Ain Alalam – Rashad Iskandrni<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u06501. How is Abu Dhabi positioning itself as a leading destination for travellers from the GCC and beyond?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a destination that combines world-class experiences with authentic Arabian hospitality.<\/p>\n
\u2022 For GCC travellers, proximity and familiarity are key advantages, but what truly sets Abu Dhabi apart is the diversity of its offering – from cultural landmarks and pristine beaches to exceptional dining, shopping, and family attractions.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We are positioning the emirate as a place where every type of traveller can find something meaningful, whether it\u2019s relaxation, discovery, or connection.<\/p>\n
2. What role does Al Ain Region play in Abu Dhabi\u2019s broader tourism strategy, and how do you see its offering evolving?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Al Ain Region is the cultural heart of the emirate and a cornerstone of our tourism strategy. Its UNESCO World Heritage sites, oases, and mountain landscapes offer a unique perspective on Emirati heritage and nature-based experiences.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We see Al Ain Region as a key destination for families, cultural explorers, and those seeking a slower pace of travel – complementing the capital\u2019s vibrant urban appeal.<\/p>\n
\u2022 There\u2019s also growing focus on developing boutique accommodations and eco-tourism products in Al Ain Region to further enhance its appeal.<\/p>\n
3. What are some of the key priorities under the current tourism strategy to further boost visitor numbers and length of stay?<\/p>\n
\u2022 We\u2019re focused on three main priorities: diversifying the product offering, deepening regional and international partnerships, and improving visitor accessibility.<\/p>\n
\u2022 That means expanding events and entertainment, enhancing connectivity to the UAE, and continuously investing in marketing to strengthen awareness. Our goal is to ensure visitors have more reasons, and more time, to explore the emirate in its entirety.<\/p>\n
4. What recent growth trends have you seen from GCC source markets, and which segments are showing the strongest performance?<\/p>\n
\u2022 GCC visitors remain among our top-performing segments. We\u2019re seeing consistent growth, particularly from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, and a strong rebound in family and short-break travel.<\/p>\n
\u2022 What\u2019s encouraging is that GCC travellers are spending more time exploring different experiences, from cultural attractions to entertainment events, indicating deeper engagement with the destination.<\/p>\n
5. How have occupancy rates and visitor spending evolved this year, and what does that tell you about market confidence?<\/p>\n
\u2022 The data has been very positive.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Hotel occupancy rates across the emirate have remained strong, reflecting sustained visitor demand.<\/p>\n
\u2022 So far in 2025 (until October 2025), we have welcomed 4.9 million hotel guests, representing 8% growth in international visitors compared to the same period in 2024. Our consistent hotel occupancy rates, even during traditional shoulder months, underscore the growing confidence and appeal of Abu Dhabi as a year-round destination.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Visitor spending has also increased, particularly across dining and leisure experiences, which demonstrates a growing confidence in Abu Dhabi\u2019s value proposition as a high-quality yet accessible destination.<\/p>\n
6. How important are repeat visitors from the GCC to Abu Dhabi\u2019s tourism success, and how do you plan to continue attracting them?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Repeat visitation is central to our growth strategy. GCC travellers view Abu Dhabi as an extension of home; a place that feels familiar yet continues to offer something new.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We\u2019re maintaining this momentum by constantly refreshing our calendar of events, introducing new attractions, and offering personalised hospitality experiences that encourage visitors to return year after year.<\/p>\n
7. What key messages should the trade be communicating to clients about Abu Dhabi right now?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Our travel trade partners are an extension of our team, they play a crucial role in bringing Abu Dhabi\u2019s story to travellers around the world.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Backed by our global network across 45 markets, the International Operations team is focused on strengthening partnerships and ensuring Abu Dhabi is recognised as both a cultural capital and a world-class tourism destination.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Tourism Strategy 2030 is our roadmap for growth, aiming to welcome 39.3 million visitors, up from around 24 million in 2023. We\u2019re already seeing strong momentum, with over 2 million hotel guests this summer alone, a 10% rise in international visitors, and hotel revenues up by 17%.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We rely on our trade partners to turn interest into bookings by creating personalised itineraries that reflect what makes Abu Dhabi special; from iconic cultural landmarks to authentic heritage experiences.<\/p>\n
\u2022 When a travel professional recommends Abu Dhabi, it carries credibility and trust. We want them to highlight the depth of our offering – whether it\u2019s art and culture on Saadiyat, the heritage of Al Ain Region, or the serene landscapes of Al Dhafra Region- and upcoming experiences like Ramadan in February 2026, which will showcase the emirate\u2019s hospitality, cuisine, and traditions in a truly immersive way.<\/p>\n
