Dubai Harbour welcomes Queen Mary 2, world’s only ocean liner
- 03 Feb 2023
A view of Queen Mary 2 by Cunard, which is the epitome of cruising heritage and excellence.
Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor
Observing the maiden call of this spectacular vessel, Captain Hashmi met with Dubai Harbour officials in an exclusive plaque exchange ceremony, which is a customary maritime tradition. The call is one of a plethora of international cruise liners that have called at Dubai Harbour during the 2022/23 cruise season, with over 300,000 passengers expected before June, exemplifying its position as the region’s most modern cruise infrastructure acting as a perfect gateway attracting tourists and cruise lines from across the globe.
Queen Mary 2 is the world’s only ocean liner offering regularly scheduled transatlantic crossings between New York and Southampton and remains the largest ocean liner ever built. Queen Mary 2 seamlessly combines classic British heritage with Cunard’s hallmarks of nostalgia, opulence, and style, evident in sweeping staircases, a grand ballroom, and a wraparound promenade deck. She is one of the most spacious ships at sea, with 14 decks of lounges and bars, shops, and sports and even a seagoing planetarium! The ship boasts three pools, Mareel Wellness and Beauty, no fewer than 10 dining options, and one of the largest dance floors at sea .As a manifestation of Dubai’s wider planning, coastline development and tourism strategies, as well as its status as the region’s leading cruise hub, Dubai Harbour continues to play a major role in rekindling the city’s connection to the sea.
Designed to process over 3,250 passengers per hour, the highly efficient and modern terminals at Dubai Harbour have recorded exponential growth over the past two years.
Angus Struthers, Acting Senior Vice President, Cunard said: “We’re delighted to be making the Queen Mary 2 maiden call during this year’s annual world cruise at Dubai Harbour. Dubai is a special place for Cunard as we briefly join the same seas as our flagship, Queen Elizabeth 2, and we are grateful for the Arabian hospitality that always gives us the warmest of welcomes. Dubai Harbour’s highly efficient and modern terminals have helped us ensure seamless passenger turnaround, despite our shorter stay in the city, and we look forward to continuing this partnership in the coming years.”
Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Portfolio Management Officer, Shamal Holding, the owner and curator of Dubai Harbour added: “It is with great pleasure that we welcome the Queen Mary 2 by Cunard, which is the epitome of cruising heritage and excellence. We are grateful for our continued collaboration as we continue to welcome iconic international cruise liners to the first ever dedicated cruise port in the region, largest standalone dedicated twin cruise terminal developed in the eastern hemisphere. Our maritime infrastructure has been purpose-built to provide comprehensive and easy access to and from the sea, allowing thousands of international passengers to access some of the world’s most outstanding tourist attractions. We look forward to continuing to play our part in the region’s cruise tourism sector.”
Dubai Harbour is an extraordinary seafront district, inspired by our connection to the sea, designed for a maritime lifestyle. The district’s unique backdrop, iconic vista, and accessible location are combined with a wide range of living, retail, and hospitality choices, as well as comprehensive berthing facilities, making it the region’s most unique lifestyle offering. Dubai Harbour sits just over 30kms from both Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central Airport (DWC) and is within easy reach from the city’s world-famous attractions such as Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, and Expo 2020 Dubai.
Dubai Harbour is home to some of the most iconic destinations in Dubai, including the Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal, a world-class facility comprising two purpose built terminal buildings, and Dubai Harbour Marinas, the region’s largest marina. In addition, Emaar Beachfront, a waterfront community offering residents premier beach access and a luxury seaside lifestyle, and Skydive Dubai, the world-class skydiving company, are also located in the heart of the district. In addition, Dubai Harbour was voted as winner of the World’s Best New Cruise Development at the 1st annual World Cruise Awards 2021.
As a one-of-a-kind destination, Dubai Harbour is expected to attract a wide range of locally and internationally renowned events all year round, including the Dubai International Boat Show. The events will play a key role in rekindling the city’s connection to the sea, providing additional ways for people to experience their own maritime journey.
As the owning company and curator, Shamal Holding is investing its resources to be the driving force behind making Dubai Harbour an exceptional seafront district.
