Abu Dhabi has won four awards at the 2023 World Cruise Awards, including the World's Best Cruise Destination and Middle East's Best Cruise Destination, while Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port, operated by AD Ports Group, has been awarded as the World's Best Cruise Terminal and the Middle East's Best Cruise Terminal.
The four awards are a testament to Abu Dhabi's position as a cruise destination of choice, highlighting the emirate’s world-class facilities and hospitality.
His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: "The global and regional accolades emphasise Abu Dhabi’s commitment to providing memorable and authentic experiences to cruise tourists. Emirati hospitality awaits cruise visitors sailing the Arabian Gulf, and Abu Dhabi’s blend of tradition and modernity has made it not only the top choice in the region, but a renowned global option for visitors captivated by Abu Dhabi’s diverse destination offerings."
Noura Rashed Al Dhaheri, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Cruise Business at AD Ports Group, said: "With a spotlight on the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port, voters recognised the facility’s excellence in customer service, state-of-the-art facilities, and seamless operations. The terminal’s evaluation was based on passenger satisfaction, safety measures and innovative services which reaffirms AD Ports Group’s cruise business’s position as a world-class cruise terminal developer and operator. A beacon of excellence, setting new standards in the cruise industry."
Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port has witnessed remarkable growth, welcoming more than 700,000 visitors to Abu Dhabi. In the first quarter of 2023 Zayed Port registered a total of 363,494 visitors and 120 calls, a significant increase from the previous year.
Abu Dhabi’s recognition as a global cruise destination also reflects the dedication to offering new and unique experiences, available throughout the year, enhanced by strategic partnerships such as the collaboration between MSC Cruises and Formula 1. This collaboration will bring the region’s first F1 Cruise concept to the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port during the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November 2023.
