Abu Dhabi allows cruise liners to resume service

Starting September 1, cruise liners in Abu Dhabi will be allowed to resume services after shutting down operations in 2020 due to the pandemic.

That's according to the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), which said detailed precautionary measures will be in place to ensure the safety of everyone onboard.  

Passengers will have to be vaccinated and have a negative PCR test result with 48-hour validity, while cruise ships will carry out daily sterilisation of terminals and put together a comprehensive emergency plan to respond to positive cases.

DCT and @AbuDhabiPorts will implement strict safety measures to protect passengers and crew, including requiring passengers to be vaccinated and have a negative PCR test result within 48 hours, plus daily sterilisation of terminals and a comprehensive emergency response plan.

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) June 22, 2021

Noura Rashed Al Dhaheri, Managing Director - Cruise Business, Abu Dhabi Ports, highlighted how "a cruise management plan" has been implemented "to ensure an efficient, smooth, and safe return to regular cruise operations".

"We are delighted to welcome all cruise liners back to Abu Dhabi after a challenging year. This step comes (as) part of the leading efforts to enliven the Emirate’s tourism sector after the impressive results we’ve achieved in combatting the spread of the pandemic, and yet another step towards strengthening the UAE capital’s position as a world-class hub for maritime tourism," said Ali Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at DCT Abu Dhabi.

In 2019, around 500,000 cruise passengers arrived in the Emirate’s ports, marking a 46 per cent increase compared to 2018, while number of cruise ships increased by 43 per cent to hit 192. 

"We will continue to work closely with our partners at Abu Dhabi Ports to further boost the maritime tourism sector and attract more businesses and tourists, by providing them with unparalleled services and experiences, while exploring Abu Dhabi and its diverse offerings," Ali Al said.