The Middle East is a region of sunshine, culture, and traditions. Although the region might not be regarded as a foremost cruise destination in the world, the Middle East offers a lot of exciting attractions and activities to its visitors. You will discover in this article, the 10 Best Luxury Cruise Ports and Destinations in the Middle East.
There are several reasons why a luxurious Middle East cruise should be included in your cruise bucket list.
A cruise itinerary to the Middle East can take you to several ports and destinations where you can explore the relics of ancient civilizations and mysteries, encounter diverse and unique cultures, experience cities with gold-domed mosques, shop in enchanting local markets, revel glamorously in the desert, and meet heartwarming locals.
Luxury activities you can experience on a Middle East cruise range from private helicopter tours to exclusive tours of ancient ruins, historical sites, temples and mosques, desert safaris and skis, high-end shopping in cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, and local markets (souk) experience where you can shop for gold products, souvenirs and other local handcrafts.
People around the world are becoming increasingly interested in exploring, experiencing and enjoying the Middle East through a cruise itinerary. A cruise itinerary to the Middle East can be elegant, classy and ritzy if you sail with one of the best luxury cruise lines in the world. Several of these have cruise programs and packages for the region offering captivating onboard and shore experiences.
Tentatively, a Middle East cruise could be just the adventure you need on your next vacation. An experience completely different from the popular cruise destinations of Europe and the Caribbean.
The Middle East Cruise Region Defined
The Middle East as used in this article encompasses the territories on the Arabian Gulf and in Northeast Africa. It includes countries like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Yemen, Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt.
Islam is the primary religion of the countries in the Middle East with only the exception of Israel which is mostly included in the Eastern Mediterranean cruise itinerary. Hence, your compliance with the accepted social standards or other ethical regulations of the countries of the ports and destinations in the Middle East you will be visiting is paramount.
The topography of the Middle East is mostly desert with shores bordering the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Arabian Gulf (or Persian Gulf), the Gulf of Oman and the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
The sunny weather and heartwarming locals, especially during the freezing winters offer an adventurous escape for discerning cruisers not only from Western countries (e.g. Europe and North America) but from around the world.
Exploring the cruise ports and destinations in the Middle East is a great way to appreciate the region, its culture, attractions and people.
The regional specification of the Middle East is shown in the map below.
The Best Luxury Cruise Ports and Destinations in the Middle East
1. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the eponymous emirate, is one of the leading cruise ports and destinations in the Middle East. A city of around 2.5 million people, Abu Dhabi was named the World’s Best Cruise Destination 2023 at the prestigious World Cruise Awards.
Several other international accolades were accorded to Abu Dhabi including the Middle East’s Best Cruise Destination 2023 and the main cruise port (terminal) serving the city, the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port also secured top honours with two awards – the World’s Best Cruise Terminal 2023 and the Middle East’s Best Cruise Terminal for 2023 [Source].
Situated at Zayed Port, the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal is well-connected to public transport links giving cruise passengers easy access to the Emirati city of Abu Dhabi. The terminal was launched in December 2015 and is dedicated to cruise ships.
The Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal can accommodate three large cruise ships at a time. It is equipped with gourmet restaurants, retail outlets, duty-free shops, luggage storage and on-site public transportation services including the iconic Abu Dhabi BigBus Tours open-top double-decker buses that offer hop-on hop-off guided tours of the city.
Top attractions and landmarks to see, explore and experience in Abu Dhabi are the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Corniche, the Yas Island with its Ferrari World, Waterworld and tones of luxury amenities, the Qasr Al-Hosn Fort, the National Aquarium, and the Emirates Park Zoo.
You can also window shop at either the Yas Mall on Yas Island or The Galleria on Al Maryah Island.
2. Doha, Qatar
Doha, a city of over 600,000 people is the capital and largest city in Qatar. The Doha Port primarily serves the city.
The Port of Doha or Doha Port is located in the heart of the city with proximity to the impressive Souq Waqif, museums and the city’s top attractions. It is home to Qatar’s premier cruise terminal – the Grand Cruise Terminal and landmarks like the Box Park and the Museum of Islamic Art.
