dubai and arabian gulf cruise

DUBAI AND ABU DHABI CRUISES

The destination evokes the oriental fascination , turquoise sea landscapes and warm desert sands. Where once there was just desert, today we find the tallest buildings in the world, the most luxurious hotels and the boldest of architecture that coexists with the historic palaces and the remnants of the long and rich Arab history. Indulge in this luxurious journey with an MSC Cruise, an old tradition that is also a part of the progress made by the Emirates in recent years: Abu Dhabi  and Dubai  will surprise you with their daring, futuristic architecture, and Sir Bani Yas island  will enchant you with a dream beach experience or a safari like no other between the mangroves, the desert and the protected bay areas. Locations not to miss are the Gulf of Oman:  Khasab ,  Muscat  and Dammam  in Saudi Arabia , where you can get a taste of the enchanted atmospheres of the one thousand and one nights.

Emirates cruise deals 

Explore the finest Emirates cruise deals in 2024 and 2025 and embark on an unforgettable journey to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. From stunning skyscrapers and superb nightlife to turquoise seas, these magical lands will inspire you. Whatever your chosen itinerary, the lengthy stays in port of MSC cruises to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, allow complete immersion in incredible and authentic ashore experiences. And in between stops, savour the impeccable service, delicious cuisine and world-class entertainment on board of our ships. Get ready for an exceptional cruise holiday as you unveil the allure of an Emirates voyage with Dubai and Abu Dhabi cruise deals by MSC Cruises.

Emirates cruises on MSC Euribia

EMIRATES PORTS

Cruise from dubai.

With MSC's cruises from Dubai, your journey begins in the mesmerizing blend of beautiful beaches, record-breaking attractions, and unique experiences of this extraordinary city. Your cruise holiday will continue in Abu Dhabi that will surprise you with its daring, futuristic architecture. While in Sir Bani Yas Island , beautiful beaches beckon, and a wealth of water games awaits, including paddleboarding, kayaking, the swan pedalo experience, and many other. Dubai is the perfect start for your Emirates cruise!

Cruise from Abu Dhabi

Embarking on an MSC cruise from Abu Dhabi, you'll be immersed in the captivating fusion of stunning coastlines, extraordinary landmarks, and unparalleled fun. Continuing your cruise holiday, you'll explore the avant-garde wonders of Dubai , where you'll be 'blinded by the lights' of stunning architecture, towering skyscrapers, and dazzling fountain water shows that will leave you in awe. While on Sir Bani Yas Island, unwind on the sandy beaches, embark on an island horseback ride, or experience a unique safari, spotting rare animals in the vast nature reserve. An MSC Cruise is the perfect gateway for your Emirates discovery!

View all Dubai & Abu Dhabi ports

• Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• Bahrain, Kingdom of Bahrain
• Doha, Qatar
• Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Khasab, Oman
• Muscat, Oman
• Sir Bani Yas Island, United Arab Emirates

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About Arabian Gulf

Experience the splendor of the Arabian Gulf to see exotic markets inhale the scent of incense from a traditional bakhoor burner, and experience machboos, a delicious stew made with seafood or meat. Those seeking relaxation and luxury should look no further than the Arabian Gulf. Relax on the perfect beaches and experience the most relaxing spa treatments while enjoying unforgettable culinary experiences and shopping in the souks. The best place to pamper yourself is here.

Arabian Gulf Highlights

A cruise in the Arabian Sea will take you to spectacular scenery in the Middle East , where you will experience the vibrant blue of the Indian Ocean along with vast deserts and areas with rich architecture and landscapes. On the cruise, you'll experience the city's iconic skyscrapers and experience its unique style of city design. Go through these highlights and learn more about the Arabian regions.

1. Unique Architecture and History

There's a lot of history behind the Arabian Gulf, but Dubai is a futuristic metropolis. One of the most prominent trading ports in the first century was Muscat, and another was Oman. Old prisons serving museums and forts, mosques, and palaces are accessible to cruise passengers sailing to the Arabian ports. Al Manamah's Bahrain Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Excavations dating back to 3,000 B.C. have been made.

2. It gives a real sense of exoticness

A magnificent combination of ultramodern glitz and ancient traditions can be found in the Gulf. Throughout the cities, there is a five-time call to prayer each day. On a Thursday or Friday, either Dubai or Abu Dhabi offers a camel market in the inland town of Al Ain. Both bring you to a camel farm where you can pet the animals and admire their calves on a desert safari. Also, Abu Dhabi's Falcon Hospital is a beautiful excursion. These ancient pursuits are still practiced today, even if they serve mainly as spectator sports.

