Abu Dhabi Crowned World’s Best Cruise Destination for 2025 as Arrivals Approach 700,000

Abu Dhabi has reinforced its growing reputation as a leading global cruise hub after being named World’s Best Cruise Destination and Middle East’s Best Cruise Destination for 2025 by the prestigious World Cruise Awards. The accolades reflect the emirate’s sustained investment in port infrastructure, visitor experiences, and regional partnerships, as cruise arrivals neared 700,000 in 2024.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced the achievement, highlighting the emirate’s strategic vision to build a world-class cruise tourism sector. The recognition comes at a time of strong growth, with Abu Dhabi welcoming close to 700,000 cruise passengers last year, underlining its rising appeal among international cruise lines and travellers alike.

Central to this success is Abu Dhabi’s dual-port strategy, which offers cruise visitors two distinct and complementary experiences. The Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port acts as a seamless gateway to the capital, featuring efficient immigration services and direct access to the city’s major attractions. From here, passengers can explore iconic landmarks across the emirate, including the Saadiyat Cultural District, home to the upcoming Zayed National Museum and the Natural History Museum.

Complementing the urban experience is Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach, the Arabian Gulf’s only dedicated beach cruise terminal. The destination provides a unique island escape, with pristine beaches, wildlife safaris, nature experiences, and a wide range of water sports, adding a distinctive dimension to Abu Dhabi’s cruise offering.

Commenting on the achievement, Haitham Ali Khamis, Director of Tourism Product Development at DCT Abu Dhabi, said the awards reflect the success of a long-term strategy focused on quality and collaboration. He noted that continued investment in dual-port infrastructure, alongside dedicated tools for the travel trade, is helping position Abu Dhabi at the forefront of cruise tourism in the region.

Abu Dhabi’s role as a founding member of the Cruise Arabia Alliance has also been instrumental in strengthening cross-GCC connectivity. During the current season, the emirate is set to host 174 cruise calls, marking a 27 per cent year-on-year increase and further underlining its momentum in the sector.

Growth has been supported by a range of initiatives across the cruise ecosystem. These include the enhanced Crew Pass 2.0, designed to improve experiences for cruise crew members, as well as dedicated platforms for the travel trade. The Experience Abu Dhabi Experts e-learning platform provides certified training for industry professionals, while the Abu Dhabi Pass reseller portal offers wholesale rates to help agents develop tailored pre- and post-stay programmes.

The cruise sector’s achievements align closely with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to attract 39.3 million visitors annually by the end of the decade. By combining world-class infrastructure, cultural depth, and a reputation as one of the world’s safest cities, Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a premier global destination for tourism, culture, and cruise travel.