Dubai has welcomed thirteen foreign cruise liners that were at sea while the majority of countries had closed maritime borders as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, an said by an Emirati official Wednesday.
The UAE, of which Dubai is one of seven members, has officially reported more than 8,000 infections and 52 deaths from the COVID-19 disease.
Dubai, an vital global transport hub, have imposed a strict lockdown and suspended international travel.
“We have welcomed all boats that found themselves in the region, whether they were based in the Emirates or passing through,” said Mohammed Al Mannai, the executive director of Port Rashid.
Thirteen cruise ships carrying aroud 29,000 passengers and 10,000 crew members have been allowed entry by Dubai port authorities, he said.
“We have taken the necessary strict measures with these arriving boats (including) carrying out medical tests,” he said, adding that the passengers had spent “a long time” at sea before finding a port at which to berth.
The passengers and most crew members were flown home, 80 percent of whom were Europeans, he said, adding that none of them had tested positive for COVID-19.
The now vacant cruise liners are still docked in Dubai, where they could remain until October, when Mannai hopes the tourist season might resume and the deserted port return to normal operation.
Tourism is by and large low between May and September because of the intense heat and humidity in the UAE.
Dubai, which lacks the oil wealth of neighbouring AbuDhabi, has built its fortunes on becoming a transport hub, financial centre and tourist destination.
Dubai welcomed 16 million tourists in 2019 and before the coronavirus pandemic, had hoped to reach 20 million this year.