3. Shopping

It will be impossible to resist picking up a few souvenirs when you step inside one of these great cities' souks. Explore Muscat's Corniche and browse the Mutrah Souq, one of Oman's most colorful souks. Shop for pearl jewelry and wood carvings to give your friends and family back home - and treat yourself! You can browse souks and shopping malls in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which are more prominent cities. Dubai, for example, has the world's largest shopping mall!

Enjoy a night of Exotic Tales and Arab Traditions at Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort as part of an evening curated by Azamara Cruises. Seikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi has 82 domes, 24-carat-gold gilded chandeliers, ornate hand-knotted carpets, and 24-carat-gold domes.Experience the I.M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar, showcasing artwork from 1,400 years across three continents.

Ports to visit on Arabian Gulf Cruises

Although cruises to this region are still evolving, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (home of Dubai and Abu Dhabi), and Oman are all attempting to attract more passengers. We've compiled a list of what you can see and do along a typical Arabian Gulf itinerary.

Dubai, the main port of the Arabian Gulf, has plenty of superlatives. Most cruises spend an overnight here either at the beginning or end of your cruise, so you won't have to worry if you can't see it all in one day. Look at the world's tallest man-made structure before boarding, BurjKhalifa. Dubai Mall is next door, where you can take this region's love for designer labels firsthand.

There is a trend for cruises to head north to Bahrain or Qatar or south to Oman along the Arabian Gulf. Ship's Best of Bahrain tour might bea bit of a bore because Bahrain's mass tourism industry is still developing. For example, rather than simply visiting the world-famous Bahrain International Circuit, why not take a ride in a 4x4 on the Adventure Course?

Even though Qatar is the wealthiest nation on earth, it is not a regular stop for cruises in the region. A trip to the Museum of Islamic Art can shouldn’t be missed on a cruise stopping in the country. The museum houses a collection of 1,400 pieces in a building designed by I.M. Pei.

4. Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has a seaside corniche like no other in the UAE, which is lush, green, and pleasant to walk along. One of the most beautiful mosques in this region is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It is open to the public daily. Take in this Islamic heritage site if you get the chance on your cruise. A sand safari in Abu Dhabi is a great way to explore the vast desert outside the city. Tours offered by Cruise Lines and private operators vary in length and activities. Still, most involve a ride down a slope in an SUV. Seeing a sunrise on these trips is worth the early wake-up if your itinerary allows.

5. Fujairah

Its mountainous terrain also sets it apart from other emirates in the Arabian Gulf (It lies on the Gulf of Oman). Visit the 300-year-old Fujairah Fort, which is undergoing renovation, and take a drive into the Hajar Mountains range. You can also visit Abu Dhabi's oldest mosque.

Khasab is set in the Gulf state of Oman, outside the UAE on the Musandam Peninsula. Small native boats, called dhows, are the most popular excursions on the rugged coastal fjords. There are frequently dolphins spotted here, and the vessels usually halt at Telegraph Island, which was theprimary connection between India and Britain during the height of the British Empire.

Muscat, Oman's capital, is more atmospheric than Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The MuttrahSouk is a Middle Eastern bazaar experience located by the waterfront along the lively corniche. Besides the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, other site attractions include Portuguese fortifications. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque-one of the largest on the Arabian Peninsula. You should take a day trip to Nizwa on your second day in Muscat. The ruins of Bahla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are among several historical forts you can tour here. Visits to palm oases are often included.

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Arabian Gulf Cruises Breathtaking mosques, adventurous desert safaris and the world's biggest buildings and malls. #AllAboutCruising

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Lakshmi Durai

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ARABIAN GULF CRUISES

Sailing through the Arabian Gulf unfolds a mystique world, where history and modernity peacefully coexist. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are bustling microcosms, peacefully shared by cultures from all corners of the world. If shopping is your thing, there is no better place to visit than Dubai.

Muscat boasts beautifully manicured parks, long, unspoiled stretches of beach, and an ancient stone moat that surrounds the area.For the explorer, the rich culture and beauty of India will make your cruise holiday an unforgettable one. Our Arabian Gulf cruise is the perfect holiday getaway for you.

Itineraries

Itineraries that sail in the Arabian Gulf mainly depart from Abu Dhabi & Dubai and call into ports around the Arabian Sea and Red Sea. Some itineraries depart from the south eastern Mediterranean offering a longer and more diverse cruise option. These are mainly repositioning cruises when cruise ships are relocated to the Middle East for the winter season and include several days at sea. The most popular Arabian Gulf cruise destinations are the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, India and Jordan. Cruises in the Arabian Gulf mainly offer 7-night itineraries with overnights in Dubai, Muscat and Abu Dhabi. The India cruise itineraries range from 12 – 14 Nights.

