Dubai Harbour operator: scope for extraordinary cruise growth in the region

Dubai and the wider UAE have huge potential for future growth of the cruise sector, according to Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Portfolio Management Officer, Shamal Holding, the owner and curator of Dubai Harbour.

Dubai Harbour is home to the city’s second cruise port (the first being Port Rashid near Dubai Creek), but Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal is the regional cruise hub for Carnival Corporation, the largest cruise company in the world.

Binhabtoor described the new Arabian Gulf 2022/23 cruise season as particularly exciting as it marks the transition from post-pandemic recovery into real growth for the sector.

“[We look forward to the new cruise season] with renewed excitement and anticipation,” he said. “As we get ready to see full fleets get back in service, we believe there is great scope for extraordinary growth in the region.”

“This includes more destinations, enhanced experiences and new types of cruise travellers,” Binhabtooradded. “After the success of our last cruise season, we have continued to make investments across Dubai Harbour and Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminals.”

Next year, Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal will also be extending its cruise season into the summer months of 2023 for the first time. Although the roundtrip Dubai cruise season will end in March, ships will continue calling into the month of June for overnight port stays for passenger turnaround.

“We look forward to continuing to play our part in welcoming more passengers and ships, as we aim to contribute to the region’s cruise tourism sector,” said Binhabtoor.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has previously stated his intention of making Dubai the world’s most sought-after and visited destination, and Dubai Harbour is a key part of that plan.

As the region’s first-ever dedicated, twin-terminal cruise port, Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal is capable of accommodating two large cruise ships simultaneously.

It is located in the heart of modern Dubai, adjacent the Palm Jumeirah and between the Dubai Marina and Bluewaters Island.

The facility spans over 120,000 square meters and includes two purpose-built terminal buildings that offer passengers and crew a safe, comfortable, and seamless embarkation and disembarkation experience.