Abu Dhabi stands at the forefront of the MENA region’s economic growth, boasting a 9.3% growth rate in 2022. Looking ahead, the emirate’s ambitious roadmap, the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, charts a course for economic transformation. A key goal of the roadmap is to substantially reduce reliance on hydrocarbons, with a target of achieving 64% of GDP from non-hydrocarbons sectors by 2030. Th
Interview:Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi In what ways is cooperation among local and international stakeholders helping to enrich Abu Dhabi’s tourism and entertainment offerings? MOHAMED ABDALLA AL ZAABI: Abu Dhabi has a collaborative and supportive working environment involving all key national stakeholders – including Etihad Airways, Department of Tourism and Culture – Abu Dhabi, and Environment…
Interview:Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak What are some of the potential opportunities in the emirate’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) market? MOHAMED KHALIFA AL MUBARAK: Abu Dhabi’s MICE segment is a central element in the emirate’s ambition to become a globally recognised destination for leisure and business travellers. The promotion of Abu Dhabi as a MICE destination…
Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry underwent significant growth in the years preceding the Covid-19 pandemic. The emirate’s economy received a substantial degree of insulation through government policies and relief packages during the pandemic, while measures implemented to contain the spread of the virus were prompt and effective. Abu Dhabi’s tourism operators are now enjoying the return of international…
In 2022 the Middle East witnessed the sharpest relative increase in international arrivals of any region in the world, solidifying its rebound from the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic and further raising its profile as an increasingly attractive destination for inbound tourism. According to the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), in 2022 international arrivals in the Middle East recovered to…
As emerging markets develop new attractions and tap into new visitor source markets, they are leveraging technology and sustainable development in line with emissions targets. Following sharp declines in 2020, international tourism figures rebounded in 2021 to reach approximately 63% of pre-Covid-19 pandemic levels in 2022. Notably, in September of that year arrivals in the Middle East and the Caribbean…
Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry witnessed substantial growth in the years leading up to the Covid-19 pandemic. The economy was insulated by government policies and relief packages during the crisis, with effective measures implemented to control the virus’s spread. Today, Abu Dhabi’s tourism operators are experiencing a resurgence in international visitors, marking a strong recovery for the sector. Tourism…
– Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea tourism project secures green financing – The Gulf region looks to ecotourism initiatives such as "glamping" – The UAE is at the forefront of new approaches to tourism – Digital nomads and “long-stay travel” constitute an emerging trend With Saudi Arabia's flagship Red Sea tourism project securing $3.8bn in green financing, various governments in the Gulf…
While Abu Dhabi has long been a destination for business and government travellers, recent expansion of the emirate’s culture and entertainment portfolio has meant the emirate’s hotel owners and developers have also had to widen their offering. This has dovetailed with the expansion of Abu Dhabi as an international transport hub, along with promotional campaigns aimed at giving the emirate…
The global Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the global tourism industry in 2020; however, with demand likely to be high after months of enforced isolation, the tourism sector is hopeful there will be a recovery in activity once international travel is able to resume. The substantial growth of the tourism segment in recent years demonstrates solid underlying fundamentals. Abu Dhabi has emerged…
