Abu Dhabi Set for Record-Breaking Cruise Season as Port Calls Surge in 2025–2026
Abu Dhabi is set to experience a remarkable increase in cruise ship activity during the 2025–2026 season, with a projected 174 cruise ship calls at its two cruise terminals, marking a 27% rise from the previous year. This forecast was announced by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, highlighting the emirate’s ongoing success in the cruise industry.
In the previous year, Abu Dhabi welcomed around 700,000 cruise arrivals and was honored as the World’s Best Cruise Destination for 2025 by the World Cruise Awards. The uptick in cruise calls is a direct result of local initiatives to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a key cruise hub. These efforts include government partnerships with global cruise operators and development projects dedicated to tourism.
To aid travel agents, local authorities have launched resources like a certified e-learning platform and a reseller portal to create integrated itineraries that encompass both pre- and post-cruise activities.
Abu Dhabi boasts two main cruise facilities: The Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port serves as the primary embarkation point, conveniently located near major cultural attractions. Meanwhile, the Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach, located on the UAE’s largest natural island, is the only dedicated beach cruise terminal in the Arabian Gulf, providing passengers with unique recreational opportunities in a stunning natural setting.
The increased cruise schedule reflects long-term commitments from cruise lines, including a multi-year homeport agreement, and planned returns from prominent operators, demonstrating robust confidence in the market.
This surge in the cruise sector aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to attract nearly 40 million visitors annually by the end of the decade, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a premier global destination.
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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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