Port of Call

Dubai, The Pride of the United Arab Emirates. A place of fascinating contrasts. Where the East and the West meet. The ancient and modern merge. The desert and the sea blend.Dubai has always had a strong marine association thanks to its excellent location on the southern Arabian Gulf Its shores has for generations attracted seafarers and traders for commerce.In fact, Dubai was a principal Gulf Coast port and an important Trading Centre. It was called the City of Merchants and was famous throughout the region for its courtesy and hospitality. A tradition that lives on to this date. Dubai's growing popularity amongst world travellers has resulted in the evolution of a mature tourism sector.With over 282 hotels, more than 91 airlines connecting to over 132 destinations, experienced ground operators, modern seaports and most importantly a government dedicated to creating a sound social and economic infrastructure for the tourism industry.Underlining the importance of the Tourism industry is The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) which under the able leadership of UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as the Chairman and Khalid bin Sulayem as the Director General, is making Dubai the favourite tourist sport of the millennium. An increasing number of cruise ships are already choosing Dubai as an ideal and unique destination.The Dubai Cruise Terminal opened in 2001 at Port Rashid and able to handle up to two ships simultaneously. It has an unique 'mobile' design to enable customisation of passenger and baggage flows. Other thoughtful features include special facilities for the physically challenged like electric golf carts for transportation, duty-free shops, internet access, money exchanges, information centre, beautiful palm gardens, Arabian heritage and cultural exhibits, a Cafe and much more.