zoomImage Courtesy: Abu Dhabi ports

Port operator Abu Dhabi Ports is set to officially open the new state-of-the-art cruise terminal at Zayed Port in December.

The preparations for the cruise terminal opening are in full swing in coordination with the Abu Dhabi Ports’ strategic partners such as Etihad Airways, Tourism and Culture Authority-Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Customs, and Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC).

The terminal is aimed at helping Abu Dhabi Ports serve the increasing number of cruise liners and passengers visiting the Emirate.

“We have achieved a major milestone by completing this ambitious cruise terminal project within one year. This will serve Abu Dhabi’s rapidly growing cruise industry. At all stages of the project, the guidance and support of the wise leadership gave us the strength and inspiration to accomplish this astounding task,” said Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports.

Zayed Port recently hosted three luxury cruise vessels on the same day, those being Island Sky, owned by Noble Caledonia, that docked at Zayed Port as part of a 16-day voyage from Muscat in Oman to Mumbai in India, EUROPA 2, owned by Hapag-Lloyd,which was on a 20-day cruise from Dubai to Mauritius and Seven Seas Voyager, owned by Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Zayed Port has scheduled 111 vessel calls with 205,000 passengers from across the globe during 2015/2016 season. This will represent fivefold increase in number of passengers and ships visiting Abu Dhabi since the first cruise season during 2006-2007.

This impressive growth is projected to reach more than 300,000 passengers expected on 130 scheduled ship calls by 2019-2020 season, catalysed by the new cruise terminal and the Arabian Gulf’s first cruise beach stopover at Sir Bani Yas Island that has already started receiving cruise vessels.