Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, And Oman Formalise New Cruise Alliance To Boost Tourism
In a significant move to bolster the cruise tourism sector within the Arabian Gulf, the maritime and tourism authorities of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Oman have come together to establish the Cruise Arabia alliance. This strategic regional partnership aims to globally promote the Arabian Gulf as a premier cruise ship destination. The collaboration was sealed through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the stakeholders at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB Berlin), a leading travel trade convention.
The main goals of this alliance include enhancing the cruise experience for passengers, attracting more cruise liners to the region, and upgrading the infrastructure at ports. This initiative is expected to drive economic growth in the regional cruise tourism sector. The partners have also committed to improving the regional cruise ecosystem, strengthening key stakeholder relationships, and conducting joint marketing efforts on both regional and international stages, as shared by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
Dubai, as a key player in the Cruise Arabia alliance, has played a crucial role in creating interconnected and integrated regional cruise services. The emirate, alongside its neighboring countries, has historically participated in international trade exhibitions as a unified group under the Cruise Arabia banner.
Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), emphasised the alliance’s role in reinforcing Dubai's status as the cruise hub of the region. This move aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, aiming to position Dubai among the top three global cities for business and leisure. Kazim highlighted the potential of this alliance in attracting more cruise operators to Dubai, leveraging its strategic location, diverse offerings, and superior connectivity.
Dubai's World-Class Cruise Facilities
Dubai boasts two world-class cruise ports, Mina Rashid (Port Rashid) and Dubai Harbour, capable of accommodating nine mega-cruise vessels simultaneously. These modern terminals are equipped to handle the largest ships, making Dubai an ideal base for cruise tourists looking to explore the city, the UAE, and the wider region. The 2023-2024 winter cruise season in Dubai commenced on October 28 with the arrival of the luxury liner Mein Schiff 2 at the Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal at Mina Rashid.
Mina Rashid, a globally recognised cruise destination, offers easy access to the historic Dubai Creek. It can handle seven mega-cruise vessels or 25,000 passengers at once. The port's Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal has a daily capacity of 14,000 passengers. Mina Rashid also features Port Rashid Marina, providing a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Dubai Harbour, inaugurated in 2021, stands at the crossroads of the iconic Palm Jumeirah and Bluewaters Island. It is the region's largest marina and most advanced cruise facility, boasting two terminals along a 910m-long quay. Designed to offer comprehensive amenities and seamless sea access, Dubai Harbour enables thousands of international passengers to explore some of the world's most spectacular tourist attractions. In the 2022-2023 cruise season, Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal welcomed 300,000 passengers, marking a substantial increase from its debut season with a 40% rise in ship calls.
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