Abu Dhabi Set to Experience Record Cruise Season with Sharp Increase in Visits for 2025-2026
Abu Dhabi is set to experience a record cruise season in 2025-2026, with an anticipated 174 cruise ship calls across its two terminals, marking a significant 27% increase from the prior year. This surge follows a successful year in which Abu Dhabi welcomed approximately 700,000 cruise arrivals and earned the title of the World’s Best Cruise Destination for 2025 from the World Cruise Awards.
The rise in cruise visits is attributed to strategic initiatives by local authorities aimed at establishing Abu Dhabi as a leading cruise hub. Efforts include forming partnerships with regional and international cruise operators and developing enticing destination offerings. A certified e-learning platform and a reseller portal for attractions have been introduced to aid the travel trade in creating cohesive pre- and post-cruise itineraries.
Abu Dhabi’s cruise operations are centered around two main facilities: the primary Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port, conveniently located near key cultural sites, and the unique Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach. The latter serves as the Arabian Gulf’s sole dedicated beach cruise terminal, providing passengers with access to idyllic natural landscapes and leisure activities.
Cruise lines have shown long-term commitment to this growing market by entering into multi-year homeport agreements and maintaining scheduled returns, showcasing their confidence in Abu Dhabi’s cruise potential. This expansion aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to attract nearly 40 million visitors annually by the decade’s end.
For more details on the latest developments in Abu Dhabi’s cruise industry, you can view additional articles on the CruiseMapper News.
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At CruiseShip.net, our editorial team is made up of passionate travelers, seasoned cruisers, and maritime industry enthusiasts who live and breathe life at sea. From the latest ship launches and destination spotlights to detailed reviews and onboard tips, we are dedicated to helping readers discover the joy of cruising. Our mission is to make every article both inspiring and useful, whether you are planning your first voyage or your fiftieth. We research, fact-check, and collaborate with cruise insiders around the world to bring you accurate, up-to-date, and exciting coverage of the global cruise industry. Join us as we chart new horizons, exploring one port, one ship, and one unforgettable experience at a time.
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