Sheikh Hamdan opens Dubai Cruise Terminal

The new Dubai Cruise Terminal was opened yesterday by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. Also present were Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports and the Emirates Group, and Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

A highlight of the launch of one of the Middle East's largest cruise terminals was the naming ceremony for a new cruise ship, the Costa Deliziosa. Dubai is the first Arab city to host such an event.

The new facility, developed and operated by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) at Port Rashid, can accommodate four cruise ships simultaneously and is expected to give a major boost to the high-yielding cruise tourism segment.

The terminal has a money exchange, ATMs, post office, a duty-free shop, souvenir shops, gift shops, a business centre with free internet access, Wi-Fi and a VIP majlis.

In addition, the building houses offices for representatives from government bodies such as immigration, customs and the police.

DTCM Director-General Khalid A bin Sulayem said: "The opening of this state-of-the-art facility is a major milestone in our tourism journey. Cruise tourism plays a crucial role in the overall growth and development of the tourism industry in the emirate."

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