Abu Dhabi, UAE: As part of its efforts towards positioning Saudi Arabia as a key shareholder to Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector and attracting more visitors from the Kingdom, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi recently hosted a delegation of 85 representatives of the travel and tourism sector alongside media personalities from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where they were taken on a tour around Abu Dhabi's unique landmarks.
The delegation, which is considered the largest to date, arrived on board Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE. The tour included visiting major monuments in Abu Dhabi, such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Emirates Palace, Yas Island, and many other prominent tourist and cultural sites as well as exploring the finest 5-star hotels in Abu Dhabi. The delegates joined a number of workshops with hotel managers and agents, to discover Abu Dhabi’s unique tourist attractions that are especially designed for Saudi families, including shopping, leisure and recreational activities.
Sultan Al Dhaheri, Acting Executive Director of the Tourism Sector in the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi said: “These positive results reflect the growing demand for Abu Dhabi and the success of our ongoing efforts to establish the Emirate as an extraordinary destination with diverse tourism experiences and rich cultural heritage. The Emirate stands today as an ideal destination for both international and regional tourists, for its tourism attractions and events that cater to the tastes of visitors of all ages and cultural backgrounds, through its unique natural elements and extraordinary initiatives.”
Al Dhaheri continued: “The delegation also explored the extensive programme of events running throughout this year that is designed to engage visitors of all backgrounds from Saudi Arabia, including the 2017 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi Food Festival, and the annual Traditional Handicrafts Festival. These events are aimed at enhancing the Saudi visitors’ experience and catering to their needs and preferences. Alongside the assets on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi also offers further opportunities to explore the rich culture and leisure entertainment offerings of the emirate through luxury retail experiences such as those found at Galleria Mall, as well as relaxing promenades and natural scenery found across the Eastern Mangroves Marina, Al Bateen Marina, and Saadiyat Island’s Saadiyat Beach Club.” Al Dhaheri elaborated.
Visitors looking for the peaceful tranquillity of spectacular surroundings, pristine beaches, clear waters and unforgettable dining experiences have a wide selection of hospitality options to choose from, such as the spectacular Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri and the natural beauty exhibited throughout Nurai Island and its resort.
Local travellers looking to experience tantalising dining options can experience the recently introduced The Dining Collection at The Galleria, containing a unique selection of internationally lauded restaurants and dining destinations.
This visit signifies our mutual relations with our brothers in Saudi Arabia, and the shared cultural customs and traditions between the two nations. Saudi Arabia makes one of the most important targeted markets for the Emirate’s tourism sector, which is evident in the continuous growth of the numbers of visitors from the Kingdom to Abu Dhabi, as it was ranked the first on the list of Arab countries exporting tourists to the emirate by the end of 2016, while ranked sixth amongst the global tourist markets.
In 2016, Saudi hotel guests increased by about 9% from 2015, where about 146.7 thousand guests were received in 2016 and around 135 thousand hotel guests were received in the year before. Saudi hotel guests spent 350.5 thousand nights in Abu Dhabi’s hotels in 2016, compared with 310,000 hotel nights in 2015, showing an increase by 13%. The results also infer that Saudi visitors’ stay rate in Abu Dhabi hotels is of 2.39 nights.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi had set up a promotional space after Al Ghuweifat border between Saudi Arabia and the UAE from 15 August to 15 September, where visitors who came into the Emirate got a chance to discover the many hotel offers and tourism packages that they enjoyed while experiencing Abu Dhabi. The border activation also featured popular food trucks and a family-friendly hospitality tent.
Abu Dhabi has secured a reputation of being one of the safest and most stable cities in the region as well as one of the most innovative global destinations through its growing range of business opportunities, when it was ranked second according to the 2017 Ipsos City Index measuring the best cities in the world to live, work and do business in, above cities such as London and Paris.
-Ends-
About the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
The Department of Culture and Tourism conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction that enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. The Department manages the emirate’s tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programmes relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The Department of Culture and Tourism supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate’s heritage. A key role played by the Department is to create synergy in the destination’s development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base.
Media Contact:
Jehana Jabbar
Jehana.Jabbar@edelmandabo.com
055 106 0952
