Cityscape: Meraas plans second cruise terminal at Dubai Harbour
Dubai Harbour to serve 1.2m passengers annually when completed
Meraas has announced that Dubai Harbour will have a second cruise terminal in addition to the one already announced in January 2017, making it the first cruise destination to build two terminals simultaneously, which when completed will accommodate 1,200,000 passengers annually.
Visitors to Cityscape Global 2017 have been able to see the upcoming destination for the first time through a model at the Meraas stand. The announcement of a second terminal intends to build on Dubai’s reputation as a leading tourism destination, while also capitalising on the strong growth of the cruise industry globally, the developer said in a statement.
Industry data shows that more than 40 million people will travel by cruise annually by 2030, an increase of 40% from the 24 million recorded in 2017.
“Dubai Harbour connects some of Dubai’s most vibrant neighbourhoods and reflects a culture of innovation envisioned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for the emirate,” said HE Abdulla Al Habbai, group chairman of Meraas.
“The project also reaffirms our commitment to expanding on Dubai’s rich maritime heritage and tourism profile, while supporting the continued diversification of the national economy.”
“By creating a world-class destination that appeals to people around the globe, Dubai Harbour represents an opportunity to achieve economies of scale and drive growth in the maritime tourism sector. It will also help maintain Dubai’s status among the world’s top tourism destinations for generations to come,” he added.
Each terminal will be approximately 14,000sqm in size, with one single apron of 900 metres, the developer said.
In addition to serving the cruise ship industry, Dubai Harbour will also have the largest marina in the MENA region. Once complete, it will have 1,100-berths capable of accommodating some the world’s biggest private yachts.
Dubai Harbour was officially unveiled by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai in January 2017, and will be developed by Meraas.
The masterplan for the waterfront destination extends over 20 million square feet and includes an 875,000 square-foot shopping mall, an events arena, luxury residences, restaurants, cafes, hotels and a yacht club. It will also feature the Dubai Lighthouse, which stretches 135 metres into the sky with an observation deck offering panoramic views.
Dubai Harbour will also integrate Skydive Dubai, Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) and Logo Island into a single integrated community. Ground has been broken and 130,000 square metres of land has been reclaimed. The contractor for the cruise terminal will be appointed once the land for the terminal is ready, with Dubai Habour being constructed in phases.
Situated on King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, between Jumeirah Beach Residence and Palm Jumeirah, in the Mina Al Seyahi area, the project will have an advanced multi-modal transport infrastructure, consisting of a well-connected road network and air and sea connectivity.
Meraas added that there are also plans in place for a futuristic public transport system, water stations, pedestrian bridges, and jogging and cycling tracks.
