The partnership agreement between Meraas and Carnival Corporation aims to transform Dubai into a major regional maritime tourism hub.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has approved the Dubai Cruise Terminal as the main hub for cruise tourism in Dubai.

Launched in January 2017 by Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Harbour will be home to two cruise terminal buildings spanning 30,000sq m. It will be located on King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street in the Mina Seyahi area and is set to span 2om sq ft.

Operations at the Dubai Cruise Terminal are scheduled to commence in October 2020. It will become the main cruise terminal in Dubai and all cruise ships visiting Port Rashid will be gradually redirected from its opening date.

The development will feature a shopping mall, luxury residential units, restaurants, cafés, hotels and a yacht club, as well as Dubai Lighthouse, a 135-metre high architectural masterpiece with a viewing platform offering panoramic views of Dubai.

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

His Highness also attended the signing ceremony of a strategic partnership agreement between Meraas and Carnival Corporation that aims to transform Dubai into a major regional maritime tourism hub.

The event was also attended by Crown Prince of Dubai HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Under the agreement, signed by His Excellency Abdulla Al Habbai, Group Chairman of Meraas and Arnold W. Donald, Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Corporation, the companies will collaborate across several strategic areas.

The development will feature a shopping mall, luxury residential units, restaurants, cafés, hotels and a yacht club, as well as Dubai Lighthouse.

These include port development, terminal management and new cruise development opportunities at Dubai Harbour and the broader region.

The agreement mandates Carnival Corporation to assist Meraas in ensuring the cruise terminal meets the highest international standards of the cruise industry. The relevant authorities will be responsible for security, immigration and customs.

It also highlights Meraas’ support for Dubai Tourism Vision 2020, which aims to attract 20 million visitors a year to the emirate and strengthens the company’s contribution to Dubai Plan 2021, the strategic roadmap to establish Dubai among the world’s best cities.

Al Habbai commented:  “The development of the Dubai Cruise Terminal reflects Meraas’ commitment to implementing the vision and strategic plans of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to enhance Dubai’s global standing as a world-class business and leisure tourism destination.

“Dubai Harbour is a new and unique addition to the city’s infrastructure and our alignment with DP World to make Dubai Cruise Terminal the main cruise terminal in the emirate will drive the transformation of Dubai into a fully integrated maritime tourism hub.”

He added: “In line with the agreement with Carnival Corporation, the cruise hub at Dubai Harbour will reinforce Dubai’s status as an ideal holiday destination, a starting point for cruises to exclusive destinations and a gateway to exploring the world. Our partnership will enhance the city’s tourism offering with new options for families, such as sharia-compliant tours.”

According to the Cruise Lines Industry Association, more than 40 million people worldwide will travel on cruise ships annually by 2030, marking a +40% increase from 26 million passengers in 2017. At a local level, the maritime tourism sector is expected to contribute more than AED1.5bn ($408.4m) to Dubai’s economy by 2030.

Dubai Harbour will be home to two cruise terminal buildings spanning 30,000sq m.

PRIMARY HUB

The Dubai Cruise Terminal at Dubai Harbour will become Carnival Corporation’s primary hub for its home-porting and transit operations in the region. The partnership will also result in both parties working together to identify and grow the cruise tourism business in the Arabian Gulf region.

Speaking on the agreement Carnival’s Donald said: “We have a long history in Dubai with our world-leading cruise brands. We are excited to be part of this important venture that will drive new tourism opportunities for Dubai and the region through cruising.”

Carnival Corporation will launch new cruises from Dubai Cruise Terminal and aims to attract new source markets from India and China.