DUBAI — Carnival Corporation has signed a strategic partnership to develop the Dubai Cruise Terminal, in an effort to grow maritime tourism in the region and transform Dubai into a major regional maritime tourism hub. 

Set to open in October 2020, the terminal will serve as the main hub for cruise tourism in Dubai and will become Carnival Corporation’s primary hub for its homeporting and transit operations in the region. 

The cruise company says Dubai is set to become central to Carnival Corporation’s operations in the region.

Dubai-based holding company Meraas and Carnival Corporation signed the strategic agreement at a ceremony with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in attendance, who approved the terminal as the main hub for cruise tourism in Dubai.

Under the agreement, signed by Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald and His Excellency Abdulla Al Habbai, Group Chairman of Meraas, the deal will see  the companies collaborate across several strategic areas including port development, terminal management and new cruise development opportunities at Dubai Harbour and the broader region.

‘Dubai Tourism Vision 2020’ aims to attract 20 million visitors a year to the emirate.

“We have a long history in Dubai with our world-leading cruise brands,” says Carnival Corp. CEO Donald. “We are excited to be part of this important venture that will drive new tourism opportunities for Dubai and the region through cruising.”

Dubai Harbour will be home to two cruise terminal buildings, spanning a total of 30,000 square metres, joined by a single quay of about one kilometre, capable of accommodating up to three cruise ships concurrently, including Carnival Corporation’s newest and most advanced cruise ships, as well as up to 13,200 passengers at a time.

In anticipation of an upsurge in cruises Meraas has planned for the addition of two more terminal buildings that will increase capacity to six cruise ships at the same time.