DP World UAE region’s Mina Rashid has won the award for the Middle East’s leading cruise port for the 13th consecutive year at the World Travel Awards 2020. Considered as a noteworthy accolade in the travel industry, the award included nominations of cruise ports from around the world.
Over the years, Mina Rashid has gained recognition as one of the most preferred destinations for cruise lines around the world.
Founded by the visionary leader and the father of Dubai, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Mina Rashid, inaugurated in 1972, was the region’s first modern container port.
Mina Rashid’s state-of-the-art facilities, high volume of passenger handling capacity and strategic location have cemented its position as a leading port globally. It can simultaneously handle seven mega-cruise vessels or 25,000 passengers in a single day.
The port’s Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal, which is also the world’s largest single, covered cruise terminal facility can handle 14,000 passengers per day. Its centralised position in the heart of the city and its proximity to Dubai International Airport makes it easily accessible to passengers and visitors.
Mina Rashid is also known for its numerous quayside services including luggage handling, concierge desk, shuttle services, money exchange, post office, etc.
Mohammed Al Mannaei, CEO, P&O Marinas and executive director, Mina Rashid said, “We are thrilled to receive this coveted award. It is a privilege to be selected from among the premier ports from around the world.
“We feel honoured that we have received this accolade in close correspondence with the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s 30th death anniversary. He not only laid the cornerstone for Mina Rashid, but is quite literally the architect of Dubai.
“To ensure that the port maintains its leading position, we have continually been committed to its development and our new endeavours are testimony to that.”
During the initial phase of the pandemic, Mina Rashid received 13 cruise ships that were stuck in the region with approximately 39,000 passengers, including 22,000 tourists and 17,000 marine crew members.
“We facilitated their departure from the UAE, ensuring their safe return to their home countries, and are now gearing up for the upcoming season with all safety and precautionary measures in place to offer an exceptional experience to all the tourists,” said Mr Al Mannaei.
