The story of a non-resident Bangladeshi family establishing and running the famed perfume company Al Haramain and its successful subsidiaries
Jamal Humaid Al Falasi, director, Dubai Cruise Tourism, expects over 13 per cent growth in cruise tourists this year to reach 725,000 in the current season as compared to last year's 625,000.
"We have potential to attract more foreign cruise ships as cruise liners like to pass through Dubai. Our expectation for the next year will be 825,000 and this number will also increase in later years with home porting coming to Dubai," Al Falasi said.
"Our target for 2020, as part of Dubai Strategy, is to have 1 million passengers. We are promoting Dubai as a major cruise tourism destination," he said, adding that cruise ships' crew have now been granted 6-month multiple-entry visa.
"We started multiple-entry visa for cruise tourists last year. This year, we have implemented 6-month multiple-entry visa for the crew to come in and leave," Al Falasi told Khaleej Times on the sidelines of a press conference held to welcome 5 ships at Port Rashid on Saturday.
Dubai marked a historic milestone this weekend with 5 cruise ships arriving at the Dubai Cruise Terminal. The cruise lines originating from the UK, US, Germany, Italy and Spain brought in over 25,000 tourists.
Pullmantur, one of the 5 international cruise liners, will mark its debut in the region.
Al Falasi said that different itineraries will be planned for the cruise tourists.
Richard Vogel, CEO, Pullman Cruises, said the firm had received better-than-expected responses for its Dubai cruise tour and the number of tourists will increase next year. The agency expects to bring 75,000 cruise tourists to Dubai this year.
- waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com
The story of a non-resident Bangladeshi family establishing and running the famed perfume company Al Haramain and its successful subsidiaries
Matches will be played on an exclusive Saturday with no Premier League fixtures taking place on the same day
The plant to be set up in Al Bihouth area is expected to process 900,000 tonnes of waste into energy
The minor didn't take his cellphone or wallet, assuming he'd return quickly
Nadal, 37, who missed virtually all of the 2023 season, is hoping to compete at the French Open in May where he is the record 14-time champion
A Good Samaritan offered him a ride to Bur Dubai for free, declining Sahni's attempt to offer payment
Passengers with cancelled bookings will receive a full credit voucher for the amount paid
Passengers must go to the airport only if they have a confirmed reservation