The Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, also called Zayed Port, is located on the northern tip of Abu Dhabi island, about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the city center. While the port has a state-of-the-art terminal and shopping area, there are no other on-site attractions, so new arrivals immediately venture out into the city.
After arriving at the cruise port, explore Abu Dhabi courtesy of full- or half-day shore excursions that include sightseeing, photo stops, and guided tours at key sights. Almost every tour stops at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, drives along the skyscraper-lined Corniche, and includes time at the Heritage Village, an interactive outdoor museum celebrating local Bedouin heritage. Some tours also visit the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, a health facility dedicated to caring for the United Arab Emirates’ much-prized national birds.
Shore excursions and tours that include air-conditioned transport are the most comfortable way to explore hot Abu Dhabi.
Bring a sunhat and sunscreen for even the shortest spells outdoors—the sun can be blisteringly hot.
Arms, legs, and hair (for women) must be covered at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; most tours provide women with suitable covering robes for a small fee.
The Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal offers tourist services, retail outlets, restrooms, and currency exchanges.
Shuttle buses connect the dock with Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, where taxis are plentiful. Few shore excursions and tours offer port pickup and drop-off, so making your own way to the city center is a must. Luckily, complimentary shuttle buses run from the terminal to the World Trade Centre Mall and Souk, two popular meeting points.
Many big cruise lines feature Abu Dhabi ports of call on their itineraries. Arabic is the UAE’s official language, but English is very widely spoken. The local currency is the UAE dirham, and the cruise terminal has an ATM and a foreign exchange bureau.
