Tourism & Culture
From The Report: Abu Dhabi 2023
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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 and cultural activities remain central to Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification efforts, with various investment initiatives aimed at expanding the emirate’s range of leisure and cultural attractions. These endeavours, coupled with the sector’s capacity for job creation, have been largely successful to date.

Continued growth in tourist arrivals is expected as Abu Dhabi’s cosmopolitan image, along with substantial public and private investment, positions the emirate to capitalise on the increasing international recognition of the region’s cultural and leisure offerings. Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a welcoming, safe and diverse destination with robust international connectivity bodes well for future expansion.

This chapter contains interviews with Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; and Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Leisure oasis: The emirate is solidifying its reputation as a welcoming, safe and diverse destination, driving further expansion in the sector
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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 visitors, and the sector as a whole has rebounded well. Indeed, tourism and cultural activities…

Interview

Visitor attractions: Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), on efforts to develop new cultural projects in the emirate
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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 has yielded substantial results over the past decade. In 2022 the emirate welcomed more than…

Analysis

Cross-border connections: Gulf countries develop strategic partnerships to promote the region as a leading international travel destination
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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 83% of the levels prior to the onset of the pandemic, outperforming all other regions. Road to Recovery Dubai…

Interview

New opportunities: Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral, on collaborating with international stakeholders and meeting sustainability goals
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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 Agency – Abu Dhabi – working towards a unified goal of making the emirate successful. National…

Analysis

Shifting dynamics: Many strategies focus on sustainable solutions and support for small businesses as governments look to boost arrivals
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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 surpassed 2019 levels by 3% and 1%, respectively. The recovery in travel demand is projected…