TravTalk Middle East Online Magazine
Hoor Al Khaja, Associate VP, International Operations, DET, shares vies on marine tourism.
Shehara Rizly
How important is marine tourism and how has Dubai’s marine industry grown in the last decade and what are the three biggest drivers of this growth?
Marine tourism is a key pillar of Dubai’s travel and tourism industry, and Dubai’s popularity as a cruise destination and superyacht capital has increased significantly in the last 10 years. Dubai is particularly attractive as a hub for superyachts, with its world-class facilities and sophisticated infrastructure, simplified access procedures, open anchorage areas, luxury marinas and diverse sea and land-based experiences, and plethora of fine-dining restaurants and tourism attractions, all within easy access of the marinas. The city has become a global marine tourism magnet and the destination of choice for both maritime tourists and captains of superyachts.
The continuous expansion of the cruise tourism sector has significant benefits for Dubai as a regional tourism hub, further consolidating Dubai’s status as a gateway to the region, and is aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the most sought-after destination and an attractive city to live and work in.
What are the secondary drivers, for example, a picturesque coastline and year-round sunshine?
The secondary drivers for the growth of Dubai’s maritime industry are the same factors that have catalysed the success of the emirate’s wider tourism industry.
What are the most significant marine and watersports attractions in Dubai today?
Strategically located in the heart of the city, Dubai Harbour is a key maritime attraction that provides a multifaceted seafront experience. Dubai Harbour’s Cruise Terminal features the most advanced facilities, including seaport passenger boarding bridges, equipped to process over 3,000 passengers per hour, and also includes an area of 20 million square feet and will include retail, restaurants, cafés, luxury residences and hotels.
Mina Rashid is a leading cruise destination globally and can handle 25,000 passengers simultaneously. In 2021, Mina Rashid won the Middle East’s Leading Cruise Terminal Award and the World’s Leading Cruise Port Award for the 14th consecutive time at the World Travel Awards. In terms of water sport attractions, Dubai has plenty to offer including self-drive boat tours, island hopping, Jet Ski tours and yachting.
Does Dubai have plans to attract major marine events to the city? How do major marine events contribute to Dubai’s economy?
In the last decade, Dubai has emerged as an international events destination across sports, entertainment and music. Events form an integral element of Dubai’s tourism strategy to ensure Dubai becomes the most visited city in the world. Dubai offers a diverse and vibrant year round line-up of events that will attract visitors to the city in 2022 and in the years to come. Major marine events contribute to Dubai’s economy as, in addition to the increased visitor numbers, the massive exposure and visibility enables us to reach a new global audience and showcase the Emirate as a thriving tourism and business hub.
Sustainability is a key trend for the future of marine tourism. Is Dubai doing anything in this regard?
Dubai is continually striving to become one of the world’s most sustainable cities, and has launched initiatives and activities to achieve this goal. We have recently launched ‘Dubai Can’, the citywide sustainability movement with the ambitious goal of significantly reducing single-use plastic bottles. Residents and visitors to Dubai will now have access to more than 30 water stations across the city as part of this initiative, with prime public locations.
What’s your future outlook for marine tourism in Dubai?
Dubai is fast becoming a favoured destination among international cruise lines and cruise tourists, and we are dedicated to showcasing the robust growth of the city as an established cruise hub for the wider region and global marine tourism destination.
