The Dubai Cruise Terminal at Port Rashid, operated by DP World, welcomed 625,000 holiday makers in 2016-2017 cruise tourism season, a twofold increase from the 320,000 cruise visitors that arrived to Dubai in 2013-2014 season.
DP World operated Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal, T3, at Mina Rashid, set to be the largest terminal in the world capable of handling 18,000 passengers a day, is considered to be a key factor in this growth, as reported by the official statement. Since it was inaugurated back in 2014, there has been a 68% increase in cruise ship calls to Dubai from 93 in 2013-2014 season to 156 in 2016-2017. Around 1.9 million cruise tourists visited Dubai on board a total of 489 cruise calls during the four seasons from 2013 to 2017. The number of cruise visitors is expected to touch 700,000 in 2018-2019 season.
Infrastructure development is underway to add more capacity to DP Worlds Mina Rashid Cruise Terminal which is spread across 2 million sqm and is currently equipped to handle seven mega cruise vessels or 25,000 passengers simultaneously. It has been voted the Middle East and the Worlds Leading Cruise Port for the 10th consecutive year at the World Travel Awards.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, group chairman and CEO of DP World, chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, said: “DP World is proud to support and contribute to Dubais vision to become the worlds leading cruise tourism hub. With a goal to attract 20 million tourists a year by 2020, of which at least one million are expected to be cruise tourists, we are committed to providing facilities that are the best in the world and create a truly luxurious cruise experience catering to the tastes and sophistication of visitors.”
Dubais cruise tourism market has grown rapidly over the past four seasons, as the city is becoming a choice destination for cruise enthusiasts from Europe and the US.
Mohammed Abdul Aziz Al Al Mannaei, CEO of P&O Marinas, executive director of Mina Rashid, said: “Were expanding our facilities to accommodate more ships by adding new berths while developing our existing two-kilometre long berths in line with the demand from cruise operators. Were also working on connecting our existing terminals with closed corridors equipped with the best in technology to maximise capacity and provide ease of access for passengers across the port. We also work in synergy with our government partners to ensure delivery of high-standard services and facilities for these cruise passengers.
“Mina Rashid is the Middle Easts leading cruise port, playing a vital role as a hub for tourists looking to explore this region, and has the capacity to anchor seven ocean-sailing cruise vessels at a time. The port also added a luxury yacht marina facility in response to the high demand from luxury yacht owners from around the world, and offers world class mooring and storage space and other associated services.”