Meraas plans to build second cruise terminal at Dubai Harbour project

Dubai developer Meraas plans to build a second cruise terminal at its upcoming Dubai Harbour project, it announced during the Cityscape exhibition on Monday.

The mega Dubai Harbour project was announced in January this year, and the waterfront destination extends over 20 million square feet.

Located on King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street in Mina Al Seyahi – between Jumeirah Beach Residence and Palm Jumeirah – Dubai Harbour will be the first cruise destination to build two terminals simultaneously, Meraas said in a statement.

When completed, the terminals are expected to accommodate 1,200,000 passengers annually.

Each terminal will be approximately 14,000 square metres in size with one single apron of 900-metres.

While other ports have multiple terminals, none have so far built more than one at any given time, said Meraas.

The addition of a second terminal is hoped to tap into strong growth in the cruise industry globally, it added. Industry data suggests that over 40 million people will travel by cruise annually by 2030, up 40 per cent from 24 million in 2017.

The contractor for the cruise terminal will be appointed once the land for the terminal is ready, with Dubai Habour being constructed in phases, said Meraas.

Also see: Video: Dubai ruler launches huge new waterfront project

Along with the cruise terminals, Dubai Harbour will include 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, a 135 metre-tall tower with an observation deck and the largest marina in the MENA region, which will have 1,100-berths capable of accommodating some of the world’s biggest private yachts.

Dubai Harbour will also integrate Skydive Dubai, Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) and Logo Island into a single integrated community.

The development will have a multi-modal transport infrastructure including road network along with air and sea connectivity. There will also be a public transport system, water stations, pedestrian bridge, jogging and cycling tracks.

Meraas said it has already broken ground on the project, and 130,000 sqm of land has been reclaimed.

Abdulla Al Habbai, group chairman at Meraas, said: “Dubai Harbour connects some of Dubai’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. The project reaffirms our commitment to expanding on Dubai’s rich maritime heritage and tourism profile, while supporting the continued diversification of the national economy.

“Dubai Harbour represents an opportunity to achieve economies of scale and drive growth in the maritime tourism sector.”