Bahrain wraps up 2024/25 Middle East cruise season with 15% passenger growth

Bahrain welcomed more than 140,100 international cruise tourists during the 2024/25 cruise season, which concluded in April, representing a 15% increase compared to the 2023/24 season, according to Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA).

The season, which ran from November 2024 to April 2025, saw 40 cruise ships call in Bahrain, supporting key economic sectors such as retail, transportation, and hospitality.

According to Dana Osama Al Saad, Deputy CEO of Resources and Projects at BTEA, preparations are already underway for the 2025/26 cruise season, with a focus on strengthening partnerships and enhancing cruise tourism services.

Al Saad said the season’s success is a result of the coordination between public and private sector partners—including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, APM Terminals Bahrain (operator of Khalifa Bin Salman Port), and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities. 

Their joint efforts played a vital role in ensuring the smooth facilitation of services and the organisation of diverse cultural and tourism programmes for cruise tourists, especially in and around Khalifa Bin Salman Port, the country’s primary cruise port.

Bahrain held numerous festivals and events across the six-month cruise season. The vibrant calendar helped provide a well-rounded and engaging experience that received high praise from tourists and cruise operators alike.

In a related development, BTEA recently participated in Seatrade Cruise Global, a major industry exhibition held in Miami, USA, as part of the Cruise Arabia Alliance—a regional partnership including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

During the exhibition, new agreements were signed in preparation for the 2026/27 cruise season, including plans to extend cruise ship stopovers in Bahrain to up to three days.

This move is expected to further boost Bahrain’s position in the regional cruise tourism market and enhance its economic contribution through a more diversified and immersive visitor experience.

BTEA said it remains committed to developing Bahrain into a premier cruise destination in the region, while continuing to support the kingdom’s broader vision for sustainable economic growth through tourism.

Bahrain offers cruise visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and modern experiences within a compact, easily accessible setting. 

From the UNESCO-listed Bahrain Fort and the bustling Bab Al Bahrain souq to the pearl diving heritage of Muharraq and the country’s contemporary art galleries and museums, cruise passengers are able to enjoy immersive cultural excursions within close proximity to the port. 

Khalifa Bin Salman Port’s location enables convenient day trips to key attractions, while seasonal festivals and curated events throughout the cruise calendar further enrich the visitor experience. Bahrain’s hospitality, warm climate, and diverse retail and dining options continue to appeal to a growing segment of international cruise travellers seeking both authenticity and comfort.