The Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has stated that cruise ships would resume operations in Abu Dhabi on September 1, 2021, following months of shutdown in 2020 due to COVID-19 protective measures.

Maritime tourism in Abu Dhabi saw significant development in 2019, culminating in a record-breaking year for the industry. Throughout the year, approximately 500,000 cruise tourists landed in the Emirate's ports, representing a 46% increase over 2018. Likewise, the number of cruise calls increased by 43 % in 2019 to a total amount of 192.

“After a difficult year, we are happy to welcome all cruise lines back to Abu Dhabi. That's also part of the drive to revitalize the Emirate's tourist industry following the outstanding achievements we accomplished in preventing the pandemic's spread, and this is yet another move toward enhancing the UAE capital's status as a world-class centre for marine tourism. We would continue to collaborate closely with our colleagues at Abu Dhabi Ports to promote the marine tourism industry and generate more businesses and visitors by delivering exceptional experiences for customers while discovering Abu Dhabi and its various offerings.” stated Ali Al Shaiba, DCT Abu Dhabi's Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing.

“We are quite well prepared to greet and welcome vaccinated guests to the UAE's capital yet again, and we are delighted to witness the return of cruise operations at both Zayed Port and Sir Bani Yas Island,” said Noura Rashed Al Dhaheri, Managing Director – Cruise Business, Abu Dhabi Ports.

“Following Abu Dhabi's health guidelines for international arrivals, Abu Dhabi Ports is implementing a multitude of health and safety measures to safeguard passengers and crew, including daily sterilization activities throughout the terminal, the need for PCR testing before leaving port, and the execution of a comprehensive emergency response plan for dealing with positive cases inside the terminal.

“Cruise guests visiting Abu Dhabi can rest assured that every precaution is being implemented to protect their health and safety throughout their stay.” DCT Abu Dhabi would announce several projects throughout the year as part of its plan. This would include planned projects and events, and involvement in global events as part of the destination's attempts to advertise itself to a worldwide audience.

Tourism 365 has been launched: The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (Adnec) has launched “Tourism 365” to provide experience travel options for visitors to Abu Dhabi and to strengthen the emirate's regional and global standing in the tourism industry.

The company's debut is in keeping with Adnec's new expanded mission of supporting Abu Dhabi's growth as a tourist destination by boosting leisure travelers, improving guest experiences, and prolonging their stay in the UAE's capital.

The business would collaborate with major stakeholders in the Abu Dhabi tourist sector and the UAE. Capital Experience, a high-quality destination management business, and Capital Travel, a premium travel operator, would be part of it.

“By establishing Tourist 365, Adnec continues to accomplish its objective in expanding Abu Dhabi's tourism sector,” said Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of Adnec.