Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has highlighted the city’s enduring popularity and diverse appeal as a leading cruise destination during the 2022 edition of Seatrade Cruise Global, a leading event for the global cruise industry, which took place April 27-29  in Florida, US.

The Scenic Group, which includes Emerald Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, has cemented its commitment to drive growth from GCC, encompassing Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Oman’s Ministry of Tourism has revealed that the Sultanate posted a significant 43,6 percent growth in cruise ship tourists from January to December 2019 to reach 283,488 passengers from 193,467 recorded during the same period last year.

ASGC, one of the leading construction groups in the UAE, has been appointed to construct the new Dubai Cruise Terminal at Dubai Harbour, the first ever dedicated cruise port in the region, which when complete, will be the most advanced of its kind in the area.

Authorities in the region have recognised the potential for this booming industry and the importance of collaboration, demonstrated with the formation of Cruise Arabia alliance in 2013. Earlier this year, the association welcomed Bahrain, joining Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Qatar and Oman.

THE MIDDLE EAST CRUISE INDUSTRY IS SOARING, WITH MANY DESTINATIONS HOSTING THE MOST SUCCESSFUL WINTER CRUISE SEASON TO DATE.