Link September Issue SEP 2017 fin | Page 22

Infrastructure in cruise tourists, while ambitious projects are being implemented to upgrade port infrastructure. The leading position of the UAE as a destination of choice for maritime tourism will encourage international companies to manage their operations and conduct cruises through our local ports.” opened to cruise ships, becoming the only beach stop in the Gulf region. More efforts are being undertaken to further develop, expand and modernize local marine tourism facilities. Fruitful strategic partnerships with cruise lines continue to be signed to drive the growth of the cruise sector in the years to come. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has emerged as a major destination for marine tourism. Port Zayed hosts the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, a state-of-the- art terminal renowned throughout the region and an ideal port of call for passengers traveling by sea to Abu Dhabi. The emirate is also home to various leading cruise operators. Abu Dhabi has launched a series of initiatives to develop its marine tourism sector which forms one of the pillars of its economic diversification strategy. At the end of last year, Sir Bani Yas Island in the Western Region was Dubai, on the other hand, saw its maritime tourists and cruises increase significantly by 15 and 18 per cent, respectively, from 2016 to 2017. The emirate is home to the Middle East’s largest and most modern cruise facility which covers 36,500 sqm and extends at a distance of 2,200 m. The maritime tourism sector supports the growth of the local tourism sector in line with the ‘Dubai Tourism Vision 2020’ plan. Mina Rashid currently welcomes around 650,000 passengers, and is expected to attract a million tourists by 22 September 2017 2020. The inauguration of two new cruise lines, ‘Norwegian Cruise Line’ and ‘Thomson Cruises,’ will support an 18 per cent increase in the number of cruises in Dubai. The emirate presently hosts more than 23 leading international cruise lines, six of which are based in Dubai, reinforcing its position as a global destination of choice for cruise tourism. The other emirates are similarly working to drive maritime tourism as part of continuing efforts to cement the UAE’s leading position in the global ports industry. Many ambitious projects are being implemented to develop related infrastructure and services to encourage leading cruise lines to conduct their operations from the UAE. The UAE is competing with 12 other countries for 10 available seats for Category B membership in the IMO to add value to global transport, trade,