Arabian Adventures, the shore excursion and destination management arm of Dubai-based Dnata Travel Group has announced the expansion of its shore excursion offerings in the UAE.

The move comes following the opening of the new Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal adjacent the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai’s second cruise port after Dubai Cruise Terminal in Port Rashid.

Arabian Adventures already provides a range of desert safaris, tours and experiences, as well as cruise handling and event services.

Costa Firenze at the new Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal

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Since Dubai Harbour welcomed its first cruise passengers last year, Arabian Adventures has expanded its cruise team and is providing tours and desert safaris to thousands of tourists arriving in Dubai via cruise ships as part of its cruise handling activities.

Saleh Mohamad has been promoted to Senior Cruise Manager, and will continue to oversee all of the company’s cruise Ground handling activities and shore excursions for cruise customers.

An estimated 150,000 cruise visitors have arrived in Dubai via the Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal as of May 2022.

Mohanad Malhas was also recently appointed as General Manager to lead Arabian Adventures’ long-term strategy and deliver the business plans across its key market segments.

“We are working towards an ambitious and successful 30th year of operation in 2022. Both leisure tourists and corporate clients across our business are looking to make the most of the UAE as a destination featuring world-class accommodation, innovative experiences, and authentic culture,” he said.

Desert Safaris are one of the most popular shore excursions in Dubai

Arabian Adventures has not said what new shore excursion offerings it will be rolling out in the coming months, but has said these plans will be detailed soon.

“Alongside plans to enhance our existing operations, including private city tours and world-class events, we will be looking to grow our product range with additional bespoke products and services, unique to us and new to the market,” he added. “Watch this space.”

Dubai has seen a robust recovery from the downturn created by the COVID-19 pandemic, which hit the global cruise industry particularly hard.

Some five cruise ships returned to the Arabian Gulf for the most recent 2021/22 cruise season out of Dubai, while MSC Cruises has deployed its ship MSC Bellissima through the summer months for the first time.

Around 500,000 cruise tourists arrived in Dubai via cruise ships during the 2021/22 season, compared to more than 800,000 prior to the pandemic.