Meaningful contribution of Emirates to UAE cruise tourism

Emirates airline has renewed its strategic partnership with cruise operator TUI Cruises to further strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for cruise tourism.

The extension of this partnership coincides with TUI Cruises’ expansion in the region, as the 2025/2026 season will see the addition of a second cruise ship based at Port Rashid in Dubai.

As part of the agreement, Emirates and TUI Cruises will continue working closely on marketing initiatives, operational planning, and logistical coordination. The airline will also align its flight schedules with cruise departures, ensuring smooth connections for travelers between air and sea journeys.

Emirates will allocate dedicated seat blocks on selected flights across its network to meet the growing demand from cruise passengers in key markets.

In addition, the airline is collaborating with local authorities and partners to improve transportation infrastructure between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and the cruise terminal at Port Rashid. The partnership also includes the use of data analytics to enhance customer service and the expansion of ground staff to streamline the check-in process for cruise travelers.

Emirates is also exploring opportunities to extend the partnership beyond Dubai, with a particular focus on cruise operations in the Asia-Pacific region. For instance, TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 6, with a capacity of over 2,500 passengers, offers 14-day cruise itineraries starting and ending in Singapore, with stops in Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Japan.

In the upcoming season, TUI Cruises will homeport two vessels in Port Rashid, each accommodating more than 2,500 passengers. Travelers will be able to choose from two cruise routes, both starting and ending in Dubai, with stops in Abu Dhabi, Oman, and Qatar. The Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal, recognized as the world’s largest covered cruise facility, can handle up to 14,000 passengers per day.