Mark your calendars: In an effort to grow maritime tourism in Dubai, Carnival is partnering with Meraas holding company to develop a new cruise terminal by October 2020. The new development, which will be in Dubai Harbour, is slated to have two cruise buildings that can accommodate three vessels and up to 13,200 passengers. Plans to add more terminal buildings, with a capacity of six ships, are also underway.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai, approved the project, which aims to draw 20 million visitors to Dubai each year -- especially from India and China.

Given this news, Port Rashid -- Dubai's current port, with three terminals -- will no longer be the main hub for cruises. Instead, all ships will be gradually redirected to the new cruise terminal.

At 20 million square feet, the new Dubai Harbour will also feature the largest yacht marina in the Middle East and North Africa -- including a shopping mall, luxury residential units, restaurants and cafes, a yacht club, and the new Dubai Lighthouse, plus a road network, marine and air transportation facilities, a monorail, and water taxis.

"We have a long history in Dubai with our world-leading cruise brands," said Arnold W. Donald, Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Corporation, reports our sister site Cruise Critic. "We are excited to be part of this important venture that will drive new tourism opportunities for Dubai and the region through cruising."

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