Abu Dhabi derives its important on account of the fact that it is the capital of United Arab Emirates. As pointed out by Tristam, in his online publication on Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is federate structure constituted of seven mini states that are autonomous in nature out of which Abu Dhabi is the largest. The remaining seven states are Quwayn, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaymah, Ajman and Al Fujayrah. Tristam further points out that, Abu Dhabi is an island city and its distance from the mainland is approximately 800 feet. Tristam further points out that the reason why Abu Dhabi is the largest off the seven islands is because it consists of 80% out of the UAE’s total area of 83,600 square miles.
Taking each of the seven Emirates into consideration, Abu Dhabi derives its relevance on account of the fact that it is important not only from political perspective but also from commercial and tourism standpoint. Tristan further points out that even though Abu Dhabi is not as glittery as Dubai, it holds the distinction of being the richest among all the seven Emirates. This is on account of the fact that Abu Dhabi contains 8 percent of crude oil reserves of the entire world. It is also one of the major oil producers and enjoys the distinction of being financially stable in comparison to the other Emirates. Even though oil is the main source of revenue for Abu Dhabi, the importance of tourism as a source of revenue cannot be undermined. This is on account of the fact that tourism in Abu Dhabi is improving gradually on account of improved infrastructure and other incidental facilities.
The growing relevance of tourism in Abu Dhabi is further substantiated by the tourism statistics published by the Abu Dhabi Cultural and Tourism Authority. The online report titled “Hotel Establishment Statistics Monthly Report” (the “Report”) published by the Abu Dhabi Cultural and Tourism Authority indicates an increase rate of guest arrivals by 18% in October 2014 in comparison to the same period in the year 2013. (P 2) The Report further indicates a marked increase in the hotel guest nights. To this end, in the year 2014, there has been a 13% increase in the rate to 993,803 guest nights in 2014. (P 2) Further, the Report also records a total increase in the revenue by 4% for the month of October 2014 (P 2). The foregoing statistics amply prove the growing importance of tourism in Abu Dhabi.
One of the primary reasons for the increase in tourism in Abu Dhabi that can be attributed to the geographical factors as pointed out in the online publication on the Abu Dhabi General Information is that Abu Dhabi is situated on a separate island. Further, it is well planned and has extensive area and expense of greenery. It also has several modern remarkable structures and unique historical sites. It is further pointed out in the online publication regarding Abu Dhabi General Information that the greatest asset of Abu Dhabi is the perception that it is very secure for western travellers and that the weather is bright and sunny all throughout the year.
It has further been elucidated in the General Information on Abu Dhabi that it is no more being viewed as a barren and wasteland. On the contrary, it has quite a good range of famous attractions and any tourist will obviously be spoilt for choices on account of the numerous attractions in Abu Dhabi. For nature lovers who like exploring wildlife and natural wonders, there are options to go for wildlife tours to have a look at certain endangered species like Arabian Oryx. Further, this region is also endowed with different species of birds. The online portal on General Information on Abu Debi further points out that for people with historical inclination, there are several famous archaeological sites like Qasr Al-Hosn, Al Hilli Watchtowers, Al Ain Forts and Tower, Al Ain National Museum among the other famous places. There are several modern avenues of entertainment, including post hotels, malls and other tourist attractions. One of the most famous tourist place that has both entertainment and education quotient is Cultural Foundation and Heritage Village. Further, people who are inclined towards adventure sports also have a lot to look forward to as they can participate in several adventure sports like scuba diving, safari ride and wadi-bashing.
Let us now examine the various islands of Abu Dhabi and its relevance from Tourism perspective. As pointed out by Abu Dhabi’s official visitor’s website, Abu Dhabi is renowned for its beautiful islands. This is because these islands are the point of the highest degrees of luxuries and entertainment quotient. These islands are also known for their wildlife safaris and beaches. Each of Abu Dhabi’s islands has certain distinct unique feature that increases its attraction value. Let us now examine the unique characteristic features of each of the Island for the purpose of analysing its tourist attraction quotient.
