tourist attractions in uae essay

18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in the UAE

Written by Jess Lee Updated Jul 26, 2022

The iconic high-rise skylines of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, rimming long sandy shorelines, have made the United Arab Emirates a popular destination for anyone wanting to mix a city break with some beach time.

Landmark tourist attractions, such as Dubai's towering Burj Khalifa and Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Louvre museum offer sightseeing within easy reach of the city sand.

A host of massive malls have made both cities renowned among shoppers as the best places to visit, and both offer vacationing families plenty of purely fun things to do, with an impressive list of major theme parks.

There's more to the UAE than the contemporary glitz of its two major cities, though.

The country's interior of desert and Hajar Mountains are all about big-sky scenery and adventure activities, from 4WD trips across a landscape of rippling dunes to taking on the world's longest zipline over the jagged contours of Jebel Jais.

There's also much more history here than those modern skyscrapers would have you believe. Sharjah and Al Ain are two cities dedicated to promoting Emirati heritage.

For ideas on the best places to visit, see our list of the top attractions and things to do in the United Arab Emirates.

1. Take a Beach Break

2. zoom up dubai's burj khalifa, 3. admire abu dhabi's sheikh zayed mosque, 4. get active on jebel jais in ras al-khaimah, 5. visit the louvre abu dhabi, 6. experience the uae's desert landscapes, 7. family fun at the theme parks, 8. explore dubai's al fahidi quarter, 9. view sharjah art museum's renowned art collection, 10. take a road trip up jebel hafeet, 11. dhow rides on dubai creek, 12. head into the hajar mountains, 13. take the kids to dubai aquarium & underwater zoo, 14. shop in the souks, 15. get active in hatta, 16. skydive over the desert or the city, 17. relax in historic al ain, 18. visit the sharjah museum of islamic civilization.

For many visitors, a UAE vacation centers around the beach.

Late October to May, while temperatures plummet over Europe and North America, is high season here as the UAE's punishing summer heat gives way to winter's beach weather.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the more obvious beach choices, offering city sightseeing, shopping, and theme parks in easy reach of the sand.

For sun-and-sand vacations in Dubai, luxury resorts are focused along the coast west of the central city. In particular, the beaches around Jumeirah and Dubai Marina offer plenty of family-oriented, five star resorts dedicated to beach time.

Abu Dhabi's luxury resorts rim the shoreline of the city's various islands, so resort areas are more scattered across the city than in Dubai. Saadiyat Island, Marina Breakwater, and Khor Al Maqta are the areas offering some of the best beach-focused resorts in town.

Away from these two destinations, though, there are more beach options.

The beach resorts of Ras Al-Khaimah and Ajman in particular are favorite city getaways, while on the UAE's eastern coast, Al Aqah beach in the Emirate of Fujairah is a popular option for beachgoers who want to head away from the crowds.

The Burj Khalifa is one of the United Arab Emirates most famous buildings and the soaring sky-high landmark of Dubai.

Not only is it the world's tallest building (at 828 meters high) it also lays claim to the titles of tallest freestanding structure in the world, highest observation deck in the world, and elevator with the longest travel distance in the world.

A trip up to the observation deck with its panoramic views across Dubai, is on most visitor itineraries, both to marvel at this modern engineering and architectural feat and to admire the dizzying views of Dubai laid out below you.

Address: Entry from Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

Official site: www.burjkhalifa.ae

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Dubai

Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a mammoth modern mosque of incredible beauty.

Fusing contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship, the mosque harmoniously blends modern and ancient styles and techniques to create a new interpretation of Islamic architecture.

Both its exterior and interior utilize lavish amounts of gold, mosaic tiles, and glasswork to decorate the mosque's white marble stonework, while the architecture itself blends the various mosque designs of multiple Islamic empires.

Inside, the prayer hall is laid with the world's largest hand-knotted carpet (5,700 square meters) and illuminated by chandeliers made from 24-karat gold and crystals. While outside, the vast marble courtyard incorporates a mammoth swirling floral floor mosaic of semi-precious stones.

Address: Al Khaleej al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Abu Dhabi

The highest peak in the United Arab Emirates, Jebel Jais in the emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah is a major activity center.

You could come here simply to admire the vista of rugged Hajar Mountain peaks rippling down to the coastline plateau from the viewing platform terrace near the summit, or you can choose to match those views with some adventure activities.

