Dubai to welcome 15 cruise ships in 2005

Cruise tourists from different parts of the world have started flocking to Dubai to enjoy its world-class attractions with the Emirate expecting to get a big boost with the projected arrival of over 13,000 visitors through 15 cruise calls in the year 2005. 

Two cruise ships, AIDAblu and Silver Shadow, recently anchored Dubai with over 3,700 passengers from 21 nationalities on board. Cruise tourism has witnessed a phenomenal growth in the Emirate over the recent years with Dubai's state-of-the-art cruise terminal playing host to an increasing number of visitors with each passing year.

Khalid Ahmed bin Sulayem, Director General of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), said: "Cruise tourism plays a crucial role in the overall growth and development of the tourism industry in Dubai. Realising its importance, Dubai has created the required infrastructure and attuned our services to tap its market potential."

"There has been an impressive growth in the number of cruise tourists arriving in Dubai since the launch of the Dubai Cruise Terminal. We will continue to devote our efforts to further promote this economically-vital sector of the tourism industry," added bin Sulayem.

Dubai took its place in the world cruise map in 1993 when the Emirate welcomed a cruise ship with 703 passengers on board. Cruise ships with over 10,000 guests are scheduled to visit Dubai before the end of 2004. The bulk of the tourists arriving in the cruises originate from the United Kingdom and the United States.

Dubai is home to one of the best cruise terminals which has received global recognition including, the best cruise terminal award and earned the distinction as the first cruise terminal in the world to be ISO-9002 certified. The cruise terminal is located on a 335-metre quay near Port Rashid, offering the capacity to berth two ships simultaneously, with a terminal space of around 3,300 square meters.

Currently in its third year of operation, Dubai Cruise terminal leads other terminals in the Middle East region in terms of cruise ship passenger exchange during their itineraries. Operated by the DTCM, the Dubai Cruise Terminal was inaugurated by His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Defence Minister and Chairman of DTCM, on 26th March 2001 and is the only cruise facility in the world, run by a government tourism body.

A recent survey conducted on cruise passengers using Dubai Cruise Terminal indicated that 80 percent of the respondents would extend their stay in Dubai during their next visit and 95 percent said that they would recommend others to visit Dubai as it hosts world class facilities, pristine beaches and has unparalleled shopping options.

As part of the aggressive promotion strategy to increase cruise tourism in the Emirate, DTCM is participating in the Seatrade Middle East Maritime exhibition to be held in Dubai from December 6 -8, 2004.

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