The Arabian Gulf is famous for sunshine all year round. The main cruising season is in winter, from December through March when the weather is mild. Repositioning cruises usually take place in October and November and again in March and April when the season ends.

Cruise Lines

Popular cruise lines sailing this winter in the Arabian Gulf are MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises .

Ports in the Arabian Gulf

Sharm-el-sheikh, egypt, abu dhabi, united arab emirates.

The sleek and modern capital of U.A.E. presents a fascinating mixture of tradition and progression. Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the main attraction of Abu Dhabi, is an architectural beauty. It is the world’s largest mosques, with a capacity for an astonishing 40,000 worshippers. Don’t miss the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi – the world’s first Ferrari theme park and the largest attraction of its kind. The park tells the Ferrari story with passion and excitement through more than 20 exhilarating and educational rides and attractions, interactive shopping and authentic Italian dining experiences. The other attractions include the Al-Hosn Palace used by the Cultural Foundation, the beautiful Capital Garden of the Corniche, and the Women’s Craft Centre where you will be able to shop for some very detailed souvenirs.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is a cosmopolitan oasis, admired for its untiring vigor, gusty ambition and the ability to dream up and realise projects. This is a city of superlatives that has birthed the tallest building (Burj Khalifa), only 7-star hotel (the Burj al-Arab), largest artificial islands (the Palm Islands), the world’s largest dancing fountain; a huge indoor Ski paradise and many more unbelievable places. With the city gearing up to showcase many more grand projects for World Expo 2020, visiting Dubai now may feel like a trip to the future. Explore the souk bazaars for gold and silks, Persian and Afghani rugs and more. And be sure to visit the Jumeirah Mosque to get a glimpse of the cultural side of Dubai.

Muscat, Oman

The capital of Oman has undergone rapid urbanization in recent times. But a glimpse of Muscat’s past shows the old houses lining the Mutrah corniche above the harbor, and in the traditional market souks. The Sultan’s Palace and the National Museum are the main attractions in the city. Muscat offers a chance to indulge in Amonage or Ubar perfumes produced here, which are the world’s most expensive.

DAMMAM, Saudi

Dammam is known for its airy waterfronts and sandy beaches and has a growing reputation as an arts, sports and entertainment destination. Due to the heaby influence of frequent travelers, this city’s cuisine has an international flavour to it, and its urban landscape is marked by a striking contrast of modern and historic architecture. Dammam is also the coastal gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Al Ahsa, home to one of the world’s largest natural oases and an intricate cave system.

Jeddah, Saudi

Visitors can travel back in time walking through the streets of Al Balad, Jeddah’s UNESCO World Heritage recognized Hijazi style old town, or stroll down the waterfront corniche and take time to admire the world’s tallest fountain. Jeddah, the commercial center of Saudi Arabia is a vibrant hub combining heritage and modernity. Jeddah is also the principal gateway to Makkah, the holiest city in Islam, located just 65 km to the east

Doha, Qatar

Doha is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf in the east of the country. It has an impressive collection of architecture for such a small desert peninsula, home to marvels of symmetry like the IM Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Art, and the National Museum of Qatar, which was designed by Jean Nouvel and is as awe-inspiring inside as out. Doha is a traditional and determinedly modern, a vibrant hub of art, culture and untouched desert landscapes.

There are many more Arabian Gulf Cruise ports waiting to amuse you. Check out our Gulf cruises from Dubai and Abu Dhabi for more information on these bustling destinations.

BOOK GULF CRUISE ONLINE

ARABIAN GULF CRUISE DEALS

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Cruise from Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in dubai.

Old Ways Still Alive

Woman in traditional muslim black dress in old arabic city district with mosque minaret in Al Fahidi Historical District of Dubai

Stroll around the nicely restored Al Fahidi Historical District, where you can get an impression of life in this emirate before oil was discovered in the 1960s. Explore the narrow walking lanes with their sand-colored houses, cafes and galleries. Then visit Dubai Museum, built in 1787 and the oldest existing building in Dubai.

On Top of the World

Aerial views of the city of Dubai from the top of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper

Stand on the Burj Khalifa for breathtaking views of this extraordinary city. At 828 meters, this narrow tower is the world's tallest so far. It has an observation deck on the 124th and the 148th floor, and a restaurant-bar on the 122nd. Book tickets well in advance.

