Many of the world’s leading cruise line executives have confirmed that they will meet in Abu Dhabi city, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, this December to discuss and debate key issues that need to be addressed to stimulate the development of cruising in the Middle East.

Azamara Club Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard UK, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Silversea Cruises, TUI Cruises and The World have all pledged their attendance at the Seatrade Middle East Cruise Forum. 

The Forum is being organised by Seatrade, with the support of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority and its Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau.

“The calibre of attending cruise line executives provides us, our regional counterparts and stakeholders, with essential face-to-face time with the decision-makers at the sharp end of the cruise industry so we can hear their concerns first-hand, together identify opportunities and forge stronger working relationships.

“This approach is in line with our strategy of involving stakeholders in the development of our ambitions and we view attendance as a vital investment for the region in realising its cruise ambitions,” said Sultan Al Dhaheri, director tourism eco-systems, TCA Abu Dhabi.

The Forum follows an inter-regional cruise summit in Dubai in 2012 which brought together cruise line executives, regional stakeholders and government authorities and identified crucial topics that need to be addressed to enable cruising in the Middle East to develop and grow.

Delegates will hear from the cruise line operators and other global experts as they discuss the region’s cruise challenges and opportunities.

The event launches with a Summit attended by regional ministers, tourism leaders, port and immigration officials which will then be followed by a full day conference programme which is open to anyone with a vested interest in the cruise industry.

The Forum will also include a workshop where each of the hosted cruise line executives will have one-on-one appointments with officials from participating destinations. 

Networking opportunities include a welcome reception and gala dinner which will be attended by all delegates and summit participants.

“This is an unrivalled opportunity for destinations in the region to get in front of the real cruise itinerary decision-makers to present their individual cases for port-of-call inclusion,” said Chris Hayman, chairman, Seatrade.

The event will take place in the newly-opened, five-star Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island from December 9-11th 2013.

Full details are available on the event website.