Cruise tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments within the UAE’s tourism portfolio. The federation has positioned itself as the leading cruise destination in the Middle East, leveraging modern port infrastructure, winter-season climate, and the combined appeal of Dubai and Abu Dhabi as marquee ports of call on repositioning and dedicated Gulf itineraries.
Passenger Volume Trends
| Season | Cruise Passengers (000s) | Ships (Calls) | YoY Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019/20 | 1,180 | 580 | — |
| 2020/21 | 120 | 48 | -89.8% |
| 2021/22 | 540 | 310 | +350.0% |
| 2022/23 | 1,350 | 620 | +150.0% |
| 2023/24 | 1,620 | 710 | +20.0% |
| 2024/25 | 1,850 (est.) | 780 | +14.2% |
The UAE cruise season runs from October through April, aligned with the broader winter tourism peak. Passenger volumes have surpassed pre-pandemic levels by approximately 57 per cent, driven by increased deployment by MSC Cruises, Costa, and Royal Caribbean.
Port Infrastructure
| Port | Emirate | Berths | Terminal Capacity (pax/day) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal | Dubai | 3 | 18,000 | Operational (2023) |
| Port Rashid Cruise Terminal | Dubai | 2 | 14,000 | Operational |
| Zayed Port Cruise Terminal | Abu Dhabi | 2 | 10,000 | Operational |
| Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach | Abu Dhabi | 1 | 3,000 | Operational |
| Ras Al Khaimah (planned) | RAK | 1 | 5,000 | Development phase |
Dubai Harbour, which opened its cruise terminal in late 2023, represents the most significant recent addition to UAE cruise infrastructure. Located adjacent to Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina, the terminal positions cruise passengers within immediate proximity to the emirate’s primary tourism attractions.
Operator Deployment
Major global cruise lines have increased Arabian Gulf deployment in recent seasons, reflecting growing demand for winter-sun itineraries that combine Gulf ports with Indian Ocean and Red Sea destinations.
| Cruise Line | Vessels Deployed (2024/25) | Homeport | Itinerary Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSC Cruises | 3 | Dubai | Gulf loop, Indian Ocean |
| Costa Cruises | 2 | Dubai | Gulf loop |
| Royal Caribbean | 1 | Abu Dhabi | Gulf and Oman |
| AIDA Cruises | 2 | Dubai | Gulf and Orient |
| TUI Cruises | 1 | Dubai | Gulf repositioning |
Itinerary Structure
Arabian Gulf cruise itineraries typically follow one of three patterns. The standard Gulf loop covers Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, and either Bahrain or Doha over seven nights. Repositioning cruises link the Gulf to the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal or to Southeast Asia via the Indian Ocean. Shorter three-to-four-night mini-cruises serve the regional market, particularly GCC residents.
Economic Impact
Cruise passengers generate lower per-visitor expenditure than hotel-based tourists due to shorter port stays and the inclusion of meals and accommodation aboard the vessel. Average onshore spend per cruise passenger in the UAE is estimated at USD 120-180 per port call, compared to USD 300-450 per night for hotel guests.
| Metric | 2024 Estimate |
|---|---|
| Total cruise passengers | 1,850,000 |
| Average onshore spend per passenger | USD 150 |
| Total onshore economic impact | USD 278 million |
| Crew spend contribution | USD 35 million |
Strategic Rationale
Despite the lower per-visitor yield, cruise tourism serves three strategic objectives for the UAE. First, it provides incremental visitor volume that supports the 40 million target without requiring additional hotel capacity. Second, it introduces first-time visitors who may return for longer hotel-based stays. Third, it strengthens the UAE’s positioning as a year-round maritime hub, complementing its aviation connectivity advantage.
Outlook
Cruise passenger volumes are expected to reach 2.5 million annually by 2028, supported by new terminal capacity, increased operator deployment, and the growth of the Arabian Gulf as an established cruise region. The development of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea cruise port at NEOM introduces both competition and opportunity, as multi-country itineraries incorporating the UAE and Saudi Arabia could expand the overall market.
Current Assessment: Growing — the segment is expanding rapidly from a low base, with infrastructure now in place to support continued acceleration.