DUBAI - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
PORT INFORMATION
Photograph provided courtesy of the Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
Dubai, the Pride of the United Arab Emirates is a place of grandeur and contrasts. Grandeur in the biggest of things - the new airport showcases the world's largest single floor space, the Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping venue, and the Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest tower – and contrasts in the mix of east and west, desert and sea, old and new, traditions and modern technologies.
Once known as the City of Merchants, Dubai has attracted generations of traders on land and sea. Today, Dubai continues to welcome travelers from around the world offering them that same tradition of hospitality and an incredible wealth of attractions.
Cruise Terminal in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Located at Port Rashid, the Dubai Cruise Terminal opened in 2001 and is fast becoming one of the most used ports in the world for embarking and disembarking cruises.
The new terminal, opened in February 2010 is expected to handle more than 575,000 cruise passengers on over 195 cruise ships by 2015. The facade of the new terminal reflects contemporary Arabic design as the main purpose is to reflect Dubai's rich heritage as a maritime centre.
Now one of the Middle East's biggest cruise terminals, with its unique design enabling the facilities to adapt to the needs of luggage and passenger volumes, the Dubai Cruise Terminal is able to process two cruise ships at one time and its deep basin means that the larger of the cruise ships can use the port without concern.
Features of the terminal include facilities for the physically challenged, duty-free shops, a Café, big screen entertainment center, internet access, money exchanges, information centre, and a beautiful Arabian palm garden.
Cruise Lines using the Dubai Cruise Terminal as an Embarkation / Disembarking Port
Using the Port of Dubai as their port of embarkation and disembarking are Azamara Club Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, P&O Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, and Silversea Cruises.
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Must See Attractions in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Tower of Arabs (Burj Al Arab): To miss the Burj Al Arab would be like going to London and not taking a look at Big Ben. At well over 1,000 feet, this hotel and distinctive landmark skyscraper is a must see attraction for visitors to Dubai.
Dubai Museum: Located in one of the cities oldest buildings, the old Al Fahidi Fort built in the late 1700s, the Dubai Museum offers a huge selection of artifacts and displays exploring the history, heritage and culture of Dubai. This is the perfect introduction to the city and the area and its way of life.
Bastakia Quarter: One of Dubai’s most important heritage sites, the newly pedestrianized Bastakia Quarter has been extensively renovated and restored to feature exquisite galleries and courtyard cafés in a quiet ambience.
Ski Dubai: Offering 5 ski runs for various skill levels, Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. Features include an all inclusive entry fee, snowboarding zone, children’s snow park and shops and restaurants.
Wild Wadi Water Park: Also offering fun for the whole family, the Wild Wadi is an Arabian-themed theme park with more than 30 rides and attractions.
Worth a visit too is the souk area at Deira featuring traditional Arab markets selling gold, spices, and perfumes, and also the new and “slightly” more modern Dubai Mall that has treasures for consumers all its own.
