Dubai is a world-famous city, and now its attracting attention from the cruise industry. I guess it was only a matter of time before Dubai became a popular cruise port.
Dubai has seen outstanding growth from the cruise industry. In the last two years the it has seen a 38% increase in cruise tourist . With more than 500,000 passenger passing through Dubai in 2015 alone. A decade ago, the entire country only attracted 150,000 cruise tourist annually. That’s no small feat even for a city like Dubai
Now the city plans to attract UK cruise tourist, and UK trade is in their plans. Andy Harmer, vice president of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), said while speaking at The Global Travel Group (TGTG) at Atlantis, The Palm Dubai
Andy Harmer Vice President of Cruise Lines International Association:
“We have witnessed 88% growth in the number of Brits cruising outside of Europe since 2001, so there are plenty of opportunities to explore new and exciting destinations such as Dubai.”
The reason for the success is a multiple-entry visa program for cruise tourists accompanied by modern ports. Dubai in 2014, completed its third cruise terminal in Mina Rashid the massive 28,000-sqaure-meter port can process 14,000 passengers daily.The city accounts for more than 60% of cruise traffic in the country. It’s neighboring cities have taken notice! Abu Dhabi completed its cruise terminal in Zayed Port last year, and Sharjah is building its new cruise terminal at Khorfakkan Port.