Maze of Modern Life

Head to Madinat Jumeirah, one of Dubai's most attractive developments. With your Dubai cruise, stroll along the desert-colored villas and hotels, alongside waterways with palms, banana trees and bougainvillea. Sit down in one of the trendy local cafes for a refreshing fruit juice. At the heart of this modern village lies Souq Madinat Jumeirah, a maze-like bazaar with shops lining wood-framed walkways.

Local Cuisine

You'll be able to find food from anywhere around the globe here — but focus on the local fare for the most authentic experience with Dubai cruises. While you're out on the town, pick up a shawarma , shaved strips of spicy spit-roasted meat served in pita bread. Try manousheh , a flatbread topped with local Akkawi cheese and za'atar herbs. Slate your sweet tooth with luqaimat , fried dough balls spiced with saffron and cardamom.

Pick one of the large number of malls in this shopping Mecca. There's Dubai Mall, the world's largest shopping center, as well as the Mall of Emirates. For a more traditional experience, browse the colorful souqs in Bur Dubai and Deira for Persian carpets, Arabic coffee pots and other trinkets.

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Dubai Beach Break & Arabian Gulf Cruise

Cruise & Stay Holidays

5-star beach break in Dubai followed by a cruise around the Arabian Gulf. After a six-night beach break in Dubai you’ll set sail on an eight-night cruise around the islands and seaside cities fringing the white-sand shores of the Arabian Gulf. Docking overnight in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Doha gives you the chance to learn about the local culture, with optional shore excursions on offer. Docking on Sir Bani Yas Island presents an opportunity for a wild adventure with giraffes, cheetahs, and hyenas all to be found within the island’s nature reserve. Five-star luxury and effortless exploring set this two-week holiday apart. From free time and guided tours to spa treatments and fine dining – if you’re looking to experience the Middle East in style, here’s how you do just that.

Discover Tailor-Made Travel

• Award-winning holidays
• ATOL protected
• Incredible value
• 14 breakfasts

Accommodation

6 nights in hotels in Dubai (choice of Superior or Deluxe accommodation) and 8 nights cruise on Azamara Pursuit cruise ship in a Club Interior Stateroom (please ask for upgraded cabins, staterooms, and suites)

Excursions and visits

• 6 nights in a 5-star hotel in Dubai
• Guided city tour in Dubai and dinner onboard a dhow boat
• Free time for beaches, swimming pools and shopping
• Set sail for a night in Abu Dhabi and Doha
• Experience a whole day on Sir Bani Yas Island
• Enjoy a port of call in Bahrain

Not included

• International flights
• Visa (if required)
• Optional shore excursions

Airport and cruise terminal transfers in Dubai

Asia . Qatar . Doha . UAE . Dubai . Abu Dhabi

International flights not included

From £ 1,921 per person

Mon - Fri: 9am - 8pm

Saturday: 9am - 6pm

Sunday: 10am - 4pm

Duration: 15 days

Please note

• Full board on an Azamara cruise ship, including selected spirits, international beers and wine, bottled water, soft drinks, tea, and coffee.
• Please ask about optional upgrades to a variety of packages to enhance your onboard cruise enjoyment, including premium and ultimate beverage packages, speciality dining, internet access and ‘Experience More’ packages which also feature extra special touches such as selected spa treatments and shore excursion credit.
• Includes cruise taxes, fees, and port expenses and cruise gratuities.

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Explore our list of 6 cruises

The Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf contain treasures that showcase human genius as well as natural gems. From the gigantism of Dubai to windswept dunes, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman offer a range of activities in the city and in the heart of nature that will surprise travellers. 

All about cruises The Persian Gulf

Musical Odyssey in the Middle East

Oriental Wonders & Civilisations

Desert & Cities of the Persian Gulf

Cruising the Arabian Coast – with Smithsonian Journeys

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.

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Must-Sees - Emirates

Although Dubai's gigantism attracts visitors, the United Arab Emirates , Oman and Qatar are still little-known. However, their skyscrapers and luxury boutiques contrast with a spirited focus on traditions and culture that is worth a detour. Here, we look at the places you must go when travelling to the Emirates.

The Essentials - Emirates

If you want to learn more about the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman , then there's nothing like a handy little guide to help.

Explore United Arab Emirates

The Persian Gulf: 1,001 landscapes

A day in authentic Dubai

Discover the treasures of the desert - Oman

b>Nizwa stands at the edge of the desert, in the middle of an oasis. Its old crenelated fort built in the 17th century sits magnificently opposite the Sultan Qaboos Mosque . The light walls contrast with the surrounding palm groves and overlook a souk where pottery jostles with spices and lamps sit alongside fragrant fruit and vegetable stalls. Travelling east, the Wadi Bani Khalid Oasis provides a dose of coolness with its turquoise lakes and contrasting ochre rocks. Further south, Wahiba Sands stands out for its endless orange dunes.

