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Abu Dhabi has been awarded the title “World’s Best Cruise Destination” for 2023 by the World Cruise Awards. This recognition, accompanied by the “Middle East’s Best Cruise Destination” accolade, highlights Abu Dhabi’s status as a leading global and regional destination for cruise enthusiasts.

Abu Dhabi’s AD Ports Group achieved recognition as its Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port was named the “World’s Best Cruise Terminal” for the year.

Abu Dhabi’s recognition as the “best cruise destination” by the World Cruise Awards places it ahead of competitors such as Mauritius, Mexico, Jamaica, Alaska, and the Philippines.

Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Port witnessed an upsurge, welcoming over 700,000 visitors during the 2022-23 season, marking an impressive quadruple increase from the preceding season’s 177,639 visitors. 

The season experienced an increase in ship calls, rising from 130 to 184, highlighting the growing appeal of Abu Dhabi as a cruise destination. The momentum persisted in the first quarter of 2023, surpassing the total number of visitors for 2022 by more than 37%, according to a report from the Abu Dhabi Media Office.