The Doha Grand Cruise Terminal is located on the spectacular Doha Corniche which is a popular venue for year-round events, exhibitions, festivals and conferences.
The Terminal offer cruise passengers access to the unlimited world of Qatari hospitality, entertainment, landmarks and attractions. Passengers and crew are welcomed in a traditional Qatari way and an enchanting aquarium sits at the arrival side of the cruise terminal.
Satisfy your taste buds in one of the terminal’s posh restaurants like IDAM, Jiwan and SMAT or lodge at world-class luxury hotels like the Golden Tulip Doha, Banana Island Resort Doha and the Ritz-Carlton Sharaq Village, Doha.
Visit the National Museum of Qatar, shop for luxury brands at the Doha Mall, explore the Corniche and its wide range of amenities, and take a lavish day trip to the ultra-luxe Pearl Island.
Doha is a blissful Arabian city and one of the best cruise ports and destinations in the Middle East.
3. Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)
Jeddah is a prominent port city in the Makkah Province of Saudi Arabia along the Red Sea coast of the country in the Hejaz Region. With a population of over 3.5 million people, Jeddah is the largest city in the Makkah Province and the Second Largest in Saudi Arabia.
The city of Jeddah is served by the Jeddah Islamic Port, the largest port in the Red Sea and the second-largest and second-busiest port in the Middle East (after the Port of Jebel Ali in Dubai, UAE). It is one of the most significant cruise ports and destinations in the Middle East.
Cruise ships that call at Jeddah dock at the Jeddah Cruise Pier located at the Jeddah Islamic Port. There are no terminals at the pier but there are facilities to ensure smooth and safe embarkation and disembarkation of cruise passengers.
A GaWC-designated Beta World City and the main resort city of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah is a culturally rich port city where you can enjoy an abundance of seafood (unlike any other part of the Kingdom), experience several attractions and engage in fun activities.
Shop for high-end luxury products at the Red Sea Mall or simply explore the wide world of traditional merchandise of Jeddah at any of its great souks, especially in Al-Balad (“Old Town”) where you can shop for souvenirs, and local handicrafts and interact with the locals.
You can enjoy pleasure rides and games at the Al Shallal Theme Park or the Atallah Happy Land Park, see the spectacular King Fahd’s Fountain, swim with the dolphins at Fakieh Aquarium, visit the beautiful Al Rahma Mosque, go on a gourmet food tour, visit the dazzling Globe Roundabout, and sight the Jeddah Lighthouse [Source].
Beaches like Silver Sands Beach, Durrat Al-Arus, Crystal Resort and the Bait Albahar are some of the best in Jeddah where you can relax and soak in the sun.
4. Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Dubai is a world-class city and one of the most luxurious cities in the world where people go to relax, shop and splurge. The “City of Gold”, Dubai is not just the epitome of Arabian luxury, it is one of the most luxurious cruise ports and destinations in the Middle East and the world.
With an urban population of over 3 million residents, Dubai is the largest city in the UAE. The city’s main cruise terminal is the Dubai Cruise Terminal located at Port Rashid. The terminal is one of the world’s top 5 cruise terminals to dock. More than 500,000 people dock annually at the Dubai Cruise Terminal.
The terminal offers facilities and services including a restaurant, a coffee bar, a business centre with free internet access, an ATM, concierge services and free shopping shuttles from malls such as Marcato Mall, Dubai Outlet Mall and Burjaman.
Downtown Dubai, about 10km away from the Dubai Cruise Terminal is a 33-minute journey by Subway and a 10-minute drive by Car or Taxi [Source].
The sparkling city of Dubai offers an unparalleled luxury experience with a fascinating blend of traditions, culture and groundbreaking modernity, the fullness of which you should explore and experience during a Middle East cruise itinerary.
Most famous landmarks in Dubai are the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest structure), the Burj Al Arab (the world’s only seven-star hotel), the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Museum, the Dubai Creek, and the Palm Jumeirah (one of the most luxurious artificial islands in the world).
