Dr. Anas Rakha is a Senior MaritimeEconomist at the Suez Canal Authority and an internationally recognized expertin global shipping, cruise tourism, and maritime economics. He holds a PhD inEconomics from Cairo University, where his research focused on the strategicimpact of the Belt and Road Initiative on the Suez Canal and global maritimetrade.
‍
With more than a decade of experience in maritime economics and international shipping, Dr. Rakha has played a key role in developing economic studies, market intelligence, and strategic initiatives that support the Suez Canal Authority's position as one of the world's most important maritime gateways. His expertise spans cruise tourism, shipping markets, maritime trade, sustainable transport, pricing strategies, and global logistics.

Dr. Rakha has represented Egypt at leading international maritime and cruise events, including Expo 2020 Dubai, Cruise Egypt Forum, and major global shipping conferences. He has published extensively on maritime transportation, cruise economics, international trade, and the Suez Canal's role in global supply chains, with particular emphasis on sustainability, resilience, and the future of cruise connectivity.

A strong advocate for sustainable cruise development, Dr. Rakha works to strengthen Egypt's position as a premier cruise destination linking the Europe, Mediterranean, the Red Sea, and the Arabian Gulf. His work promotes closer collaboration between cruise operators, ports, and maritime stakeholders while supporting innovation, digital transformation, and environmentally responsible growth across the cruise sector.

At the International Cruise Summit 2026 in Madrid, Dr. Rakha will present a keynote entitled:"What Would Happen if the Suez Canal Did Not Exist? The Strategic Bridge Between Europe, the Mediterranean and Asia."

‍His presentation will examine the Suez Canal's indispensable role in global cruise connectivity, demonstrating its operational and economic advantages over alternative routes through analysis of voyage time, fuel consumption, crew costs, and overall operating efficiency. It will also highlight the Suez Canal Authority's sustainability and digital transformation initiatives, Egypt's growing cruise tourism opportunities, and the Authority's incentive programs designed to support the long-term growth of the international cruise industry.

Through his research and international engagement, Dr. Rakha continues to contribute to the global dialogue on the future of cruise tourism and maritime transport, promoting the Suez Canal as a strategic partner in connecting continents and enabling sustainable growth for the worldwide cruise industry.