Yas Island:
As pointed out in the Abu Dhabi’s visitor’s website, Yas Island is located at a distance that can be covered by driving for 30 minutes from the capital of Abu Dhabi. The highlight of Yas Marina Island is Yas Marina Circuit that is undoubtedly has state of art facilities. Further, Yas Island also contains Abu Dhabi Grand Pix. A world famous iconic hotel, known as Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi is located at the centre of Yas Island. This hotel contains F1 race track that is certainly a technical and engineering wonder on account of the way it has been built. This is because this race track has been built partly on land and partly on water. (visitabudhabi.ae)
As pointed out in Abu Dhabi’s visitor’s website, Abu Dhabi is on its path of becoming a strong hold and potential rival of traditional yatch facilities like Caribbean and Mediterranean. This is because it is attracting Yachts from far off places like Australia for the purpose of “F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix” As pointed out in the Abu Dhabi’s visitor’s website; Yas Marina will be playing a central role in taking Abu Dhabi towards the path to becoming a Yatch facility ground. Yas Island is renowned for the Ferrari them park that is first of its kind known as “Ferrari World Abu Dhabi”. The central point of this theme park is that it provides 20 different kinds of rinds that are both educating and entertaining in nature. The Abu Dhabi Visitor’s website further points out that this theme park contains very good restaurant that provides the visitor with world class dining facilities and experiences. (visitabudhabi.ae)
As further pointed out in the Abu Dhabi Visitor’s website, Yas Water world, a word famous water amusement span is so huge that it is approximately covers an area equivalent to 15 football pitches. Further, Yas Water world has 43 different kinds of rinds and slides. Out of these slides, 5 slides are indeed very unique. Another unique feature as pointed out in the Abu Dhabi visitor’s website is a unique waterslide that is 238-metre long and lhydromagnetic-powered water slide. Further, for those people who are adventurous in nature and are seeking adrenaline rush, the main attraction is Bubble’s Barrel that has 3 meter high waves that can rightly be labelled as “largest surfable sheet wave” for the purpose of “flow boards and body boards”. (visitabudhabi.ae)
As pointed out by the Abu Dhabi Visitors Website, there is golf course on the west Shore of Yas Island that has been designed by Kyle Phillips. This golf course contains several unique features that may not be found in other golf courses of the world. Aside to this, Yas Island also has several places that can be of great delight to beach lovers. In this regard, Yas beach that is located on the southern shore is famous amongst beach lovers. The Island is also a shopper’s delight as it contains the second largest shopping mall, namely the Yas Mall. This mall is very famous among the international visitors and local residents equally. (visitabudhabi.ae)
As pointed out in the Abu Dhabi’s official website, Sir Bani Island is a very famous island that is famous for various adventure activities concerning wildlife. It also contains many 5 star hotels and historical sites. It also has many luxury villas and stables. The Arabian Wildlife Park makes up almost half of the total area of the desert. It is one of the biggest wildlife reserves as it contains 10,000 types of animals. These animals include various species lie Oryx, hyenas, gazelles, Oryx, cheetahs. There are facilities for a 4X4 wild life safaris in vehicles with special features in which expert wildlife guide accompany guests. The island is well known for a Christian monastery which has the distinction of being the only Christian Monastery that was discovered in this region. As further pointed out by the Abu Dhabi’s official website, this Monastery can be visited during a “Desert Islands Resort & Spa Culture Tour”. (visitabudhabi.ae)
Saadiyat Island
As pointed out in the Abu Dhabi Visitor’s website, Saadiyat Island is another major tourist attraction of Abu Dhabi. This island is located at a distance of twenty minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport. The Island is approximately 27 square kilometres. As further pointed out by the Abu Dhabi Visitor’s Website, this island is undergoing radical transformation and is becoming a world famous centre for leisure, business, cultural and residential activities with the intention of becoming a global hub of cultural activities. There are world famous historical sites like Louvre Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum in this Island. (visitabudhabi.ae)
Another attractive feature of this island as pointed out by the Abu Dhabi Visitor Website is the visitor centre known as Manarat Al Saadiyat which means “a place of enlightenment” There are two galleries for public view, namely the “Arts Abu Dhabi Gallery” that is renowned on account of hosting education programmes and exhibitions and the “The Saadiyat Story” that is meant for the purpose of providing the visitor an interactive account and narrative regarding the culture and history of Abu Dhabi. Another landmark feature is the UAE Pavilion that was moved piece by piece from the World Expo 2010. It is remarkable to note that the UAE Pavilion is emerging as the landmark of event venues, cultural functions and exhibitions. (visitabudhabi.ae). Aside to this, the region’s first ocean golf course known as ‘Saadiyat Golf Club’ is located at Saadiyat. Saadiyat island also boasts of many five start properties like St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Park Hyatt Island resort that is a central point of leisure and hospitality. The stunning beaches and lounges add on to the luxury experience of the area. Aside to this, another attractive feature of Saadiyat Island is the Saadiyat Public Beach. This beach is famous for its water sport activities and natural beauty on account of the clean and turquoise nature of the beach. This beach is famous for sea turtles namely “Hawksbill”. Thus, Saadiyat beach can rightly be termed as the tourist delight in every sense.