See Dubai differently - United Arab Emirates

When people think of Dubai, they often picture Burj Khalifa (the world's tallest skyscraper at 828 metres), or the palm islands (artificial islands in a palm shape). Yet, Dubai also has a historical quarter , Al Bastakiya, which was built in the 19th century. The Al Fahidi Mosque, quiet streets and artisan stores give this city famous for its gigantism an authentic sense of charm. The host city for the 2020 World Expo , Dubai is also having a new and futuristic neighbourhood built: District 2020 . 80% of the infrastructure will then be used to bring this "smart city" with 100,000 inhabitants to life.

Visit a Bedouin village - United Arab Emirates

A few kilometres from Dubai, the Al Marmoom Reserve reminds travellers that although nature has been tamed in the cities, it is still running wild in the rest of the country. Covering 10% of the UAE's surface, this reserve is home to 26 reptile species and over 360 bird species, including 300 to 500 greater flamingos. The stop also provides the chance to visit a Bedouin village in the middle of a desert oasis with traditional tents and areas for cooking, farm animals and camels, and to enjoy traditional entertainment.

Wander round Doha - Qatar

Souq Waqif is one of the liveliest areas in Doha. The stalls stay open late and are packed with specialities like spices, nuts and fresh dates, rare fragrances, jewellery, clothes and various souvenirs. Aromas snake their way out of restaurants, making visitors feel hungry. Tourists, onlookers and sellers come together in these streets, where the atmosphere livens up when rousing traditional music is played by street artists. However, Doha is also about the calm ambiance of the Museum of Islamic Art with its priceless pieces dating from the 7th to the 19th centuries.

Immerse yourself in the culture of Abu Dhabi

It's impossible to mention Abu Dhabi without talking about its huge mosque . With its 82 domes, its 4 minarets standing at over 100 metres tall and its pristine white marble floor, this is one of the most spectacular in the world. It can host 40,000 visitors. Although 200 Abu Dhabi mosques are closed to non-Muslims, Sheikh Zayed Mosque is open. This gives visitors the chance to marvel at its impressive architecture, and at the world's biggest chandelier and carpet! Another visit, another feel altogether. Since 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi has been the jewel in the United Arab Emirates' cultural crown. Located in the Saadiyat Island area, which has various prestigious museums, the Louvre Abu Dhabi showcases collections including some borrowed from French institutions. These highlight exchanges and influences between cultures.

See wildlife on Sir Bani Yas - United Arab Emirates

Considered something of an ecological gem, Sir Bani Yas Island is home to many animals including giraffes, cheetahs, gazelles, ostriches, hyenas and the world's biggest oryx colony. Originally a desert, it was taken on by the Emir of Abu Dhabi, who planted two million trees in a bid to protect endangered species on the Arabian Peninsula and in the United Arab Emirates. Safaris, mountain biking, kayaking and snorkelling: the island offers various activities that enable visitors to explore all its delights.

Muscat - Oman

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the royal palace, Middle-Age walls, Al Alam Palace and Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts... Muscat 's recent and older landmarks make it an easy place to visit. The capital of Oman (the smallest and hottest in the world) has a peaceful feel with sea, mountains and desert: very different from Dubai or Abu Dhabi which can be disorientating.

Dos. All travellers visiting Oman, Qatar or the United Arab Emirates must be properly dressed in public. Arms and legs should be covered. However, "dressing up" in the dishdasha and keffiyeh worn by the locals isn't recommended. Don'ts. Religion is a thorny topic here. Criticising Islam, the Emir or the authorities can lead to arrest. The left hand is seen as unclean, so eating with it makes a poor impression.

Unique features

Although Tahitian pearls are famous the world over, those of the Persian Gulf are less well-known. Yet, pearl fishing reached its peak here at the start of the 20th century. Some Bedouin tribes left their oasis in summer: the best time for gathering pearls. In the winter, they returned to tend to their palm groves. Pearl activity almost disappeared in the 40s, but then a Japanese entrepreneur opened a pearl farm in 2005 near Ras Al Khaimah. 40,000 pearls are produced here annually.

Essential phrases

Hello / Good evening: Salaam Malekoum Goodbye: ilâ l-liqâ Welcome: Marhaban Excuse me / Please: min fadlik Thank you: shoukran Yes / No: Ayoua / Lâ How are you?: kefalouk Very well, thank you, and you?: Zen, wa ant? My name is…: ismi...

