A new cruise terminal building at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Port is set become the next landmark for cruise tourism in the Arabian Gulf region.

Abu Dhabi Ports Company and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority announced the design at Seatrade Med 2014 in Barcelona. Seatrade Med, one of Europe’s key cruise events, draws more than 4,000 high-profile industry professionals from in excess of 40 countries.

The design incorporates traditional Arabic ornaments, colors and shapes combined with modern architectural elements to define the new building’s distinctive style. Celebrating the U.A.E.’s cultural heritage and maritime history, the structure’s lattice roof design draws inspiration from the ghaf, the U.A.E.’s national tree, while interior wooden beams recall the lines of traditional dhow sailing vessels.

Covering 8,000 square meters, the new building will include all key passenger facilities, as well as a mezzanine level with souvenir shops, restaurants, office facilities and waiting areas for cruise staff. It will feature tourist information services and passport border control counters.

Ground clearance work for the new terminal, which will be capable of handling three cruise vessels simultaneously, has already begun with a completion targeted for 2016. Earlier this year, the U.A.E. announced a new multi-entry visa for tourist travel between the U.A.E. and neighboring countries, making regional transit significantly easier.

“ADPC and its partners, TCA Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Oman, established Cruise Arabia at the end of 2013 as an initiative which promotes the Gulf region as an attractive tourist destination and brings the partners together to combine forces to make the cruising experience for tourists and cruise staff as comfortable as possible,” said Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO, ADPC. “Our investment in a larger, higher-quality cruise terminal building recognizes the fact that Abu Dhabi is now featured on a growing number of itineraries. This makes us very proud and keen to ensure that this important industry is fully catered for and encouraged.”