High-end shopping till you drop, sunbathing on gorgeous beaches, souvenir and spice shopping at the souks, fine dining and unlimited desert fun including glamping and camel rides are experiences you should relish in Dubai.
5. Muscat, Oman
Muscat is the largest city and capital of the Sultanate of Oman (or simply Oman) south of UAE on the Gulf of Oman. The city has a population of about 1.7 million people as of September 2022 [Source].
The Port Sultan Qaboos (PSQ) is the main cruise port of Muscat located on the western headland of Muscat’s Muttrah district. This is the primary gateway to the glamour and splendour of the Sultanate of Oman. This is one of the foremost cruise ports and destinations in the Middle East.
The city of Muscat is a modern Arabic desert edifice with a spectacular blend of Arab, Indian, African and European architectural influences. No high-rise buildings in Muscat and the vibrant desert city’s buildings are no higher than 8 floors.
Prominent landmarks and points of interest like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Wahiba Sands (Sharqiyah Sands), Wadi Banu Khalid, Muttrah Souk, the Royal Opera House, the Al Alam Palace and the Bait Al Zubair Museum are worth exploring during a shore excursion or tour of the city.
Relax on the city’s prestigious Qurum Beach and check in at The Chedi Muscat, a contemporary Arabian-influenced and Muscat’s most luxurious 5-star resort located in Al Bustan. Relish scrumptious menus at The Restaurant at the Chedi, one of the best in the whole of Oman.
The luxurious contemporary desert city of Muscat is one of the best luxury cruise ports and destinations in the Middle East where you will have a rich cultural experience amidst authentic Arabian opulence.
6. Manama, Bahrain
Manama, a major centre of trade routes since antiquity is the largest city and modern capital of the Gulf island nation of Bahrain. The city lies in the northeastern tip of the country and it is one of the best cruise ports and destinations in the Middle East for an authentic natural Arabian island experience. Manama is known as the Pearl of the Gulf!
Cruise ships visiting Manama dock at the Khalifa Bin Salman Port offering easy access to the core parts of the city. The port has a modern cruise terminal, a duty-free store and other port services. There are transport services including taxis, buses and organized excursions for cruise passengers who want to explore and experience the best of the city.
Manama, known for its safety, souk shopping, mosques and high-rises offer several attractions and amenities to explore.
Shop in style at the Manama Souk or the Seef Mall, visit cultural wonders like the Bahrain National Museum, the House of Al Jasra and the Al Fateh Grand Mosque (Bahrain’s largest mosque), and see the Bahrain Fort (Qal’at al-Bahrain).
You should also explore Manama’s long stretch of sandy beaches and lively coral reefs. Check Al Jazair for the largest and most pleasant beaches in the city.
Wrap up your Manama tour by sampling some authentic Bahraini delicacies and drinks such as Machboos, Galwa, Mahyawa, Halwa Showaiter, Qamar al-Din and Balaleet.
Manama’s experience would be one of the most unforgettable in your itinerary through the luxury cruise ports and destinations in the Middle East.
7. Aqaba, Jordan
Aqaba is a port city in Jordan on the Red Sea’s Gulf of Aqaba. A city of over 180,000 residents. Aqaba is known for its Islamic-era forth, the Aqaba Forth, luxury beach resorts and a variety of fun sport activities including windsurfing, watersports and scuba diving. The city the southernmost in Jordan.
The Aqaba Cruise Port and Terminal is the only access by sea to Jordan. It is one of the best luxury cruise ports and destinations in the Middle East. The port, originally a commercial port, also accepts cruise ships to dock. Downtown Aqaba is roughly a 15-minute drive from the cruise port.
The major highlight of an Aqaba cruise itinerary is the lost city of Petra, the Wadi Rum, the Red Sea and its Coral Reefs, Ayla and the Old Town, Sharif Al Hussein Bin Ali Mosque, and the Dead Sea.
Explore the ancient ruins of the lost city of Petra which was a thriving trading centre and the capital of the Nabataean empire that existed between 400 BC and AD 106 [Source]. Wadi Rum is a desert marvel about an hour drive north of Aqaba. It is known as the site that the British soldier adventurer T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) fell in love with.
