The number of cruise ship passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi is projected to grow up to 100 percent in 2010, as more ships are attracted to the region. Mana al Mana, chief executive of 
said “We aim to attract cruise lines to start their voyage from Abu Dhabi. We are currently in discussions with operators.” Mr. Al Mana said the number of cruise passengers is expected to increase to between 160,000 and 190,000 this year. Last year the number of passengers increased from to 90,004, up from 71,467 in 2008.
Royal Caribbean’s Gulf based cruise ship, Brilliance of the Seas was launched last month. The new luxury cruise liner sails from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and other parts and is expected to bring 32,000 passengers into Abu Dhabi in its first season of sailing. The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and Department of Transport are developing a cruise tourism strategy and studying the possibility of setting up a cruise terminal in the capital.
