MSC Cruises flagship MSC Virtuosa is to be named in Dubai.
The ceremony will take place in the Gulf sate on November 27.
The ship, delivered in February, was the first to start running UK domestic sailings in May which are continuing this summer.
The naming event will take place in compliance with all public health and safety protocols established by the Dubai government.
The occasion will also be a part of celebrations marking the golden jubilee of the UAE and will be staged as Dubai welcomes the world to Expo 2020.
The naming will involve live entertainment and performances for specially invited guests from around the world and across the Gulf region. Further details of the entertainment will be revealed in due course.
MSC Virtuosa will depart for its maiden Gulf voyage on November 28 as the first of a series seven-night cruises with visits to the ports of Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas, Dammam in Saudi Arabia and Doha with additional embarkations at Abu Dhabi and Doha.
The line’s executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said: “We are incredibly proud and honoured to hold the naming ceremony for our cherished flagship and masterpiece MSC Virtuosa in one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations – Dubai. This event assumes more significance due to the fact that it is part of the line-up of glorious events and activities taking place for the “Year of the 50th” and coincides with the region’s first World Expo, as well as truly celebrating Dubai as one of the favoured destinations for travellers from all over the world.”
Emirates Group chairman and chief executive Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: “Dubai has charted a strong and steady course to become a global tourism destination and preferred regional cruising gateway.
“The milestone naming ceremony and maiden voyage of MSC Virtuosa from Dubai underscores the trust and confidence that the city has earned as a great partner for the cruise industry.
“We’ve leveraged our city’s world-class transport and tourism infrastructure, including with Emirates’ investment in a dedicated remote check-in facility at Port Rashid, to provide cruise operators and passengers the best possible experiences, with seamless sea-air connections and exciting Dubai itineraries during their transit.
“We look forward to the reinvigoration of cruise passenger growth with these solid foundations in place, and are excited to welcome the world to Dubai in the coming months as we move full speed ahead with the Expo Dubai, UAE’s Golden Jubilee programs, and many other initiatives.”