The countdown to the opening of the largest, newest, and most luxurious passenger terminal for cruise ships in the Middle East has begun.

As the leading tourist destination in the region, Dubai continues to dazzle worldwide visitors. To confirm its glowing reputation, global ports and marine terminal operator DP World is building a new terminal for cruise ship passengers at Mina Rashid. Located at the heart of the city and its vibrant creek, the port is a stone’s throw away from one of the world’s fastest-growing airports, Dubai International. 

The new terminal is expected to be completed by the end of 2013 boosting Mina Rashid’s leading position in the cruise market and it will play an active role in the anticipated growth of cruise ship passengers to the emirate.

The complex covers an area of 27,000 square meters in addition to parking lots of up to 50,000 square meters. With its existing cruise ship terminal 1 and the new terminal 2, Mina Rashid will be able to receive five ocean-going cruise vessels simultaneously.

Owned by DP World and managed by Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, the Dubai Cruise Terminal offers state-of-the-art facilities, with efficient reception check-in, an information centre with concierge service, VIP lounge for visiting dignitaries, a relaxation zone and modern cafe.

The grand design is to develop Mina Rashid into a sophisticated, ultra-modern cruise terminal with the aim of turning it into a world class recreational area, reflecting Dubai’s strong cultural heritage and strengthening its position as the leading regional cruise hub. The development will also integrate the Mina Rashid waterfront back into the local community.

The project builds on a growing cruise business that has already dropped anchor in Dubai. Last year, Mina Rashid received five cruise ships and handled five ocean-going cruise vessels simultaneously for the first time ever. Dubai also received around 420,000 cruise tourists through 110 cruise ship visits and there are already four major international companies in situ that organise regular trips.

One of the flagships is Brilliance of the Seas of the Royal Caribbean fleet which has been coming to Dubai for the past three seasons. Mina Rashid also received the maiden voyage of the giant Serenade of the Seas in February this year, a sea-going palace that can accommodate 3,360 guests in its 1,073 suites distributed over 12 floors.

The commitment to the cruise passenger business underpins Dubai’s strategic goal of positioning itself as the region’s leading tourist destination. Alongside the wide variety of facilities and entertainment on these luxury floating resorts, passengers can enjoy the fantastic scenery in Dubai and the Arabian Gulf. The world-class hotels and resorts across the region and ultra-modern shopping centres are set against the background of a unique culture and heritage promising a lifetime of unforgettable memories.