Most of the Persian Gulf's dishes are inspired by foreign specialities like Indian biryani (spicy rice with chicken, lamb or fish) and Middle-Eastern shawarma . However, ghouzi is a typical local dish - one usually reserved for evening parties. A lamb or young camel is spit-roasted on a barbecue, having been stuffed with rice, almonds and spices. Travellers do occasionally have the chance to try this dish.

Myths & legends

Legend has it that Sinbad , the famous sailor who completed seven voyages in Arabian Nights , came from Oman. He was apparently born in the city of Sohar, north of Muscat. In Persian times, Omanis were famed for being excellent sailors. The young Sinbad came from a family of fishermen and would have learnt to control the traditional Omani dhow before casting off at sea.

In the spotlight

Qatar lacks drinking water : something it has to manage daily. The solution chosen by the super-rich oil state is to remove the salt from seawater. Four giant hangars have been built 20 kilometres from the capital, Doha, to store almost two million litres of drinkable water. Other similar projects aim to double storage capacity by 2026. However, industry and agriculture continue to draw on groundwater. It is estimated that 100 million cubic metres are pumped each year underground.

Books. In City of Stars , the Emirati author Sala Galadari immerses the reader in 12th-century Najmia. In this fictitious Middle-Eastern town, we follow Ameera Hussain: a young woman from a privileged background. Her life is torn apart when she learns a family secret that plunges her into the war raging in the neighbouring town.

Facts and figures

27% . This is the GDP share representing activities linked to oil and hydrocarbons in the United Arab Emirates. Aware that fossil fuel production could slow in the coming years, the Emiratis are increasingly focusing on services (business, tourism and finance) which have risen to make up 40% of the GDP.

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The only cruise blog for the Middle East and South Africa

AIDA Cruises Dubai season still on, but cancels Med cruises due to longer repositioning

AIDA Cruises has been forced to cancel several cruises aboard AIDAprima at the tailend of her summer season in the Mediterranean, in order to accomodate a longer repositioning voyage around Africa to reach the Middle East before the winter.

The German cruise line confirmed it intends to return to the Middle East for the 2024/25 cruise season out Dubai, starting in December, but due to the longer three week repositioning voyage around Southern Africa, it has had to cancel three cruises out of Hamburg to the Mediterranean.

AIDAprima was meant to reposition from the Mediterranean to the Arabian Gulf in October, 2024, sailing a grand voyage through the Suez Canal and Red Sea to reach Dubai. Instead, she will sail around the tip of Africa, adding a full week to the journey.

Cruise lines have been avoiding the Red Sea since the security crisis there deteriorated earlier this year, with Houthi rebels in Yemen attacking international shipping with drones and missiles.

“In the interests of the safety of our guests and crew, the necessary adjustments to sailing routes are the only responsible option for us. We thank you for your understanding and trust,” the company said in a statement.

The following fall/winter 2024 cruises have been canceled: AIDAprima: “From Hamburg to Barcelona” on October 26th, 2024 AIDAprima: “From Hamburg to Mallorca 1” on October 26th, 2024 AIDAprima: “From Lisbon to Mallorca” on November 3rd, 2024

Unlike most other cruise lines repositioning ships around Africa to avoid the Red Sea, AIDA Cruises has decided to make the repositioning voyage a paid passenger one as normal, and is offering a full 43-day cruise from Hamburg to Dubai, departing October 26th.

This voyage is also available in shorter legs of 22 days from Hamburg to Cape Town and Cape Town to Dubai. AIDAprima will begin her Dubai cruise season on November 29th, 2024, sailing roundtrip 7-night cruises in the Arabian Gulf.

AIDA Cruises said it will reimburse guests for the previously made payments (except for the travel cancellation insurance) as well as for services already booked on myAIDA in accordance with the payment method originally chosen.

In addition to adjusted itineraries, AIDA also announced new cruises to Africa, bookable from April 29, 2024, with further details to be announced soon.

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Tagged as: AIDA Cruises , AIDAprima , Arabian Gulf , Dubai , Middle East

Published by Shaun Ebelthite

Founder and editor of Cruise Arabia & Africa. I try to create the best news and information specifically for cruise passengers taking cruises to and from Dubai (where I live) and South Africa (where I was born). You can contact me at shaun(at)cruisearabiaonline.com. View all posts by Shaun Ebelthite

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Dubai flooding hobbles major airport's operations as "historic weather event" brings torrential rains to UAE

Updated on: April 17, 2024 / 5:57 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Dubai, United Arab Emirates  — The desert nation of the United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Wednesday from the heaviest rain ever recorded there after a deluge flooded out Dubai International Airport, disrupting travel through the world's busiest airfield for international travel. The state-run WAM news agency called the rain Tuesday "a historic weather event" that surpassed "anything documented since the start of data collection in 1949." 

