Abu Dhabi, UAE Cruise Port Guide
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is unmissable!
🕌 Top Things to See, Do & Eat on Your Cruise Visit to Abu Dhabi, UAE
Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, is one of the Gulf’s most exciting cruise ports. It’s a hub for winter itineraries in the Persian Gulf and a stop on many repositioning routes. Modern, glittering, and filled with cultural treasures, Abu Dhabi is a city where mosques, skyscrapers, beaches, and desert adventures all come together.
Saadiyat Island & the Abu Dhabi Louvre seen from the port with Yas Island in the distance
🇦🇪 UAE at a Glance
Language: Arabic (but English is widely spoken).
Currency: UAE Dirham (AED). £1 ≈ 4.98 AED | $1 ≈ 3.67 AED | €1 ≈ 4.33 AED (September 25).
Time Zone: GST (UTC+4).
Head of State: His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Accessibility: Good – most attractions require transport, but modern malls, hotels and museums are well equipped.
Safety: Extremely safe, but dress modestly and respect local customs.
🚢 Cruise Port Basics
Port Zayed Cruise Terminal
Where ships dock: Port Zayed Cruise Terminal. In 2023, the World Cruise Awards recognised Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal as both the World’s Best Cruise Terminal and the Middle East’s Best Cruise Terminal.
Facilities include:
Free WiFi
Etihad Airways check-in desk & city check-in service for other major airlines
Children’s play area, shops, small supermarket
Passport control, luggage hall, tourist information
Transport from port:
HOHO buses, taxis and Shuttle buses wait just outside the terminal
🚶 Walking: Not possible – port is closed to pedestrians.
🚌 Shuttle: Free Experience Abu Dhabi shuttle bus connects to key areas including downtown, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and the Grand Canal. Route B3 goes directly to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
🏙️ HOHO Bus: Two routes covering all major sights (Corniche, Heritage Village, Louvre, Marina Mall) with interchange at the Grand Mosque.
🚖 Taxis: Plentiful, metered (check meter is on), or book via Uber/Careem apps.
🚍 Local Buses: Cheap but impractical for short cruise calls.
Family Park on the Corniche and Downtown beyond
👟 Exploring Downtown & the Corniche
Corniche Promenade: 3 miles of landscaped waterfront with parks, beaches, and cycle paths. Some beaches are family-only or segregated.
Heritage Village: Replica Bedouin village with craft workshops and pearl-diving exhibits. Free entry.
Marina Mall: Huge shopping centre with panoramic views from Marina Sky Tower.
Observation Deck @ 300: On the 74th floor of Etihad Towers. Tickets AED 95 pp (includes AED 55 credit for food/drink).
Emirates Palace Hotel: Iconic luxury hotel – visitors can access the lobby, cafés, and some restaurants.
The imposing entrance to The Emirates Palace Hotel
🌍 Excursions & Big Sights
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Unmissable! Vast, dazzling, and open to all visitors.
Open daily 9:00–22:00 (closed Friday mornings to tourists).
Free entry, free guided tours available.
Respectful dress is essential; compulsory abayas are provided for women at the entrance.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a must
Yas Island (by free shuttle or taxi)
Yas Marina Circuit: Legendary F1 racetrack.
Ferrari World: Home of the world’s fastest rollercoaster and 40+ record-breaking rides.
Yas Waterworld: 60+ rides and slides for all ages.
SeaWorld Yas Island: 8 immersive realms, 100+ animal experiences.
Warner Bros. World: Fully indoor theme park with cutting-edge rides like Manta Coaster.
Saadiyat Island
Louvre Abu Dhabi: Landmark museum with global art collection (closed Mondays). Entry from 63 AED.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: Opening planned for 2026, designed by Frank Gehry.
Zayed National Museum: Expected to open in December 2025, in another striking building.
Beaches & Resorts: White sands, luxury hotels, golf courses.
Nature & Outdoors
Mangrove National Park: Day or night kayaking tours.
Desert Safaris: Half-day or evening dune-bashing, camel rides, sandboarding.
Al Ain Oasis & Fort (170km): UNESCO World Heritage site.
Liwa Oasis: Vast desert dunes and wildlife experiences.
The Desert Fort of Al-Ain
🛍️ Shopping in Abu Dhabi
World Trade Centre Mall & Souk: Shuttle drop-off point. Mall for global brands; souk for spices, crafts, souvenirs (bargaining expected).
Carpet Souk: Near Mina Road – haggling is essential.
The Galleria (Al Maryah Island): High-end luxury labels.
Yas Mall: Abu Dhabi’s largest shopping centre.
Popular buys: Carpets, spices, gold, perfume oils, dates, handicrafts.
🍴 Eating & Drinking
Dining ranges from mall food courts to Michelin-starred restaurants. Alcohol is served in hotel restaurants and bars.
Local Specialties: Shawarma, mezze, camel milk chocolate, dates, Arabic coffee, fresh juices.
Foodie Souvenirs: Spices, dates, baklava, camel milk products.
🌦️ Climate & Packing
Cruise season (Nov–Mar): Pleasant 24–30°C.
Summer highs: Up to 43°C – stifling for sightseeing.
Tip: Sandstorms sometimes sweep the city.
Pack: Light breathable clothing, sunscreen, hat, modest cover-ups, comfy shoes.
❓ FAQs
Can I walk from the port? No – you’ll need a shuttle or taxi.
Is it safe? Yes – very safe.
Do I need local cash? Cards are widely accepted, but taxis and souks prefer AED.
Friday closures? Yes – Friday is the Islamic holy day. Some shops close midday; mosques are closed to non-Muslims.
💡 Cruise Addicted Tips
✨ Don’t rely on HOHO buses and shuttles – taxis make DIY exploring easy, quicker and cheaper.
✨ Carry a scarf/shawl for mosque visits and icy hotel air-con.
✨ See the Grand Mosque both by day and at night – it’s a completely different experience.
✨ Corniche Beach is perfect for sunset views (note: no evening swimming).
✨ In short…
Abu Dhabi is a dazzling mix of skyscrapers, souks, mosques, and deserts. It’s glossy and modern but deeply rooted in tradition – a port that delivers true contrasts and unforgettable mem
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