The most popular mountain experience here is the Jebel Jais Flight, the world's longest zipline, which runs down the side of the peak for over two kilometers, reaching speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour.

For less speed thrills and more mountain time, Jebel Jais's Via Ferrata climbing route offers guided tours during the cooler months, while independent hikers can choose from six marked trails on the lower reaches of the mountain.

Official site: https://visitjebeljais.com/

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Ras Al-Khaimah

The newest and most spectacular museum in the United Arab Emirates, the Louvre Abu Dhabi takes visitors on a journey through human history.

The collection has been sourced from across the globe and through the ages, beginning from the earliest human settlements to works by the major names in today's contemporary art scene, to demonstrate the links between cultures and civilizations that has threaded through humanity's narrative.

Whether you're interested in world history or art, the museum is a major draw, while the stark and ultra-modern architecture of the complex, designed by prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, is an attraction in itself.

Address: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

Official site: https://www.louvreabudhabi.ae/

For those with an adventurous streak, make a beeline for the UAE's desert reaches that stretch across the country's southern interior.

There are plenty of adventure activities on offer, from 4WD trips across the desert dunes to camel trekking, sandboarding, and dune buggy trips.

Popular desert day trips from Dubai or Abu Dhabi usually include dinner at a desert camp after a 4WD journey into the dunes, and offer time at camp for other activities such as sandboarding or short camel rides.

Other desert tours allow more scope for wildlife spotting and specialized desert operators also offer overnight camping amid the dunes.

The desert interiors of the emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al-Khaimah are also home to a number of luxury desert resorts, where stays are all about soaking up the dune scenery and heading out on desert activities.

• In Dubai, Dubai Parks & Resorts offers four major theme parks rolled into one: Motiongate, dedicated to rides themed around Hollywood films; Bollywood Parks; Legoland Dubai; and Legoland Water Park.
• The city is also home to IMG Worlds of Adventure with rides, roller coasters, and experiences themed around both Marvel storylines and characters for older kids, and the Cartoon Network for little ones.
• If you just want to splash about for the day, though, Dubai's Wild Wadi Water Park is your best bet in town.
• The best water park for older kids and teenagers wanting something more than simply slides is Wadi Adventure in Al Ain .
• Here, it's all about white water kayaking, surfing, and wakeboarding, though there are swimming pools here, too, for when you need a rest from all the activities.
• Abu Dhabi is home to two of the country's most famous branded theme parks both on Yas Island.
• Ferrari World is a thrill-seeker's dream come true, with the world's fastest roller coaster as its landmark ride, while Warner Bros World offers six worlds to explore, from Cartoon Junction for small children to Metropolis and Gotham City with rides and attractions themed around DC Comic storylines.

The Al Fahidi quater of Dubai (also known as Bastakia) is the last remaining fragment of Old Dubai and shouldn't be missed. This small heritage area really evokes the simpler, gentler past of the city before skyscrapers took over the skyline.

The narrow lanes within the neighborhood are lined with carefully restored traditional buildings in typical Arabian architectural styles, many with the wind tower features, which kept houses cool before air-conditioning became common.

Many of the buildings now house small museums, art galleries, and craft shops, allowing you to enter the houses and see typical Arabian interiors.

The Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding is also based within the quarter and offers walking tours focused on the Al Fahidi quarter along with on-site traditional meals for visitors who want to experience local culinary heritage.

Sharjah Art Museum is home to one of the world's most renowned collections of work by Arab artists and art hailing from the Middle East.

Its permanent collection includes both pieces by the biggest names in contemporary Arab art from throughout the 20th century to the present, displayed in the Barjeel Collection Wing, and art from the 18th and 19th century created by both Arab artists and the European artists who focused on the Middle East in their work.

The museum is noted for its program of temporary exhibitions, which bring exhibits from both prominent and up-and-coming artists to the museum's lower floor galleries throughout the year.

Address: Corniche Street, Sharjah Heritage District, Sharjah

Official site: https://www.sharjahartmuseum.ae/

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Sharjah

Jebel Hafeet, on the edge of the oasis city of Al Ain is one of the most popular destinations for a quick and easy nature break out of Abu Dhabi city.

The cool mountain air on the summit also offers a respite from the coastal heat during summer.

