Abu Dhabi, known for its transformative journey in the tourism sector, embarks on a new era of expansion and strategic development with the unveiling of its Tourism Strategy 2030. Approved by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, this ambitious blueprint sets the stage for remarkable progress in the emirate's tourism landscape.
Visionary Goals
The Tourism Strategy 2030 sets forth bold objectives to elevate Abu Dhabi's global standing as a premier destination. By 2030, the emirate aims to attract a staggering 39.3 million visitors annually and increase the tourism sector's contribution to the GDP to AED 90 billion. Additionally, the strategy anticipates generating 178,000 new jobs within the tourism ecosystem, signalling significant socio-economic advancement.
Strategic Pillars
At the core of the Tourism Strategy 2030 lie four strategic pillars:
- Offering & City Activation: Enhancing visitor experiences through the introduction of new cultural sites, hotels, retail offerings, and diverse culinary experiences. The strategy aims to enrich the events calendar with year-round attractions, including concerts, festivals, and family events.
- Promotion & Marketing: Expanding international reach from 11 to 26 markets and fostering closer collaborations within Abu Dhabi's tourism ecosystem. Strategic partnerships with global media outlets and brands will amplify Abu Dhabi's allure across diverse demographics.
- Infrastructure & Mobility: Increasing room availability, flight seat capacity, and connectivity within the emirate. Collaborative efforts will enhance roads, public transport, and infrastructure to streamline travel and accommodate rising visitor influx.
- Visa, Licensing & Regulation: Streamlining processes for visa applications and permits to facilitate smoother operations for both visitors and tourism businesses. Enhanced platforms will reduce time frames, fostering ease of doing business and attracting investment.
Collaborative Approach
The successful implementation of the Tourism Strategy 2030 hinges on collaborative efforts among key stakeholders, including the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), and other government and private entities.
Building on Past Success
The momentum generated in 2023 serves as a testament to Abu Dhabi's tourism potential. With nearly 24 million visitors and a significant contribution to the UAE's GDP, the emirate witnessed a surge in international arrivals, bolstered by its diverse offerings and vibrant events calendar.
Through innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, Abu Dhabi aims to secure its position as a leading global destination for business events and leisure tourism, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.
