The Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World, launched the construction of the major port complex, saying that the terminal will accommodate five large cruise ships in Port Rashid and will support Dubai's strategy to promote growth and development in the tourism sector in a long term.

During the ceremony held on the project's land at Port Rashid in Dubai, the Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem officially launched the construction work in the presence of Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, Vice Chairman of DP World, and Mohammed Sharaf, Chief Group Executive and a number of senior company officials.

The project is expected to be finished at the end of 2013 which will stenghten Port Rashid position in the region as the largest cruise port in the Middle East. The new complex will extend to 27 thousand square meters area.

”Since the oppening 40 years ago Port Rashid shift in the way that allowed Dubai to exercise its business activities after becoming the first facility capable of handling container ships in the region. Today we embark on a new journey. This change will strengthen our traditionally strong tourism sector in Dubai, and we will consolidate the leading position of this city as a preferred destination for cruises in the region.” Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said.

Said Mohammed Sharaf, Chief Executive of the Group, DP World: DP World has considerable experience in the development and port facilities operation. In addition to the Port Rashid in Dubai, the company has developed the largest and most modern marina in South America, operated by the Port Turmanales Rio de la Plata in Buenos Aires.