April 27 - Sea Cloud Cruise liners have their eyes set on the shores of Dubai, said the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) on Monday, adding that the government is holding talks with the Hamburg-based company to launch its services in the Middle East. "We have been approached by a number of cruise companies that are interested in extending their services to Dubai, of which Sea Cloud is simply one of many," said Hamad Mohamed bin Mejren, Executive Director, Business Tourism, DTCM. "Since the launch of the new Dubai Cruise Terminal earlier this year, we are expecting a 30 per cent growth in business compared to 2009."
According to reports, last year there were 87 ships -- 261,000 passengers – that passed through Dubai's Port Rashid Terminal and the number is predicted to go up to 120 ships this year. "By 2015, we are estimating 195 cruise calls or 575,000 passengers to head to our shores," he said. "To achieve this growth, we have invested in our infrastructure by building a state-of-the-art cruise terminal. Alongside, we are also working closely with Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Muscat and Bahrain to offer better port facilities, which will ultimately draw more ships and more tourists to this region."
Huong Tuong Temple is a small temple located on Hang Buom or Sail Street. The temple is said to be over a thousand years old, having been founded in the 9th century, and it still stands as one of the grandest temples in Hanoi's Old Quarter. Classified as a Vietnam National Heritage Site in 2000, further restoration and documentation has returned Den Huong Tuong to its original architecture. ...
Dating back to the Portuguese occupation of this area in the mid 1600s, the castle was built from 1669 to 1679. Construction lasted about 13 years and the product was a massive pentagonal structure, a classic example of Portuguese defense measures. The construction material comprised of slate quarried from Robben Island but some features are distinctly European such as the bell at the entrance whi...
A walk along this pleasant avenue would reveal the true diversity within such a complex metropolitan district – from the quiet, ancient residential blocks to the towering, glowing buildings, and businesses that have recently sprung up, lending a different touch of color and taste to a secluded aspect of colonial architecture. ...
Though a bit removed from the city, this destination is worth a visit for tourists interested in naval history. It is located just around the corner from the Al-Bustan Palace Hotel. Sohar is a replica of a boat that sailed from Oman to Guangzhou, China under the command of 8th century sailor Abdullah bin Gasm. The boat is an incredible feat of architectural design, as not a single nail was used in...