Abu Dhabi (WAM)
The opening of the cruise pier at Sir Bani Yas Beach for cruise ships affiliated to Abu Dhabi Ports Group constitutes a new tributary that establishes Abu Dhabi’s leading position on the global tourism map, a destination for tourists and visitors from around the world to enjoy exceptional tourism and entertainment experiences, marine landmarks and unique nature.
The cruise berth received the cruise ship “Virtousa”, with more than 2,500 passengers of different nationalities on board, who expressed their fascination with Sir Bani Yas Island, its picturesque nature, and the unique tourist attractions it contains that take the tourist on an exceptional journey to explore the depths of nature.
The new berth, which includes eight berths, firefighting equipment and solar-powered lighting systems, allows two ships to be received simultaneously at Sir Bani Yas Beach for cruise ships, enabling passengers to complete the procedures for boarding and disembarking ships quickly and smoothly after the ships were anchored at a distance One kilometer from Sir Bani Yas Island for passengers to be transported by small ferry to and from the beach.
Various offers
Saud Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “The opening of the new cruise berth on Sir Bani Yas Island beach, the first beach destination for cruise ships in the Arabian Gulf region, is a qualitative addition that supports the marine and tourism infrastructure in Abu Dhabi, and also confirms the commitment of The emirate is moving forward with developing experiences that enrich its diverse tourism offerings, and the new berth will facilitate and speed up access to the island’s shore, and give more visitors coming on cruise ships the opportunity to enjoy exceptional tours and activities. We are confident that this initiative will enhance Abu Dhabi’s position on the map of the most distinguished and fastest growing marine tourism destinations in the world.”
important step
For her part, Noura Rashid Al Dhaheri, Director General of Cruise Business – Abu Dhabi Ports Group, said that the opening of the new berth at Sir Bani Yas Beach for cruise ships is an important step in supporting efforts to develop the cruise tourism sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, “As we are now able to receive Two cruise ships at one time in this famous tourist destination.”
She added, “The project embodies our efforts in support of the growing economy in the emirate in conjunction with the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the United Arab Emirates… to confirm through it our firm commitment to developing state-of-the-art facilities that support cruise lines in the Middle East, with our keenness to improve the visitor experience.” We are pleased to play a prominent role in supporting efforts to improve the quality of cruise ship services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in order to support the future growth of one of the fastest growing sectors in the UAE.”
After the resumption of the 2021-2022 cruise season, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi opened its doors to visitors and travelers from all over the world, and began to receive many ships belonging to major international cruise companies at Abu Dhabi Cruise Ship Station, such as the German TUI Cruise Company, whose ship was ( Main Schiff 6) was the first to launch the season of tourist cruises in the emirate.”
unforgettable experiences
Rola Joni, CEO of Tourism 365, said: “As part of our ongoing commitment to support and promote leisure tourism in the UAE, we continue to work to provide unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
She added, “The new berth developed by Abu Dhabi Ports Group contributes to enriching the cruise experience, and we look forward to providing beach activities and distinguished services that contribute to attracting more guests to Sir Bani Yas Beach for cruise ships.”
unique teacher
A number of tourists arriving on board the cruise ship “Virtousa” said: “Sir Bani Yas Island is a unique tourist landmark with its archaeological, historical and natural sites.”
“This place is very good,” said Burgos from Mexico. “The temperature is excellent. It is a pleasant experience for me to see this beautiful country.”
Mark Lippert said: “I am enjoying being on this cruise. This is my first time..I am looking forward to getting to know Abu Dhabi now..The design of this island is very cool.”
For his part, Alexandra from Montenegro said: “We are here today in Sir Bani Yas. I am amazed at the beauty of this island.. It is very beautiful and there are many activities that we can do here today.”
first of its kind
It is worth noting that Sir Bani Yas Beach for cruise ships, developed by Abu Dhabi Ports Group, is the first and only one of its kind in the region dedicated to tourist cruises, and offers a wide range of entertainment and adventure facilities to its pioneers, and the new berth contributes to increasing the number of visitors to Sir Bani Yas Island, and reducing time needed to get on and off ships, and improve the cruise passenger experience.