Plans unveil Dubai as regional cruise hub

Carnival Corporation and Dubai-based Meraas will jointly develop the Dubai Cruise Terminal and plan to transform the emirate into a maritime tourism hub for the Arabian Gulf region. 

Set to open in October 2020, it will be one of two cruise terminals, totalling 30,000 square metres, to be built in the Dubai Harbour precinct in the Mina Seyahi area.

They will be able to handle up to 13,200 passengers simultaneously.

The terminals will be linked by a kilometre-long quay that will be able to accommodate three cruise ships concurrently.

Meraas has factored in two more terminal buildings into the future so it can host six cruise ships at once. 

The new terminal will double as the main cruise tourism hub and Carnival Corporation’s primary hub for all its homeporting and transit operations in the region.

Carnival Corporation will help Meraas to ensure the terminal meets international industry standards by collaborating on areas such as port development, terminal management and new cruise development opportunities at Dubai Harbour and the broader region.

Meanwhile, all cruise ships that visit Port Rashid will be redirected to the Dubai Cruise Terminal once it has opened.