Abu Dhabi is forecast to receive 174 cruise ship calls across its two cruise terminals during the 2025–2026 season, representing an approximate 27% increase over the previous year, according to data released by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. The growth follows a year in which the emirate recorded around 700,000 cruise arrivals and was recognised as the World’s Best Cruise Destination for 2025 by the World Cruise Awards.
The rising number of calls reflects ongoing efforts by local authorities to develop Abu Dhabi as a significant cruise hub, supported by partnerships with regional and international operators and destination development initiatives. As part of this strategy, tools aimed at the travel trade, such as a certified e-learning platform and a reseller portal for attractions, have been introduced to facilitate the creation of integrated pre- and post-cruise itineraries.
Abu Dhabi’s cruise infrastructure is anchored by two distinct facilities. The Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port serves as the primary embarkation point and is positioned close to key cultural attractions, while Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach, located on the UAE’s largest natural island, functions as the Arabian Gulf’s only dedicated beach cruise terminal, offering passengers a contrasting island environment with natural landscapes and recreational opportunities.
Long-term commitments by cruise lines, including a multi-year homeport agreement and scheduled returns by major operators, have contributed to the expanded schedule, indicating sustained confidence in the market. The broader growth of Abu Dhabi’s cruise sector aligns with its Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to position the emirate as a leading global destination by attracting nearly 40 million visitors annually by the end of the decade.