DP World’s ultra-modern third cruise terminal in Dubai was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum the Crown Prince of Dubai and is set to be the world’s largest single, covered cruise facility. Called the Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal it is said to be capable of welcoming 14,000 cruise passengers a day and on the opening day welcomed 4,000 passengers from liners belonging to the Costa Cruise and Aida Cruise companies. 

The Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal covers 28,000 square metres and is the latest addition to The Dubai Cruise Terminal facility at Mina Rashid. 

The Chairman of DP World, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, said: “It is a great honour to name our luxury cruise facility after HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, in appreciation of his vital role in preserving the legacy of Dubai and our nation’s heritage.”

“Dubai’s vision is to attract 20 million tourists a year by 2020, with the Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) anticipating cruise tourist numbers reaching the one-million mark by that time.”

Following the opening ceremony, HE Bin Sulayem said: “The new building will increase the handling capacity of the three cruise terminals in Dubai from two million tourists a year to seven million. The terminal is the largest and most modern cruise facility in the Middle East and the wider region, enabling award winning Mina Rashid to now serve up to seven cruise vessels at one time and more than 25,000 passengers in its three cruise terminals. This expansion came in response to requests from cruise lines and will enable them to increase the number of their trips to Dubai.”

Phil Blizzard, Mina Rashid, Dubai