8. What are Abu Dhabi\u2019s key priorities for tourism next year?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Our priorities build on three main pillars: education, connectivity, and facilitation.<\/p>\n
\u2022 First, we\u2019re focused on education – empowering our trade partners with the knowledge and tools they need to confidently promote Abu Dhabi. Through the Experience Abu Dhabi Experts platform – available in both English and Arabic, roadshows, familiarisation trips, and major global trade shows, we\u2019re ensuring consistent, informed storytelling about the destination.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Second is connectivity. We\u2019re continuing to enhance accessibility and the visitor journey: from improved air capacity to seamless experiences at Zayed International Airport, and initiatives like the Abu Dhabi Stopover programme with Etihad Airways, which offers complimentary hotel stays to transit visitors.<\/p>\n
i. We\u2019re also making it easier than ever for GCC travellers to reach Abu Dhabi, whether by air or by road. Seamless arrivals through Zayed International Airport complement our highly accessible land borders, which enable GCC visitors to enjoy quick, smooth and convenient entry into the emirate.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Finally, facilitation, making it easier for partners to sell and for travellers to explore. The Abu Dhabi Pass now gives access to over 70 attractions across the emirate, and our new reseller portal allows agents to manage sales and performance with greater ease and flexibility.<\/p>\n
\u2022 These three pillars work together to strengthen Abu Dhabi\u2019s position as a destination built on partnership, innovation, and a commitment to delivering truly memorable visitor experiences.<\/p>\n
9. How does Abu Dhabi blend culture and experiences to give travellers a well-rounded holiday?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Culture sits at the heart of Abu Dhabi\u2019s visitor experience. Emirati heritage is central to our identity and tourism vision, shaped by generations of tradition and hospitality.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Travellers can immerse themselves in authentic cultural experiences that offer a genuine sense of place – from exploring landmarks such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Hosn to discovering the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Al Ain Region.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Through initiatives like the Al Hosn Festival, Maritime Heritage Festival, and the House of Artisans, DCT Abu Dhabi continues to celebrate and preserve the emirate\u2019s living heritage. These experiences connect visitors with our stories, crafts, and community – ensuring every journey to Abu Dhabi is as enriching as it is memorable.<\/p>\n
10. How is Saadiyat Cultural District helping to position Abu Dhabi as a cultural destination?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Saadiyat Cultural District is the embodiment of Abu Dhabi\u2019s commitment to culture and creativity. Once fully realised, it will be home to one of the world\u2019s most significant concentrations of cultural institutions; a true meeting point for global dialogue and innovation.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Anchored by landmarks such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, and soon the Zayed National Museum and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, the District will invite visitors to explore art, history, and science in one inspiring destination.<\/p>\n
\u2022 It\u2019s more than a collection of museums, it\u2019s where culture connects people. Saadiyat Cultural District will further establish Abu Dhabi as a leading cultural capital, offering transformative experiences that celebrate both Emirati heritage and international exchange.<\/p>\n
11. How is Abu Dhabi driving itself as a year-round destination, particularly during the summer months and during Ramadan?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Abu Dhabi\u2019s record summer performance proves that the emirate\u2019s appeal knows no season. Once viewed as a primarily winter destination, Abu Dhabi has evolved into a thriving, year-round hub for culture, entertainment, and hospitality.<\/p>\n
\u2022 This steady growth across every season reflects the success of our strategic focus on diversifying experiences and curating a dynamic events calendar. From summer activations and family-friendly offers to cultural moments such as Ramadan in Abu Dhabi, the city continues to welcome travellers seeking authentic, meaningful experiences.<\/p>\n
\u2022 So far in 2025, we have welcomed 4.9 million hotel guests, representing 8% growth in international visitors compared to the same period in 2024. Our consistent hotel occupancy rates, even during traditional shoulder months, underscore the growing confidence and appeal of Abu Dhabi as a year-round destination.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Looking ahead to 2026, the Ramadan in Abu Dhabi season will continue to build on this success – offering visitors opportunities for reflection, cultural immersion, and connection through art, heritage, and Emirati hospitality.<\/p>\n
12. What new attractions, hotels, or experiences can the trade expect in 2025\u201326?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Abu Dhabi continues to expand its portfolio of experiences, with new attractions, cultural institutions, and hospitality openings enriching the emirate\u2019s offering for both leisure and business travellers.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Visitors can look forward to the next phase of Saadiyat Cultural District, including the Zayed National Museum and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, which will further strengthen Abu Dhabi\u2019s global cultural standing.<\/p>\n