The rains began late Monday, soaking the sands and roadways of Dubai with some 0.79 inches of rain, according to meteorological data collected at Dubai International Airport. The storms intensified around 9 a.m. local time Tuesday and continued throughout the day, dumping more rain and hail onto the overwhelmed city.

Flooding impacts Dubai International Airport

By the end of Tuesday, more than 5.59 inches of rainfall had soaked Dubai over 24 hours. An average year sees just 3.73 inches of rain fall at Dubai International Airport, a hub for the long-haul carrier Emirates.

At the airport, standing water lapped on taxiways as aircraft landed. Arrivals were halted Tuesday night and passengers struggled to reach terminals through the floodwater covering surrounding roads.

The airport said in a  series of social media posts  that all operations were halted for about 25 minutes on Tuesday afternoon and that all arrivals would be diverted after that "until the weather conditions improve." Late Wednesday morning, the airport and the flagship carrier Emirates were still warning travelers not to come to the airport unless absolutely necessary, saying all flight check-in was still suspended.

"Flights continue to be delayed and diverted. Please check your flight status directly with your airline," the airport said in a tweet. "We are working hard to recover operations as quickly as possible in very challenging conditions." 

One couple, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity in a country with strict laws that criminalize critical speech, called the situation at the airport "absolute carnage."

"You cannot get a taxi. There's people sleeping in the Metro station. There's people sleeping in the airport," the man said Wednesday.

They ended up getting a taxi to near their home some 18 miles away, but floodwater on the road stopped them. A bystander helped them over a highway barrier with their carry-on luggage, the bottles of gin they picked up from a duty-free store clinking away.

Paul Griffiths, the airport's CEO, acknowledged continued issues with flooding Wednesday morning, saying every place an aircraft could be safely parked was taken. Some aircraft had been diverted to Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, the city-state's second airfield.

"It remains an incredibly challenging time. In living memory, I don't think anyone has ever seen conditions like it," Griffiths told the state-owned talk radio station Dubai Eye. "We are in uncharted territory, but I can assure everyone we are working as hard as we possibly can to make sure our customers and staff are looked after."

Did "cloud-seeding" contribute?

Rain also fell in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. However, the rains were acute across the UAE. One reason may have been " cloud seeding ," in which small planes flown by the government go through clouds burning special salt flares. Those flares can increase precipitation.

Several reports quoted meteorologists at the National Center for Meteorology as saying they flew six or seven cloud-seeding flights before the rains. The center did not immediately respond to questions Wednesday, though flight-tracking data analyzed by the AP showed one aircraft affiliated with the UAE's cloud-seeding efforts flew around the country Sunday.

The UAE, which relies heavily on energy-hungry desalination plants to provide water, conducts cloud seeding in part to increase its dwindling, limited groundwater.

Flooding closes schools across UAE

Schools across the UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms, largely shut ahead of the storm and government employees were largely working remotely if they could. Many workers stayed home as well, though some ventured out, with the unfortunate ones stalling out their vehicles in deeper-than-expected water covering some roads.

Authorities sent tanker trucks out into the streets and highways to pump away the water. Water poured into some homes, forcing people to bail out their houses.

The country's hereditary rulers offered no overall damage or injury information for the nation, as some people slept in their flooded vehicles Tuesday night. In Ras al-Khaimah, the country's northernmost emirate, police said a 70-year-old man died when his vehicle was swept away by floodwater.

Fujairah, an emirate on the UAE's eastern coast, saw the heaviest rainfall Tuesday with 5.7 inches falling there.

Authorities canceled school and the government instituted remote work again for Wednesday.

Rain is unusual in the UAE, an arid, Arabian Peninsula nation, but occurs periodically during the cooler winter months. Many roads and other areas lack drainage given the lack of regular rainfall, causing flooding.

Meanwhile in neighboring Oman, a sultanate that rests on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, at least 19 people were killed in heavy rains in recent days, according to a statement Wednesday from the country's National Committee for Emergency Management. That includes some 10 schoolchildren swept away in a vehicle with an adult, prompting condolences from rulers across the region.

Climatologists have warned for years that human-driven climate change is fueling more extreme and less predictable weather events across the globe.

Parts of southern Russia and Central Asia have also been dealing for days with unusually damaging amounts of rainfall and snowmelt, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate to higher ground and killing more than 60 people in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

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Looking for a quick winter getaway that will blow your mind? Look no further than Travelwings and MSC Cruises' 3-night Arabian Gulf cruise aboard the MSC Opera. Experience the glitz and glamour of Abu Dhabi, from its world-famous shopping to its stunning skyline. Enjoy delicious cuisine and endless entertainment onboard, or simply kick back and relax in the luxurious surroundings of the MSC Aurea Spa. This cruise is the perfect way to escape the winter blues and indulge in some much-needed rest and relaxation. Don't miss out on this opportunity to sail away into paradise with MSC Cruises and Travelwings!!