Aqaba is also renowned for its collection of luxury hotels and resorts such as the Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea, Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla, InterContinental Aqaba (Resort Aqaba), an IHG Hotel, and the Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba.
You can snorkel and scuba dive in the spectacular Red Sea Coral Reefs, relax on the beaches or float effortlessly in the Dead Sea.
8. Safaga, Egypt
Safaga is an idyllic port town on the Red Sea coast of Egypt, 53km (33 mi) south of Hurghada. The town have a total population of around 55,000 people [Source].
The sizeable Egyptian town of Safaga is renowned for its pristine environment, black sand dunes, mineral springs and its moderately developed tourism industry specializing in scuba diving.
The Safaga Port also known as Bur Safaga is an ancient marine port that provide access to the town, its attractions and nearby sites. Safaga was the host of the 1993 Red Sea World Windsurfing Championships. It is a Red Sea haven for watersport enthusiasts including windsurfers, kitesurfers, and scuba divers.
Enjoy scuba diving in the Panorama Reef (Safaga most prestigious coral reef), visit the ruins of Mons Claudianus, tour the Safaga Grand Mosque and tower and savour delicious meals at the Ali Baba Restaurant.
Explore the Safaga Old Market where you can shop for artifacts, local handicrafts, porcelain, beads, hand woven clothes with gold threads and other souvenirs. Revel at the Menaville Resort and take a luxury glass-bottom boat cruise to Hurghada.
You can also experience an adventurous jeep Safari or Quad bike in the desert or book a spa and wellness session at the Menaville Resort & Spa.
There are several day trips organized from Safaga to fascinating sites and destinations like Tobia Island, Ras Abu Soma, Luxor City and Hurghada.
[Image Credit: Angentia Madison Travel]
9. Salalah, Oman
Salalah is the third-largest city in the Sultanate of Oman and the largest in the country’s southern province of Dhofar. The city has a 2020 population of 331,949 people [Source].
The Port of Salalah serves the city, it is the largest in Oman and one of the most prominent cruise ports and destinations in the Middle East.
The port is an industrial (container) port surrounded by desert and there is no cruise terminal building. Most cruise passengers get to the city though a local taxi or a cruise ship organized transport service. It’s a trip of around 15-minutes from the port to downtown Salalah.
Salalah is the greenest destination in the Middle East. This is due to its annual summer monsoon season or The Khareef during which the desert topography is transformed into a flourishing green landscape.
Visit the Sultan Qaboos Mosque, the premier attraction of Salalah. Explore splashing waterfalls like Ayn Athum, Ayn Khoor and Ayn Gigub. Paddleboat at the iconic Wadi Darbat, get soaked at the Mughsail Blowholes, tour the Land of Frankincense (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and experience the Sand Desert of Empty Quarter Oman (Rub Al Khali).
The Haffa Souk, the Gold Souk and the Salalah Central Market provide shopping opportunities. You can also swim, scuba dive or snorkel amidst exotic marine life in Mirbat or simply go on a Dolphin Watching Cruise.
There are lot of things to see and do in Salalah. Check out 15 Best Places to Visit & Things to Do in Salalah for a comprehensive guide.
10. Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Dammam, a bustling port city of around 1.5 million people, is the capital of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. The city is the fourth-most populous in Saudi Arabia. Known as the primary administrative centre for the Oil Industry of Saudi Arabia, Dammam is one of the emerging luxury cruise ports and destinations in the Middle East.
The King Abdul Aziz Port, also known as the Dammam Port is the primary cruise port serving the city. This is essentially an industrial port. The port welcomed its first-ever cruise ship, the MSC World Europe on 11th January 2023 with about 5,000 passengers onboard [Source].
There are ongoing plans by the Saudi Port Authority to develop a world class cruise terminal at the Dammam Port and drive the port to be among the leading cruise ports and destinations in the Middle East [Source].
