Tourism & Culture

The past decade has seen significant sums invested in developing tourist facilities and infrastructure in the emirate, and the sector has been earmarked as key in supporting economic diversification in line with Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. The strategy appears to be paying off, with around 3.5m guests staying in Abu Dhabi in 2014, up 25% on the previous year. The emirate aims to continue this rising trend, and is investing heavily in the conferences and exhibitions sector, another area that witnessed strong growth in 2014, while the Yas Island and Saadiyat Island developments represent key planks in the government’s strategy to attract a diverse range of international leisure tourists.

The emirate is also adding events to its sporting calendar, and in 2015 is due to host the World Triathlon Series and pro-cycling race Abu Dhabi Tour.