Abu Dhabi Ports, the master developer, operator and manager of commercial and community ports within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, has signed an agreement with Jalboot Marine, a local company that provides ferry services around Abu Dhabi, to begin cruise trips to the Louvre Abu Dhabi in addition to other city landmarks.

Abdulkareem Al Masabi, Executive Vice President of Ports, and Mohamed Roestali, CEO of Jalboot Holdings, signed the agreement today, in the presence of Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports. The agreement allows Jalboot Marine to operate cruise ships and tours from Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Mina Zayed.

Captain Al Shamisi said, "It has been a remarkable season for Abu Dhabi’s marine tourism sector with Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal and Sir Bani Yas Island being key factors in this continued prosperity. We have signed an agreement with Jalboot Marine to operate marine cruise ships and tours to Abu Dhabi's most important cultural and tourist attractions as part of our efforts to enhance customer experiences and provide a variety of activities and attractions.

"Abu Dhabi Ports is keen to play a pivotal role in further supporting Abu Dhabi’s positioning as a unique touristic destination. We can see ample avenues to expand alongside our partners and stakeholders and look forward to this opportunity to work with Jalboot Holdings and to further contribute to the success of the cruise sector," he added Expected to start operating in the current season, Abu Dhabi’s first water-taxi shuttle services will be available for residents and visitors for city sight-seeing and drop-off. Passenger pickup will be from Zayed Port’s Cruise Terminal and will include several stops at destinations such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Yas Island and Etihad Towers.

Commenting on the agreement, Abdulkareem Al Masabi Executive Vice President, Ports, said, "We will continue to work closely with all relevant organisations to showcase Abu Dhabi’s spectacular views through the maritime transportation sector. Our partnership with Jalboot will open new gateways for Abu Dhabi’s tourism and leisure as well as offer a unique sight-seeing experience around the city’s touristic attractions."

Mohamed Roestali, Jalboot Holdings CEO, said, "We welcome the partnership with our colleagues at Abu Dhabi Ports and thank Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi for his support in making this collaboration a success. We also thank his team and our strategic partners the Department of Culture and Tourism, Miral and Aldar for their continued support in the development of the water transportation sector in Abu Dhabi."

The agreement also includes the building of a new 20m jetty with wheelchair and secure gated access.

Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal this season is expecting to welcome 92 ship calls from 18 different cruise lines, making the emirate a firm fixture on the world cruise map with international cruise liners continuing to base their regional Arabian Gulf operations at the terminal.