How Has Tourism Developed in the UAE?

By Michael Ferguson

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has transformed from a desert landscape into a thriving hub of tourism in the last few decades. With its luxurious hotels, world-class shopping malls, and stunning architecture, the UAE has become a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. In this article, we will explore how tourism has developed in the UAE over the years.

The Early Years

In the early years of the UAE, there were very few tourist attractions. The country was primarily known for its oil reserves and was not considered a travel destination. However, in 1985, Dubai launched its first luxury hotel – the Jumeirah Beach Hotel – which set off a chain reaction of development and investment in the tourism industry.

The Rise of Dubai

Dubai quickly became the epicenter of tourism in the UAE with its ambitious projects like Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall. The city’s focus on luxury and extravagance attracted high-end travelers from all over the world. Today, Dubai is one of the most visited cities globally, with over 16 million tourists annually.

Abu Dhabi’s Emergence

While Dubai was leading the way in tourism development, Abu Dhabi was not far behind. The capital city focused on cultural attractions like Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Watan Palace to differentiate itself from Dubai’s glitz and glamour. Additionally, Abu Dhabi invested heavily in theme parks like Ferrari World and Warner Bros World to cater to families with young children.

The Future of Tourism in UAE

The UAE government has set ambitious goals to increase tourism in the country further. By 2030, they aim to attract 45 million tourists annually, an increase from 21 million tourists who visited in 2019.

To achieve this goal, more investment is being made in the tourism industry. Expo 2020, which was postponed due to the pandemic, is set to be one of the major events that will attract millions of tourists to Dubai. Moreover, Abu Dhabi is planning to build a cultural district on Saadiyat Island that will include museums like Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.

Conclusion

The UAE’s tourism industry has come a long way since the launch of its first luxury hotel in 1985. Today, the country offers something for everyone – from luxury shopping malls and hotels to cultural attractions and theme parks. The UAE’s ambitious plans for further development show that tourism will continue to play a significant role in the country’s economy in the years to come.