with a marina and hotels — is, as of 2026, still in the final stages of construction and not yet officially open to independent visitors, so it's too early to treat it as a stop on your excursion. Worth watching, though: the landscape around Duba is set to change dramatically in the coming years.
🗺️ Three Self-Guided Routes for a 9-Hour Day in Duba
A cruise call in Duba typically lasts 8–10 hours. Unlike major European ports, here it's realistic to give the town itself and its immediate surroundings a proper look, while the region's more distant gems (Hegra, Wadi Tayyib al-Ism) are best planned only for a longer call or a separate overland program. Below are three options to suit any budget and pace.
🥈 Route 1. On Foot — Up to SAR 100 per Person
⏱️ Total time: 4–5 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: SAR 60–100 + meals
🕘 9:00 a.m. — Leave the port on foot or by a short taxi ride
From the pier to the old town: 20–30 minutes on foot, or 5–10 minutes by taxi (SAR 15–25).
🕘 9:30–11:00 a.m. — Duba Old Town
A leisurely walk through narrow lanes past stone houses with carved doors, with photo stops at the most colorful facades.
🕚 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — King Abdulaziz Castle
A look at the four-towered fortress and the best panoramic view of the market and harbor from the eastern edge of the old town.
🕛 12:00–1:00 p.m. — Lunch at Al Mina or Alseajan
Fresh seafood with harbor views — SAR 50–80 for a main course.
🕐 1:00–2:30 p.m. — A walk along the corniche and free time
Time for coffee, browsing the local market, or resting in the shade of the palm trees before heading back aboard.
🕝 2:30–3:00 p.m. — Return to the port
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Round-trip taxi: SAR 30–50
• Lunch: SAR 50–80
• Contingency (souvenirs, drinks): SAR 20–30
💸 TOTAL: SAR 100–160 per person
🥉 Route 2. The Balanced Choice — SAR 250–350 per Person
⏱️ Total time: 7–8 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: SAR 300 + meals
🕗 8:30 a.m. — Leave the port, transfer to the dive center/pier for the boat departure
🕘 9:00–11:30 a.m. — Snorkeling or diving off Al Numan Island
A boat trip out to the coral reefs, with time in the water among colorful fish and soft corals.
🕦 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Return to port, short break
🕛 12:00–1:00 p.m. — Lunch by the harbor
Fresh seafood at Al Mina — SAR 60–90.
🕐 1:15–2:15 p.m. — Transfer to Al-Azlam Fortress (45 km/28 miles)
Private taxi or transfer, approximately 45–50 minutes one way.
🕝 2:15–3:00 p.m. — Touring Al-Azlam Fortress
A 14th-century Mamluk fortress with four towers and a large vaulted hall.
🕒 3:00–3:45 p.m. — Return to the port
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Boat trip for snorkeling/diving: SAR 150–250 (depending on the operator)
• Round-trip transfer to Al-Azlam: SAR 120–180
• Lunch: SAR 60–90
💸 TOTAL: SAR 330–520 per person
💡 Swap the diving trip for a simple walk along the coast to save SAR 150–250.
🥊 Route 3. Premium — Full-Day Private Tour, from SAR 1,200 per Group
⏱️ Total time: 9–10 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: SAR 1,200–1,800 per group + tickets
🏆 What's included:
• ✅ A private driver meeting you with a name sign right at the ship's gangway
• ✅ A comfortable air-conditioned SUV/minivan for the whole day
• ✅ An English-speaking guide or companion
• ✅ A flexible itinerary — a trip to Wadi Tayyib al-Ism and the Maqna springs, or, if your call is longer, an attempt to arrange an overland trip toward AlUla
• ✅ Water and light snacks along the way
You can book through your cruise manager, or reach us through any convenient channel:
Phone numbers:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell): +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar): +380 97 653 05 53
Email us
🕗 8:00 a.m. — Meet your driver at the terminal
🕘 8:30–10:45 a.m. — Drive to the Maqna area
A private transfer along the Gulf of Aqaba coastline, with photo stops at the road's most scenic viewpoints.
🕚 10:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Wadi Tayyib al-Ism
A walk through the “Valley of Moses,” past the canyon's granite walls, palm groves, and cool streams.
🕧 12:30–1:15 p.m. — Picnic or lunch by the Maqna springs
A light meal outdoors or a stop at a local café along the way.
🕐 1:15–3:30 p.m. — Drive back to Duba
🕞 3:30–4:00 p.m. — Free time in Duba Old Town
A short stroll and some souvenir shopping before returning to the ship.
🕟 4:15 p.m. — Return to the port
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Private driver and vehicle (9–10 hrs): from SAR 900
• Guide/companion: from SAR 300
• Water and snacks: from SAR 50 per person
💸 TOTAL: from SAR 1,200–1,800 per group (for 2+ people — priced per group, not per person)
⚠️ Being honest about AlUla and Hegra: given the real distance involved (5–5.5 hours one way), a full visit to Hegra simply isn't possible within a standard call in Duba. If your itinerary includes a longer or overnight call in port, our specialists can put together a realistic schedule and book official tickets in advance. For a standard call, the best way to see Hegra and AlUla is as a separate 1–2-day overland program before or after your cruise.
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private tours of Duba and its surroundings, with vetted drivers, gangway-to-gangway transfers, and a guaranteed return to the ship. Reach out to your cruise specialist, and your day in Duba will be planned around the real distances and the time you actually have. 🛳️✨
⚠️ Good to Know Before Going Ashore
🕐 The “all aboard” rule: be back on board 60 minutes before departure. If you choose a farther-flung excursion (Al-Azlam, Wadi Tayyib al-Ism), always build in extra time for the return drive.
🪪 Documents: entry requires a Saudi eVisa (for most nationalities, arranged online in advance); bring a copy of your passport and your cruise Ship Card.
💶 Cash: carry SAR 100–200 in cash — cards aren't accepted everywhere, especially outside the town center and on diving trips.
👗 Dress code: Saudi Arabia observes conservative norms — clothing should cover shoulders and knees, and women are advised to avoid overly revealing styles; swimwear is appropriate only at the beach or in the water.
🍷 Alcohol: the sale and consumption of alcohol is illegal throughout the Kingdom, including on shore excursions.
📷 Photography: avoid photographing local residents, especially women, without permission, as well as government and military sites.
☀️ Sun protection: the climate is hot desert — a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential even in the cooler season.
📱 Connectivity: mobile data and Wi-Fi at the port can be limited — download offline maps and any information you'll need in advance.
🚫 Fridays: during midday prayer time, some shops and businesses close temporarily — keep this in mind when planning shopping or lunch.
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. For the latest details, please check with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals