With a vibrant new hotel sector and a host of attractions, Abu Dhabi is on a mission to boost tourism to the emirate. But the goal is not just landlubbing visitors, but also to attract more cruise passengers. To increase the cruise ship business, Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) recently unveiled plans to revamp Zayed Port with a permanent terminal building connected to a souk and “heritage area” where passengers would find ample shopping and entertainment.
Last season, the port witnessed 96 vessel calls with 155,000 passengers. Zayed Port's capacity has already been increased since container traffic has been diverted to Khalifa Port. The first phase-- transforming the port to accommodate two large cruise ships and one small vessel-- will be completed by October. For more information about Abu Dhabi's luxury hotels, see this article in Luxury Travel Advisor, and for a look at Abu Dhabi's tourism growth, see our coverage in Travel Agent Magazine.
Pictured: The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, which opened in May.