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DUBAI, UAE – More than 7,200 tourists arrived aboard five mega ocean liners that were greeted on Thursday in the finest of Emirati traditions at the DP World operated Dubai Cruise Terminal, or DCT, in Port Rashid.

The five vessels – Costa Victoria, Queen Mary 2, Silver Whisper, Pacific Princess and Costa Favolosa – were anchored together at Port Rashid, sending a clear signal that Dubai is a prime destination for cruise tourism in this region. In January, Dubai Cruise Terminal hosted four large ocean-going cruise vessels at the same time.

The management of DP World, UAE Region, which operates Port Rashid, successfully implemented a plan to handle all five vessels at once in close coordination with Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing, or DTCM, Dubai Customs, Dubai World Security, The Roads & Transport Authority, or RTA, and travel and tour operators.

DTCM organised Emirati folk music, dances and other cultural activities much to the delight of the visitors.

Help desks were set up offering the guests tourist information in different languages. In October 2011, DP World announced plans to expand the Port Rashid cruise terminal facilities in order to strengthen its leading position as the largest cruise hub in the Middle East. DP World’s is vision for Port Rashid to eventually be able to serve as many as seven cruise vessels at one time.

Mohammed Al Muallem, senior vice president and managing director, DP World, UAE Region said: “The success in handling five mega passenger vessels simultaneously confirms Port Rashid’s ability to embrace the growth in cruise tourism. It is a clear sign of Dubai’s position as a cruise destination of choice. Our expansion plans for Port Rashid are in line with Dubai Government’s efforts to make cruise tourism an economic growth engine. DP World is committed to investing long term in the transformation of Port Rashid towards this end with the support and close cooperation of DTCM, our strategic partner in promoting the cruise industry in Dubai.”

Mohammed Al Mannaei, director – Port Rashid, DP World, UAE Region, said: “Welcoming multiple cruise ships and taking care of thousands of passengers at one time are challenges that we embrace with enthusiasm. Our highly-trained staff members and baggage handling teams worked in tandem with our partners to ensure that our honoured cruise guests experienced a memorable visit to Dubai. We look forward to more such visits.”

Early this year, Dubai Cruise Terminal was voted, for a fifth time, the World’s Leading Cruise Port at the prestigious World Travel Awards, competing against 17 regional winners for the honour.