ABU DHABI, 1st October, 2016 (WAM) -- His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has instructed the development of Al Ain oases and other historic and archaeological landmarks found in castles and forts to become attractive tourism destinations.

Further, Sheikh Mohamed instructed the Court of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince to coordinate and work with Abu Dhabi Authority for Tourism and Culture, and other concerned authorities, to devise plans and mechanisms for development of the oases into full-service destinations for visitors and tourists.

The development will take into consideration the special characteristics of these oases, their historic value as one of the major landmarks in the history of the UAE, and psyche of the UAE people. In the past, these oases constituted the economic, social and developmental lifeline of the area. Services in these sites are to be improved through the establishment of diverse facilities.

The development will also take care of safeguarding the cultural heritage of the emirate of Abu Dhabi, promoting national pride and raising cultural awareness among UAE citizens.

Sheikh Mohamed also instructed that there be better utilisation of the location of these historic and archaeological sites and their diverse tourism attractions, in a way that develops the tourism sector and raises the economic profile of Abu Dhabi, to remain consistent with Abu Dhabi Vision 2030.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2016.