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Dubai’s Extraordinary Flooding: Here’s What to Know

Images of a saturated desert metropolis startled the world, prompting talk of cloud seeding, climate change and designing cities for intensified weather.

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By Raymond Zhong

Scenes of flood-ravaged neighborhoods in one of the planet’s driest regions have stunned the world this week. Heavy rains in the United Arab Emirates and Oman submerged cars, clogged highways and killed at least 21 people. Flights out of Dubai’s airport, a major global hub, were severely disrupted.

The downpours weren’t a freak event — forecasters anticipated the storms several days out and issued warnings. But they were certainly unusual. Here’s what to know.

Heavy rain there is rare, but not unheard-of.

On average, the Arabian Peninsula receives a scant few inches of rain a year, although scientists have found that a sizable chunk of that precipitation falls in infrequent but severe bursts, not as periodic showers.

U.A.E. officials said the 24-hour rain total on Tuesday was the country’s largest since records there began in 1949 . But parts of the nation had experienced an earlier round of thunderstorms just last month.

Oman, with its coastline on the Arabian Sea, is also vulnerable to tropical cyclones. Past storms there have brought torrential rain, powerful winds and mudslides, causing extensive damage.

Global warming is projected to intensify downpours.

Stronger storms are a key consequence of human-caused global warming. As the atmosphere gets hotter, it can hold more moisture, which can eventually make its way down to the earth as rain or snow.

But that doesn’t mean rainfall patterns are changing in precisely the same way across every corner of the globe.

In their latest assessment of climate research , scientists convened by the United Nations found there wasn’t enough data to have firm conclusions about rainfall trends in the Arabian Peninsula and how climate change was affecting them. The researchers said, however, that if global warming were to be allowed to continue worsening in the coming decades, extreme downpours in the region would quite likely become more intense and more frequent.

The role of cloud seeding isn’t clear.

The U.A.E. has for decades worked to increase rainfall and boost water supplies by seeding clouds. Essentially, this involves shooting particles into clouds to encourage the moisture to gather into larger, heavier droplets, ones that are more likely to fall as rain or snow.

Cloud seeding and other rain-enhancement methods have been tried across the world, including in Australia, China, India, Israel, South Africa and the United States. Studies have found that these operations can, at best, affect precipitation modestly — enough to turn a downpour into a bigger downpour, but probably not a drizzle into a deluge.

Still, experts said pinning down how much seeding might have contributed to this week’s storms would require detailed study.

“In general, it is quite a challenge to assess the impact of seeding,” said Luca Delle Monache, a climate scientist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, Calif. Dr. Delle Monache has been leading efforts to use artificial intelligence to improve the U.A.E.’s rain-enhancement program.

An official with the U.A.E.’s National Center of Meteorology, Omar Al Yazeedi, told news outlets this week that the agency didn’t conduct any seeding during the latest storms. His statements didn’t make clear, however, whether that was also true in the hours or days before.

Mr. Al Yazeedi didn’t respond to emailed questions from The New York Times on Thursday, and Adel Kamal, a spokesman for the center, didn’t immediately have further comment.

Cities in dry places just aren’t designed for floods.

Wherever it happens, flooding isn’t just a matter of how much rain comes down. It’s also about what happens to all that water once it’s on the ground — most critically, in the places people live.

Cities in arid regions often aren’t designed to drain very effectively. In these areas, paved surfaces block rain from seeping into the earth below, forcing it into drainage systems that can easily become overwhelmed.

One recent study of Sharjah , the capital of the third-largest emirate in the U.A.E., found that the city’s rapid growth over the past half century had made it vulnerable to flooding at far lower levels of rain than before.

Omnia Al Desoukie contributed reporting.

Raymond Zhong reports on climate and environmental issues for The Times. More about Raymond Zhong

Dubai faces massive clean up after deluge swamps glitzy desert city

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Reporting by Alexander Cornwell, Federico Maccioni, Yousef Saba, Abir Ahmar and Amr Alfiky; Editing by Maha El Dahan, Tom Hogue, Angus MacSwan, Tomasz Janowski and David Evans

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Kenyan military deployed as east africa floods kill dozens.

Kenya's military was deployed on Thursday to rescue victims of heavy rains that have killed dozens of people across East Africa over the past month.