The opening of a new cruise terminal in Abu Dhabi marks a “step change” in the emirate’s tourism ambitions to become one of the world’s top winter sun destinations, according to senior officials.
Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, officially opened the new Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal on Sunday.
Zayed Port’s new permanent terminal, a major landmark for cruise tourism in the Gulf, will serve as a major facilitator in boosting the cruise tourism sector.
Zayed Port will witness a fivefold increase in the number of passengers and ships during the 2015/2016 season compared to the first cruise season of 2006-2007.
Growth projections for the cruise tourism sector in the emirate anticipate more than 300,000 passengers by the 2019-2020 season.
“These are exciting times for Abu Dhabi’s cruise industry,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, TCA Abu Dhabi chairman. “The opening of the new Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal marks a step-change in how Abu Dhabi is perceived as a cruise destination.”
He added: “I anticipate Abu Dhabi’s wide-ranging landscapes and experiences, UNESCO inscribed heritage sites and the forthcoming world-renowned cultural museums on Saadiyat Island will continue to be the catalyst to attract more passengers to commence their cruises from Abu Dhabi on home porting vessels at the new state-of-the-art terminal facility in years to come.”
MSC Cruises, the Switzerland-based global cruise line is the first cruise line to choose Abu Dhabi and the new terminal as its home port for the 2015/16 season.
Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of State and chairman of Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “With the leadership’s direction, Abu Dhabi Ports is dedicated to further develop the tourism sector in support of Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification efforts.
“By working closely with our strategic partners and building the necessary infrastructure we hope to expand Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector and reinforce its position as a major global destination.”
Ali Majed Al Mansoori, chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, added: “The new terminal is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s commitment to providing world-class infrastructure and services to support its growing tourism sector.
“This facility will strengthen the city’s position as an international tourist destination, supporting the diversification of the emirate’s economy, in line with Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030.”
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