World's Best Cruise Destination 2025 has been crowned and it's not Caribbean or Europe

The World Cruise Awards, one of the most respected accolades in global cruise tourism, has officially crowned Abu Dhabi with the prestigious title of World’s Best Cruise Destination for 2025 and the win for the Emirate's city is in addition to being named the Middle East’s Best Cruise Destination. This marks a second consecutive year that the UAE capital has topped these rankings, highlighting its rapid emergence as a premier hub for cruise travellers worldwide. The achievement reflects strategic planning, major infrastructure investment and an expanding portfolio of visitor experiences that appeal to leisure, culture and adventure seekers alike.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has been instrumental in driving this success, working to position the emirate as a vibrant cruise hub that attracts international passengers and cruise liners through innovative offerings and seamless travel experiences. With nearly 700,000 cruise arrivals in 2024, Abu Dhabi’s ascent from a less-recognised stop on the global cruise map to one of its leading destinations underscores the effectiveness of its long-term tourism strategy.

Abu Dhabi’s dual-port strategy: City culture meets island escape

A standout element of Abu Dhabi’s cruise appeal is its dual-port strategy, giving visitors two contrasting yet equally compelling experiences on arrival -

• Zayed Port Cruise Terminal: The main gateway into the emirate, offering efficient arrival formalities and immediate access to major city highlights such as the Saadiyat Cultural District, the Zayed National Museum and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.
• Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach: The Arabian Gulf’s only dedicated cruise beach terminal, providing a tranquil island escape with pristine beaches, wildlife safaris, water sports and a relaxed, resort-like atmosphere far from the urban buzz.

This dual-experience model means Abu Dhabi is not just a transit point but a destination in its own right, offering both cultural richness and natural retreat options that resonate with diverse traveller preferences.

Abu Dhabi’s record growth and cruise call expansions

Abu Dhabi’s recognition as a top cruise destination is also supported by a significant year-on-year increase in cruise calls. In the current season alone, the emirate is scheduled to handle approximately 174 cruise calls, representing a 27% increase over last year. It is a clear indicator of growing demand and global confidence in its cruise sector.

Part of this growth stems from regional collaborations and industry partnerships, such as enhanced programs for crew mobility (like Crew Pass 2.0) and dedicated tools for travel trade partners, which together help streamline operations for cruise lines, tour operators and passengers. These ecosystem-level initiatives make it easier for cruise visitors to plan not only port visits but extended stays in the city’s attractions and luxury hospitality offerings.

Abu Dhabi’s tourism strategy 2030: Cruise sector part of a bigger vision

Abu Dhabi’s cruise tourism success dovetails with its broader Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to attract nearly 39.3 million visitors annually by the end of the decade. The cruise sector’s expansion complements investments in culture, heritage, leisure, luxury hospitality and eco-tourism experiences throughout the emirate, reinforcing a diversified tourism economy.

Officials emphasise that the world-class maritime infrastructure, paired with safety, quality hospitality and entry points close to iconic attractions, positions Abu Dhabi not only as an attractive stop for cruise itineraries but increasingly as a destination passengers want to experience on land before or after their cruise.

Abu Dhabi’s back-to-back win at the World Cruise Awards underscores the emirate’s transformation from a regional stopover to a global cruise tourism leader. Through long-term infrastructure investment, strategic port development and thoughtful visitor experience design, Abu Dhabi is redefining how cruise travellers perceive Middle Eastern maritime destinations, blending culture, city life and natural beauty into a compelling package.

For cruise passengers and travel planners alike, Abu Dhabi now ranks alongside the world’s most desirable sea-based travel stops, offering everything from cultural immersion and heritage highlights to island relaxation and adventure activities. As it continues to expand and diversify its offerings, the emirate looks set to maintain and strengthen its place at the top of global cruise destination rankings in the years ahead.

Abu Dhabi’s recognition as both the World’s Best Cruise Destination and the Middle East’s Best Cruise Destination for 2025, driven by its dual-port approach, cultural depth, visitor growth and strategic tourism planning, cements its status as a must-visit stop for global cruise travellers and a major player in international maritime tourism.