The city itself is adorned with tones of attractions and leisure amenities. Top attractions are the Dammam Corniche which you can explore though a sunset stroll, the stunning Al-Murjan Islands, lively souks like the Share Al-Hob Souk, the King Fahd Park (one of the biggest parks in Saudi Arabia and the Dolphin Village.
You can also book a tour of the Dammam Museum, relax on the famous Half Moon Beach, and relish scrumptious delicacies in one of the city’s sophisticated restaurants like the Darin Seafood Restaurant, Royal Malabar Restaurant, Heritage Village and Steakhouse Dammam.
Lavish luxury resorts such as Sheraton Dammam Hotel & Convention Centre, Kempsinki Al Othman Hotel Al Khobar, Braira Al Dammam Hotel and the Dana Rayhaan by Rotana offer opulent world-class accommodation in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are the best luxury cruise ports and destinations in the Middle East?
A1. The best luxury cruise ports and destinations in the Middle East are:
- Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Doha, Qatar
- Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Dubai, UAE
- Muscat, Oman
- Manama, Bahrain
- Aqaba, Jordan
- Safaga, Egypt
- Salalah, Oman, and
- Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Q2. What are the best cruise lines for itinerary to the best luxury cruise ports and destinations in the Middle East?
A2. Several renowned luxury cruise lines offer cruise to the Middle East, these cruise lines include:
- Regent Seven Seas (RSS)
- Seabourn
- Royal Caribbean Cruises
- Oceania Cruises
- MSC Cruises
- Crystal Cruises
- Celebrity Cruises
- Azamara Cruises
- SilverSea Cruises
- Windstar Cruises
- Cunard, and
- Viking Cruises
Q3. What is the best time to cruise to the Middle East?
A3. The best time to go on a Middle East/Arabian Gulf cruise or itinerary is between October and March. The weather is mild, not so hot and you are assured of pleasant sunny days.
Q4. What are the best tips to know when cruising the Middle East?
A4. Some of the best tips you should know on a Middle East (Arabian Gulf) luxury cruise include:
- Language: Though Arabic is the primary language of Middle East countries, you shouldn’t worry too much about this as there are large international communities with English proficiency in the region. And several of the locals also have some basic understanding of the English Language.
- Dressing: Due to the strong cultural and religious values of the countries in the Middle East, women are encouraged to wear only clothes that are non-revealing. Temperature in the Middle East can be high, therefore, light but covering clothes are great choices. There are no strict regulations for men wears.
- Weekdays: Several Middle Eastern countries official workdays run from Monday till Thursday. The Weekend begins on Thursday and Friday is generally a day off. Several facilities and services like malls, shops, and restaurants are closed on Fridays.
- Documentation: Most of the countries in the Middle East (Arabian Gulf) require a passport and visa for entrance. You should check with your cruise line to know if there is any entrance exception or special requirement in your itinerary destinations for nationals of your country before boarding.
- Health and Medication: People allergic to hot weather should give it serious thought before embarking on a Middle East cruise. And in some of the Middle East countries, some prescription drugs like antidepressants or medications with codeine are deemed illegal. if you will be sailing with any medications to the Middle East, bring with you a copy of your doctor’s prescription.
Conclusion
Exploring the ports and destinations in the Middle East through the seas is perhaps the most fascinating way to experience and enjoy this culturally-rich region.
Glittering sunny days complemented by unparallel onboard amenities and services (I recommend you sail with a luxury cruise line and ship) to internationally recognized exotic and ritzy cruise ports and destinations in the Middle East like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Manama, Aqaba, Muscat and Safaga is an adventure that leaves a lifetime memory.
Appreciate the Bedouin and Arabian culture, tradition and hospitality, savour delicious traditional cuisines, shop like a local at lively souks, meet amazing locals, relax on unpolluted beaches, visit ancient ruins and historical landmarks and participate in fun recreational activities. This article is an open guide to the best luxury cruise ports and destinations in the Middle East.
The Middle East is a fast-emerging cruise destination that should be on every discerning traveller’s itinerary bucket list. The region offers tourists and guests a perfect blend of unique culture, history, recreation and entertainment.
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