Dubai cruise industry to set sail again

Dubai is gearing up to welcome back cruise passengers for the new season.

A draft safety protocol for the cruise sector is in the pipeline and the final list of guidelines will be ready soon.

The development came in a webinar featuring Dubai Tourism, Emirates Airline, P&O Marinas as well as leading shipping agents and other industry stakeholders.

Officials have assured cruise tourists of the highest global safety standards at every stage of their journey.

Dubai has already been awarded the 'Safe Travels' safety stamp by the World Travel & Tourism Council, while the emirate also recently launched its own DUBAI ASSURED stamp to certify hotels, retail establishments and tourist attractions.

"Since the reopening of the city to tourists on 7th July, we are encouraged by the response and continue to welcome visitors to the city. We expect to see cruise ships bringing tourists back to Dubai once all the relevant protocols are in place," said Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Tourism.

"Dubai Tourism has also put together an impressive excursion itinerary as part of efforts to position the city as the cruise tourism destination of choice for international cruise travellers," he added.