Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is looking to boost its tourism sector with a new plan that includes $10 billion worth of investment, creating almost 200,000 new jobs, and streamlining visa processes. This comes as nearby Dubai is better known for its tourism sector, attracting over 17 million international visitors last year. Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030 aims to create 178,000 new tourism-related jobs, double international overnight visitors, increase the number of hotel rooms, and boost the countrywide GDP contribution.
To achieve its goals, Abu Dhabi plans to invest $10 billion in new tourism infrastructure by 2030. An additional $1 billion will go towards marketing efforts. The strategy focuses on 26 key initiatives grouped into four pillars, including offerings and city activation, promotion and marketing, infrastructure and mobility, and visa, licensing, and regulations. The city plans to build additional cultural sites, theme parks, retail offerings, and new hotel chains to attract more visitors.
The promotion and marketing pillar of the strategy will see DCT – Abu Dhabi expand its international reach from 11 to 26 markets and establish global partnerships with media outlets and well-known brands for collaborations. The infrastructure and mobility pillar will focus on increasing hotel room availability, boosting airlift, and enhancing the aviation sector. Abu Dhabi recently opened Terminal A at its international airport, which has more than doubled the current passenger capacity and can process up to 45 million travelers annually.
Abu Dhabi has established itself as a cultural destination, investing in museums and religious sites like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and the upcoming Guggenheim Museum. The city also hosts sporting events like Formula 1 races, UFC fights on Yas Island, and has a Ferrari-themed amusement park. The new tourism plan aims to enhance visitor experiences and tourism business operations by implementing new visa, licensing, and regulation processes.
With its ambitious goals and significant investment, Abu Dhabi aims to position itself as a top tourist destination in the region and increase its economic impact through tourism. By focusing on key initiatives and pillars, such as offerings and city activation, promotion and marketing, infrastructure and mobility, and visa, licensing, and regulations, the city plans to attract more international visitors, create new jobs, and boost its GDP contribution by 2030. Through strategic investments and partnerships, Abu Dhabi is set to transform its tourism sector and showcase its unique cultural and entertainment offerings to a global audience.
