Dubai The city's new cruise terminal was opened yesterday in a combined ceremony with the inauguration of the cruise ship Costa Deliziosa, the first such event in an Arab city.
"This is a special day for us," said Hamad Bin Mejren, Executive Director, Business Tourism, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
"The cruise industry is very important to the tourism economy in Dubai."
In pictures: new cruise terminal
According to Bin Mej-ren, in 2009 about 263,000 cruise passengers visited Dubai on 80 ship calls at Port Rashid. In 2010, this number is expected to increase to 325,000 in 125 calls, and by 2015 the number of cruise passengers should reach 575,000 on 195 calls.
"The decision to hold the inaugural event — the highlight of any ship's early life — for the Costa Deliziosa in Dubai has dual significance," added Pier Luigi Foschi, CEO and chairman of Costa Cruises, owner of the Costa Deliziosa.
He said the Dubai Government's decision to invest in tourism infrastructure like the cruise terminal is the right move as the cruise industry is able to contribute significantly to Dubai's tourism industry.
From the Costa Deliziosa's cruises alone, Foschi expects direct and indirect revenues of up to 14 million euros (Dh70 million) this sailing season from Costa itself and from passengers' spending during shore excursions.
"We are very pleased to be the first inaugurated here," Foschi added. Costa carried 146,000 passengers to Dubai in the 2009-10 season, and in 2010-11 the number is expected to reach 150,000.
Italian Ambassador to the UAE Paolo Dionisi added that Costa's activities in Dubai will lead to a "long-lasting marriage" between the company and the Gulf metropolis.
Partners
Costa Cruises has found several naming ceremony partners for the Costa Deliziosa, which are Dnata, Emirates, Jumeirah Group, Gulf Ventures, Alpha Tours, Grand Hyatt, Maserati and Rais Hassan Saadi Group.
The new terminal spans 3,450 square metres and is designed to handle four ships simultaneously and cater to the increased number of ship calls. Currently, the terminal is used by Costa Cruises, Aida Cruises and Royal Caribbean.
The facade of the new terminal reflects contemporary Arabic design. Traditional domes, arches and carvings are the major architectural elements of the exterior facade.
The main purpose is to reflect Dubai's rich heritage as a maritime centre, present a strong image of Emirati hospitality, and to express the importance of Dubai as an international tourist destination, the DTCM said.
The terminal provides a support infrastructure, which includes facilities like currency exchange, ATMs, a post office, duty free shop, souvenir shops and a business centre with Wi-Fi and cable internet access as well as a VIP section.
The DTCM has set up information counters in the cruise terminal which are manned round the clock. Passengers are provided with free maps and other information about Dubai.
In addition, the terminal houses offices for representatives of government bodies such as immigration, customs and police.
Technically, the cruise port in Port Rashid is managed by DP World and will serve solely as a berthing place for cruise ships. All other activities and cargo operations of the former commercial port have been moved to Jebel Ali port.
Port Rashid was also the final destination for the ocean liner Queen Elizabeth 2 which arrived in November 2008 at the end of her final voyage.
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