Abu Dhabi is on the cusp of a monumental shift in its cruise tourism sector, as it prepares to welcome 174 cruise ship calls across its terminals in the 2025–2026 season. This forecasted growth represents a remarkable 27% increase from the previous year, solidifying the emirate’s growing stature as a prime cruise destination. Following a record 700,000 cruise arrivals in 2024, Abu Dhabi is continuing its efforts to develop and diversify its tourism offering, positioning itself as a key player in the global cruise market.
Abu Dhabi: Rising Star in Cruise Tourism
Abu Dhabi’s expansion in cruise tourism comes as no surprise, given its strategic focus on enhancing its infrastructure and expanding its appeal to international travelers. Recognized as the World’s Best Cruise Destination for 2025 by the World Cruise Awards, the emirate has already established a strong reputation as a top-tier port of call in the Middle East.
The surge in cruise ship calls reflects Abu Dhabi’s long-term investments in the sector. By partnering with key international and regional cruise lines, the emirate is establishing itself as a go-to destination for cruise travelers, offering a unique blend of cultural, recreational, and scenic experiences that appeal to a wide range of visitors.
Two Remarkable Cruise Terminals Offering Diverse Experiences
Abu Dhabi boasts two premier cruise terminals that cater to diverse types of travelers. The Zayed Port Cruise Terminal, which serves as the main embarkation point, is ideally located for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant cultural scene. Its proximity to iconic landmarks, such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and Qasr Al Hosn, allows passengers to easily explore the rich heritage of the emirate.
In contrast, the Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach, located on the largest natural island in the UAE, offers a completely different experience. As the only dedicated beach cruise terminal in the Arabian Gulf, Sir Bani Yas provides cruise passengers with a tranquil island escape. The terminal offers access to pristine beaches, nature reserves, and a range of outdoor activities, making it an ideal stop for those seeking relaxation and adventure in a serene environment. The two terminals together create a varied and appealing experience for cruise travelers, from urban exploration to island leisure.
Strategic Partnerships Fueling Long-Term Growth
The success of Abu Dhabi’s cruise sector can be attributed to its effective partnerships with leading global cruise lines. These collaborations have helped position Abu Dhabi as a hub for cruise operators seeking to expand their itineraries in the Arabian Gulf. The multi-year homeport agreements with major operators reflect the confidence that the cruise industry has in the emirate’s future as a key cruise destination.
In addition to these strategic partnerships, Abu Dhabi’s commitment to enhancing its tourism infrastructure and service offerings has played a pivotal role in its rise as a cruise tourism leader. The emirate continues to invest in state-of-the-art terminals, digital tools for travel professionals, and seamless pre- and post-cruise itineraries, ensuring that passengers have a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Cruise Tourism: A Core Pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030
The growth of the cruise sector aligns perfectly with Abu Dhabi’s ambitious Tourism Strategy 2030. Aiming to attract nearly 40 million visitors annually by the end of the decade, the strategy places a strong emphasis on diversifying tourism offerings and enhancing the emirate’s position as a world-class destination. The cruise industry, with its continued expansion, plays an essential role in achieving this vision.
As part of the broader strategy, Abu Dhabi has introduced several initiatives designed to make the city more accessible and appealing to cruise travelers. This includes the development of a certified e-learning platform for travel agents, designed to help them create customized itineraries, as well as a reseller portal to promote local attractions and experiences. These tools aim to simplify the booking process and enable agents to build integrated travel packages that enhance the overall visitor experience.
Abu Dhabi’s Cruise Sector: Poised for a Bright Future
Looking ahead, Abu Dhabi’s cruise sector is well-positioned for sustained growth. With the 2025–2026 cruise season forecast to see a 27% increase in ship arrivals, the emirate’s reputation as a leading cruise destination will continue to strengthen. The investments made in infrastructure, coupled with strategic partnerships and a commitment to enhancing the visitor experience, will ensure that Abu Dhabi remains at the forefront of global cruise tourism.
As the emirate works toward achieving its Tourism Strategy 2030 goals, the cruise sector will play an instrumental role in attracting millions of visitors to the city, boosting its status as a major global tourism hub. With its combination of world-class infrastructure, unique cultural offerings, and tranquil natural escapes, Abu Dhabi is set to become an even more prominent destination for cruise travelers from around the world.
The post Abu Dhabi Set for Exceptional Growth in Cruise Tourism with 174 Ship Calls Expected for the 2025–2026 Season, Marking a 27% Surge appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