Al Mahriya Island
Another major tourist attraction is the Al Mahriya Island. As pointed out by the Abu Dhabi Visitor’s website, this is an upcoming business and leisure centre. This island is famous for breath taking sea views and several five star hotels, including the Rosewood hotel.
Reem Island
This island is known for its upcoming commercial and residential projects. As pointed out by the Abu Dhabi Visitor’s Website, this island is known for several architectural landmarks, including the Gate Tower of Stone Age.
Delma Island
As pointed out by the Abu Dhabi visitor website, Delma Island is known for its maritime attraction and heritage. This island is well known for its date palm civilization. As this island has a good supply of water, it is very fertile and has several plantations.
Abu Dhabi is also become a famous destination for cultural tourism. As pointed out by Al Gh et el, Abu Dhabi is richly endowed with many historical sites that include famous castles and mosques that are indicative of its glorious past and rich cultural heritage. History lovers an visit several castles in Abu Dhabi that were once a strong hold of political rule. Some of the famous castles are Sultan Ali Castle and Al Muraba Castle. The castles at Abu Dhabi are located at closer distances and are certainly worth visiting on account of its grandeur and construction style. Aside to castle, the various mosques that are a sign of distinctive Middle Eastern heritage are the mosques. The Sheik Zayed Mosque is world famous as it is the third largest mosque in the world on account of its area and considered the third largest mosque in the world in terms of the total area It comprises of an area of 412, 22 square meters without taking into consideration the external extensions around it. (P 2891) Aside to this, there are several other castles and mosques that are famous for the Muslim architecture and are a must see for any international visitor.
Aside to cultural tourism Abu Dhabi is certainly a Shopper’s heaven as there is numerous states of art shopping malls. As pointed out in the Abu Dhabi’s visitor’s website, shopping can rightly be pointed out as a national pastime of Abu Dhabi on account of its diversity. The modern malls of Abu Dhabi boast of brands of all types and varieties. The range is so diverse that there are high end malls to small souk markets where one can pick and choose traditional stuff like spices, handicrafts, perfumes and spices. Bargaining is the characteristic feature of the Abu Dhabi market and a Western traveller can certainly get better deals pursuant to haggling. The markets are famous for gold and textiles.
The Arabs are known to be very warm and gracious hosts and Western travellers are warmly welcomed. It is therefore not surprising that tourism in Abu Dhabi is growing every year on account of the well-rounded experience that is an intrinsic feature of Abu Dhabi tourism. Right from nature’s delight to wildlife safaris to adventure sports to cultural tourism to shopping experience; everything is available under one roof and short distances. This makes Abu Dhabi a destination to look out for.
WORK CITED
- Pierre Tristam “What is Abu Dhabi” Retrieved from: http://middleeast.about.com/bio/Pierre-Tristam-28362.htm
- Abu Dhabi General Information. Retrieve from: http://www.hoteltravel.com/uae/abu_dhabi/abu-dhabi-general-information.htm
- Hotel Establishment Monthly Statistics Report: Abu Dhabi Tourism and Cultural Authority. Retrieved From: http://tcaabudhabi.ae/en/about/Pages/reports-and-statistics.aspx
- Ali Gh “The Cultural Tourism in Abu Dhabi” Retrieved. Journal of Applied Sciences Research, 8(6): 2888-2896, 2012 From: www.researchgate.net/TourismAbu_Dhabi//02e7e52528e19a68b7
