JEDDAH: The UAE, specifically Abu Dhabi, has prioritized tourism for its investment as part of the diversification process. “We are a rich oil country and have depended on it for our revenue, but now we are giving a tremendous boost to the potentially rich tourism sector, Faisal Abdullah Al-Sheikh, a senior executive of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, told a press conference at the Jeddah Marriott yesterday. Dubai launched its own tourism promotion at Laylaty Hall on Saturday night.
Abu Dhabi is investing in tourist infrastructure based on public private partnership (PPP). “Over the last five years, tourism has become one of the main sectors for Abu Dhabi to invest due to the continued policy of diversification,” Al-Sheikh said.
Abu Dhabi has 12,000 rooms available for tourists now, which will increase to 25,000 by 2012. A number of new hotels of all types are under construction, he said.
Abu Dhabi has more than 400 km of pristine coastline over 200 natural islands, vast tracts of serene desert, tranquil oasis towns and a vibrant, cosmopolitan capital city. Above all, it offers safety and security.
In Dubai, a summer of excitement begins this week as the 12th edition of Dubai Summer Surprises prepares for 65 days of shopping, family entertainment and prizes worth millions.
Laila Suhail, CEO of DSF Office, is upbeat about DSS in the current economic climate and stressed that there was a general consensus within all private sector entities that the coming months would rake in higher revenues for businesses.