\u2022 In parallel, a new wave of world-class resorts and hotels across Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and Al Wathba will enhance the destination\u2019s luxury and family appeal. Adventure seekers can also anticipate new eco-tourism and nature-based experiences, including desert retreats and marine exploration initiatives.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Together, these additions will offer travellers an ever-evolving mix of culture, entertainment, and sustainability-driven experiences – ensuring there is always something new to discover in Abu Dhabi.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Beyond experiences, the emirate also redefines what luxury means, offering exclusivity, bespoke services, privacy, safety, and high-quality hospitality that embody a refined sense of comfort and individuality.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Abu Dhabi hosts the world’s highest concentration of five-star hotels, with 21 new projects under development<\/p>\n
\uf0a7 Existing luxury hotels include: St Regis, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, W Hotels, Anantara Santorini, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri<\/p>\n
\uf0a7 Upcoming luxury hotel openings include: Nobu Hotel Abu Dhabi, Ritz-Carlton Reserve<\/p>\n
\uf0a7 Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts has announced a new project in Abu Dhabi titled \u201cBvlgari Resort & Mansions Abu Dhabi\u201d, scheduled to open in 2030.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Luxury spa experiences are diverse and unique, offering holistic wellness and relaxation for the most discerning guest: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Spa: 24-carat \u2013gold facial; Chi, The Spa, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri \u2013 Arabian Dates Body Wrap and exotic Coffee Scrub; Eforea Spa at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island \u2013 signature eforea journey massages and advanced facials<\/p>\n
\u2022 The city\u2019s growing high-end culinary offering has broadened its appeal as a luxury destination: Home to three Michelin-starred restaurants: Hakkasan, Talea and Erth Restaurant. 8 restaurants received a Bib Gourmand<\/p>\n
\u2022 Global, luxury brands are hosting events in the region including fashion brands such as Louis Vuitton\u2019s \u2018Savoir-Rever\u2019 exhibition in February hosted at Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi retreat, presenting high jewellery and rare gemstones;<\/p>\n
\u2022 As part of our Tourism Strategy 2030, Abu Dhabi\u2019s dining landscape will be diversified further – introduced innovative culinary initiatives including Le Cordon Bleu Abu Dhabi as a collaboration with Erth hospitality to open a culinary school Ecole Ducasse Abu Dhabi Studio.<\/p>\n
\u2022 2026 launches: Olympia Resort Abu Dhabi – the resort aims to redefine healthy living and performance-based hospitality with active stays, recovery, movement, holistic wellness, healthy cuisine, leisure and relaxation at the heart of everything<\/p>\n
\u2022 Roger Vivier collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office – a collection inspired by Abu Dhabi\u2019s diverse colors and cultural richness<\/p>\n[\/mhc_text][\/mhc_column][\/mhc_row][\/mhc_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
[mhc_section admin_label=”\u0642\u0633\u0645” fullwidth=”on” specialty=”off”][mhc_fullwidth_menu admin_label=”\u0642\u0627\u0626\u0645\u0629 \u0628\u0639\u0631\u0636 \u0643\u0627\u0645\u0644” menu_id=”56″ background_color=”#ffffff” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”center” submenu_direction=”downwards” fullwidth_menu=”off”] [\/mhc_fullwidth_menu][\/mhc_section][mhc_section admin_label=”section” transparent_background=”off” gradient_background=”off” background_color=”#ffffff” gradient_style=”horizontal” inner_shadow=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off” video_hide=”off” video_pause=”off” allow_advanced_padding=”on” remove_padding=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” column_paddings=”padding-0pct” column_match_heights=”off” background_leak=”off” background_leak_color=”#ffffff” background_leak_size=”25″ separator_top=”off” separator_bottom=”off” background_image_size=”cover” background_image_repeat=”no-repeat” background_image_position_x=”center” background_image_position_y=”center” animation=”off” animation_color=”#ffffff” mobile_2_pr_row=”off” mobile_reverse=”off”][mhc_row admin_label=”row”][mhc_column type=”1_3″][mhc_image admin_label=”\u0635\u0648\u0631\u0629” src=”https:\/\/ainalalam.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/ainlogo.png” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” animation=”off” hoverfx=”scaleup” sticky=”off” image_mask=”off” border_radius=”0″ align=”center” force_center_on_mobile=”on” […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":108322,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-108324","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-coverage"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ainalalam.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/108324","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ainalalam.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ainalalam.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ainalalam.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ainalalam.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=108324"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ainalalam.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/108324\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ainalalam.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/108322"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ainalalam.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=108324"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ainalalam.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=108324"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ainalalam.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=108324"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}