A Strong Season
During the current 2024-2025 cruise season, Abu Dhabi is going to receive around 150 cruises.
Those cruises will be via Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal and Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach.
Noura Rashid Al Dhaheri, CEO of Cruise Business at Abu Dhabi Ports Group anticipated a strong season, attracting international tourism.
Due to Abu Dhabi’s advanced facilities.
Abu Dhabi Ports added smart electronic gates at the terminals to streamline passport screening procedures.
this reduces the time required for passenger entry, which contributes to increased operational capacity.
In collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi Ports has launched an innovative information center.
This center will assist visitors to obtain tourist information about the emirate.
They have also introduced several interactive electronic kiosks, allowing guests to easily book various tourist attractions directly from the terminal.
New Cruise Lines and Services
The newly constructed Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal 2 witnessed significant demand last season.
It also received positive feedback from visitors for its spacious design and smooth passenger flow.
Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal 2 has added substantial value and capacity to Abu Dhabi Ports.
As it is attracting numerous new cruise lines that will start sailing to Abu Dhabi this season.
Abu Dhabi Ports established ‘Marafiq’ company for luggage transportation and off-airport check-in for passengers at Zayed International Airport.
This was in partnership with Etihad Airways, as well as other airlines like Air Arabia and Wizz Air.
Allowing all departing passengers from Abu Dhabi to check in and transport their luggage easily and directly at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal 1.
Abu Dhabi Cruise Season 2024-2025 with Integrated Environment
Abu Dhabi Ports also conducted the first test of an autonomous aircraft from Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Mina Zayed.
Launching the first experimental vertiport test for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft in the UAE.
Specifically in Abu Dhabi, supported by the Smart Autonomous Systems Council.
This represents a significant step towards developing the operational environment.
It is implementing Abu Dhabi’s plans to enhance smart transportation and ground terminals.
Besides applying autonomous driving technology to create an integrated environment that supports modern technology and sustainable transportation.
Regarding Sir Bani Yas Island, Al Dhaheri stated that Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach is preparing for a busy season.
Highlighting the increasing appeal of this leading destination and its importance in supporting the cruise sector.
Non-oil private sector activity in the UAE stabilised in November, while improving demand conditions boosted new business growth. pic.twitter.com/Xfg8ojy7ve
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) December 6, 2024
Major Improvements
Al Dhaheri expects the accreditation to be renewed before the upcoming cruise season after meeting all necessary standards.
Mentioning the significant allocated investments to enhance visitor experience.
Including increasing beach capacity by 25% and making major improvements to key facilities, such as upgrading beach amenities.
Golf carts and alternative-powered transportation within the beach have been updated.
Ensuring smooth and eco-friendly transport for both travelers and staff.
Investments have also been made to increase capacity and develop infrastructure to improve the level of services provided.
