DUBAI, 12 October 2006 — City is gearing up to welcome as many as fifty cruise ships at its state-of-the-art cruise terminal during the winter season starting from this October to April 2007. According to a statement from Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), the passenger vessels, some of which making their debut in the Middle East region, are scheduled to have a total of 64,993 passengers and crew members on board. Luxury cruise ships, Queen Mary 2, Costa Classica, AIDAcara and Black Watch will be making their debut in the Middle East this season utilizing the region’s first and only dedicated cruise tourism facility. DTCM Director General Khalid A. ibn Sulayem said that the preparations have been made to welcome the cruise ships.