Abu Dhabi Ports, the master developer, operator and manager of commercial and community ports within the emirate of Abu Dhabi, as well as Fujairah Terminals and Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi, KIZAD, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with Abu Dhabi Airports for the provision of a first time in the region offering of airport check-in counters at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal.

The MoU was signed between Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports and Abdul Majeed Al Khoori, Acting CEO at Abu Dhabi Airports on 25th October, 2017.

Commenting on the strategic partnership, Captain Al Shamisi, said, "Year-on-year, Abu Dhabi continues to welcome an increasing number of visitors looking for unique and unrivalled experiences. And after a record-breaking cruise season during 2016-2017, which saw a 48 percent increase in passengers arriving at our terminals in Zayed Port and Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach, Abu Dhabi Ports is committed to continue supporting the growth of the maritime tourism sector by providing passengers with services that address all their needs."

"We are excited about this strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports, which represents the government’s commitment to enhancing the Emirate’s appeal as a tourism hub, in line with the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030," he added.

Abu Dhabi Ports reported the best ever cruise performance for Abu Dhabi last season. With further growth expectation, Abu Dhabi Airports introduced 15 check-in counters at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminals, located in Zayed Port, to streamline the travel experience for passengers.

Commenting on the collaboration, Al Khoori said, "As we embark on a new phase of our journey, soon operating one of the largest airport terminals worldwide from an increasingly vibrant city, it is crucial that we tie the knot with key partners within the transport and tourism industries to create a strong network of entities driving growth and success for this astounding destination of Abu Dhabi. We are proud to sign this MoU with Abu Dhabi Ports today, and look forward to increasing the scope of collaboration in the near future."

Noura Rashid Al Dhaheri, Cruise Terminal Manager, said, "Since it’s inauguration in 2015, Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal has played a leading role in the development of Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry attracting more and more visitors to the emirate, positioning itself as a world-class tourism hub. During the last cruise season, which was extended to June for the first time, we witnessed an increase in visitors flocking to Abu Dhabi. As we continue to offer our passengers unique and value-added services to streamline their visit to Abu Dhabi, we anticipate our partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports, which is a first for the region, will attract further growth and success during the upcoming season."

Under the agreement, Abu Dhabi Airports and the selected airline operators will introduce on-ground services, including check-in counters, which passengers arriving at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal can utilise to complete their airline check-in ahead of their arrival to Abu Dhabi International Airport.