Photos: Abu Dhabi’s Sir Bani Yas island is ready for cruises

Abu Dhabi Ports Group inaugurated a new jetty at Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach. The new Jetty will allow two vessels to dock simultaneously, which will enable more than 5,000 passengers to embark and disembark at an accelerated rate at Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, inaugurated the cruise jetty at Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach.

Sheikh Hamdan tours after the opening. Developed by AD Ports Group, Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach is renowned as the first and only dedicated cruise beach of its kind in the region offering a blend of relaxation and adventure to visitors.

The new jetty will significantly increase the capacity of the number of visitors to the island, reduce the time it takes to move to and from a vessel, and enhance the overall experience for cruise passengers.

The new jetty is equipped with eight mooring dolphins, firefighting equipment, and solar lighting.

The new Jetty will allow two vessels to dock at the same time, which will enable more than 5,000 passengers to embark and disembark at an accelerated rate at Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach.

Previously, cruise ships set anchor about one kilometre offshore from the island and visitors were ferried to and from the beach via tender craft.

Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Chairman of AD Ports Group, said: "It is our privilege to welcome Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the opening of the new jetty at Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach. We are grateful for his valuable support and contribution to the significant ongoing development of the Al Dhafra region. "The tourism sector, and cruise tourism, in particular, plays a key role in driving economic diversification and sustainable development, with a significant impact on local, regional and national economies. With the creation of these enhanced facilities, we will welcome more visitors to Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach than ever before and offer a superior disembarkation experience for passengers, raising the profile of Abu Dhabi and the Al Dhafra region in particular for global travellers. Today marks an important step forward in our strategy to establish Abu Dhabi as one of the leading hubs in the world for cruise tourism."

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said: "AD Ports Group continues to support the development of significant maritime, logistics and tourism projects within the UAE and across the region, because we recognise the wider benefits such strategic investments deliver for the economy and the community. By developing Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach as a sustainable cruise destination, we are supporting our leadership’s vision".

Sheikh Hamdan toured the MSC Virtuosa cruise ship berthed at Sir Bani Yas Island as part of the ship’s regular in the Arabian Gulf where he was informed about the suites facilities and services provided to passengers.

Several of the world’s top cruise liners have resumed their cruise activities in Abu Dhabi, while visitors and guests from all over the world have begun to arrive to the UAE’s capital. Mein Schiff 6, a German TUI-owned cruise ship became the first cruise vessel to arrive at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal in Zayed Port following the commencement of the current cruise season.

Located in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Region, Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach is the gateway to one of the UAE’s largest natural reserves open to the public. Rich with UAE heritage and natural marvels, the island offers a unique experience to its visitors. AD Ports Group has been supporting the ongoing development of Al Dhafra region. Its ports play a vital role in serving the local fishing industry, providing jobs for the local communities, and facilitating the current redevelopment on the surrounding islands.