Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal

The creation of the state-of-the-art Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal proved to be a milestone in Arabian cruise tourism, designed to welcome a surge of passengers visiting the emirate by cruise ship. 

Located in Zayed Port, the terminal first opened its gates in 2015 and is now a welcoming gateway to tourists from around the world, fully equipped to host all kinds of vessels for turnaround and home-porting. Its contemporary design combines traditional Arabic styles and modern design elements, hosting world-class transport links to a variety of cultural attractions and entertainment activities, as well as an enhanced range of tailored passenger services in one place. Traditional Arabic ornaments, colours and shapes combine with modern architectural elements to define the terminal’s distinctive style that celebrates the UAE’s cultural heritage and pays tribute to its long maritime history.

Passengers can often enjoy custom Arabic coffee, falconry demonstrations and henna painting on arrival, while a traditionally themed souk (market) and heritage area host lively activities for passengers and the general public. A regional first, the terminal includes Etihad Airways check-in counters, allowing disembarking passengers to deposit luggage and prepare for their journey onwards by plane.