DUBAI is establishing itself as an international cruise hub for the Middle East.
Six years ago Dubai’s Port Rashid received just one cruise ship per year. By the end of this year, 50 cruise ships will have passed through the port.
In addition to its port-of-call trade, Dubai is also starting to make its mark as an embarkation point for passengers.
This winter two small vessels, the 50-passenger Lili Marleen, operated by Peter Deilmann Ocean Cruises and the 56-passenger Monet, operated by US-based Sea Air Holidays, will use the port as a base for a series of cruises in the Gulf and Arabian Sea.
With the international airport providing links to 130 destinations worldwide, Department of Tourism, Commerce and Marketing UK and Ireland director Patrick Macdonald said the port is an ideal place to join a vessel.
“Cruising is an excellent option for travellers seeking to experience a number of different Middle Eastern and neighbouring destinations. The city is a perfect starting point for exploring the region,” he said.