Abu Dhabi has been crowned the World’s Best Cruise Destination for 2025. The UAE capital has also earned the title of the Middle East’s Best Cruise Destination by the prestigious World Cruise Awards. For a city that once sat outside the global cruise conversation, this second consecutive win makes a vast difference.
Abu Dhabi Named World’s Best Cruise Destination For 2025
Abu Dhabi has now taken home this title for the second year in a row, proving that its cruise strategy is perfectly aligned. From investment, smart planning, to a clear tourism vision, these factors have turned the emirate into a cruise hub. Now the global operators want to include it on their itineraries, as mentioned in a report by Travel and Tour World.
A Cruise Strategy Built For Scale
The announcement came from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. They have been steadily shaping a cruise ecosystem that balances efficiency with experience. In 2024 alone, Abu Dhabi welcomed close to 700,000 cruise passengers. What’s driving this growth is a clever dual-port model that gives cruise travellers real choice. On one side, there’s Zayed Port, and on the other, an island escape away from the city.
Two Ports, Two Very Different Experiences
The Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port acts as the entrance to the city. Immigration runs smoothly, and access to the city is fast. And within minutes, passengers can head to the Saadiyat Cultural District, Zayed National Museum and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.
Then comes the wildcard: Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach. It’s the Arabian Gulf’s only dedicated beach cruise terminal. It delivers wildlife safaris, clean beaches, water sports, and zero city noise.
Also Read: Travelling To Dubai? You Can Score A Free Cruise Trip And Attraction Passes With Emirates
From regional collaborations to Crew Pass 2.0, the emirate has focused on supporting cruise lines and travel agents, apart from passengers.
Also, this season alone, the emirate is set to handle 174 cruise calls, marking a 27 per cent increase over last year.
Bottom Line
Abu Dhabi won the World’s Best Cruise Destination through planning, investment, & demand of global cruise travellers.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/elijah.lovkoff’s Images
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