Dubai's ambitions to become a key stop for the world's cruise ship sector was boosted on Thursday after it was announced that it was included on the maiden journey of Cunard's new Queen Elizabeth liner.
Cunard Line said its newest ship, the 964ft Queen Elizabeth with a capacity of more than 2,000 passengers, would stop in Dubai next year.
Queen Elizabeth will visit Dubai for an overnight halt on March 31, 2011, Cunard said in a statement, while the company's flagship Queen Mary 2 will dock on April 3, 2011.
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For her maiden World Voyage, Queen Elizabeth will offer a 103-day journey from Southampton.
"These sailings via Dubai offer fantastic opportunities for our guests in the Middle East to see the wonders of the world while enjoying Cunard's signature White Star Service," said Ashok Kumar, director Business Development Cruise Master Middle East representing Cunard Line.
Last month, Dubai tourism chiefs said they expected the number of cruise ship passengers to significantly rise this year.
Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) said 120 ships and more than 325,000 passengers are set to dock at the Dubai Cruise Terminal in Port Rashid this year.
In May, Abu Dhabi said it was developing a dedicated cruise terminal for the emirate and its plans were already at the design stage.
A report commissioned by tourism bosses concluded that the cruise tourism industry could deliver a "substantial economic impact annually for Abu Dhabi".
Last week, Royal Caribbean International said it had dropped Bahrain from its Gulf cruise itinerary for the winter sailing season due to lack of demand for the destination.
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