Abu Dhabi has won the title of World’s Best Cruise Destination for 2025 at the prestigious World Cruise Awards. This win adds to its honor as the Middle East’s Best Cruise Destination. It is the second year in a row that the UAE capital tops these rankings. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) credits strategic planning and major investments for this success. Nearly 700,000 cruise passengers are expected to arrive in 2024, showing Abu Dhabi’s rise as a global cruise hub. Abu Dhabi’s cruise appeal lies in its unique dual-port strategy: - Zayed Port Cruise Terminal offers quick arrivals and easy access to city landmarks such as the Saadiyat Cultural District and the Zayed National Museum. - Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach is the only dedicated cruise beach terminal in the Arabian Gulf, providing peaceful island escapes with beaches, safaris, and water sports. This approach gives travellers a choice between vibrant city culture and serene nature retreats in one trip. The emirate will welcome about 174 cruise calls this season, a 27% increase from last year. This growth reflects strong global confidence in Abu Dhabi’s cruise sector. New regional programs like Crew Pass 2.0 and tools for travel partners help make cruise visits smoother for passengers and operators. These initiatives encourage visitors to extend their stay and explore Abu Dhabi’s attractions. Abu Dhabi’s cruise tourism fits into its bigger Tourism Strategy 2030, aiming for 39.3 million visitors yearly by decade’s end. Growth in cruise arrivals complements investments in culture, heritage, luxury hospitality, and eco-tourism. Officials emphasize Abu Dhabi’s world-class ports, safety, quality service, and close proximity to major attractions as key reasons cruisers choose the city. Abu Dhabi is no longer just a cruise stopover but a destination worth exploring on land. The emirate’s back-to-back wins highlight its shift from a regional stop to a global leader in cruise tourism. With a smart blend of city life, cultural richness, and island escapes, Abu Dhabi is now among the top cruise destinations worldwide. Abu Dhabi’s status as the top global and Middle East cruise destination for 2025 confirms its role as a must-visit spot for cruise travellers and a strong player in international maritime tourism.