This is the second highest peak in the United Arab Emirates, and far-reaching, sumptuous panoramas across the mountain's reaches and down to Al Ain greet you all the way up to the top on the winding road.

At the top of the twisting switchback mountain road, you are rewarded with being able to see across the area's vast sweep of desert stretching out in all directions.

The Burj Khalifa may give you that famous skyline view from up high, but the most iconic Dubai views are still taken from the water.

Dubai Creek slices through the city, and the best way to experience Dubai is from one of the beautiful dhows (traditional Arabic boats) that ply the creek.

Sunset cruises (which often come with entertainment and dinner) are particularly popular among visitors, as you get to watch the lights of the high-rises begin to twinkle in the dusk.

For a budget cruise, though, just hop on one of the ablas (local ferries), which ply the water between Bur Dubai and Deira.

The Hajar Mountains scythe through the northern interior of the UAE.

For nature lovers, the wadis (dry riverbeds or valleys) hidden within this region are prime territory for hiking, climbing, and bird-watching. Specialized adventure tour companies in Dubai and Ras Al-Khaimah offer wadi tours focused on these activities.

The Hajar Mountains are also great for road trips simply to take in the scenery of rolling, barren mountains.

Some of the tiny Hajar Mountain villages in the emirates of Ras Al-Khaimah and Fujairah are topped by historic watchtowers and small forts, which make good stop-offs along the way.

One of the most popular Hajar Mountain bases is the town of Hatta, which has become a major activity center in recent years, with kayaking on Hatta Lake and mountain biking in the surrounding area.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the city's best family experiences but also offers plenty of activities and things to do for the more adventurous.

The 48-meter-long Aquarium Tunnel, with 190-degree views into the aquarium, featuring over 300 sharks and rays among the 140 species living here, is a fascinating step into the underwater world.

But as well as the Aquarium Tunnel, there are opportunities to visit a penguin enclosure, a crocodile enclosure, and to witness the daily shark and ray feeding times.

For the more adventurous, Dubai Aquarium offers a variety of scuba diving experiences, including shark diving.

Address: Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

Official site: https://www.thedubaiaquarium.com/

For many visitors to the United Arab Emirates, shopping is one of the main attractions.

There are megalithic, glitzy malls by the dozen, but for a more local approach to shopping jaunts, you can't beat the souks (bazaars) .

In Dubai, the Deira and Bur Dubai districts, facing each other across Dubai Creek, are where you head for traditional shopping, with the Bur Dubai Souk, the city's famed Gold Souk, and the Spice Souk all here.

In Sharjah, the Central Souk is one of the city's landmark buildings, while nearby Souk Al Jubail is a foodie traveler favorite destination.

Abu Dhabi has also got its souk areas. The most popular is the modern World Trade Center Souk, designed by architect Norman Foster, with its shops and stalls selling handicrafts from across the Arab world.

The Hajar Mountain village of Hatta is a prime base for travelers who want to experience a slice of the UAE's Hajar Mountain scenery.

While the coast swelters in summer, temperatures here in the mountains, although still hot, tend to be dry rather than humid, making Hatta a popular weekend getaway for Dubai locals.

The turquoise waters of the vast Hatta Dam, surrounded by jagged mountain slopes, is the main tourist attraction, and many people are here chiefly to kayak or boat on the lake.

If you're looking for more activities, Hatta is home to several hiking and mountain biking trails across the surrounding mountain wadis and slopes, many with phenomenal Hajar Mountain vistas along the way. Due to this, it's become a top destination in the UAE for adventure travel and nature-based journeys.

There's also horse riding amid the Hajar foothills and, if you want bird's-eye views of Hatta's mountain scenery, tandem-paragliding.

For the ultimate aerial views on your UAE trip, take to the skies for a tandem sky dive.

Tandem sky diving experiences are offered at two very different locations in Dubai:

Either opt for the city site , where sky divers take in vistas over the Dubai coastline with bird's-eye panoramas of the Palm Jumeirah island complex below, or head out to the desert site for views of undulating desert dunes and arid plateau as you descend.

Whichever you choose, both experiences provide one of the most thrilling sightseeing opportunities in the country.

Sky diving is available throughout the year at the city site, and the desert site closes during the summer months. Be aware, though, that sky diving is a weather-dependent activity, so it can be called off due to wind and visibility issues. If this happens, you will be offered either a full refund or a rescheduled spot.

Official site: https://www.skydivedubai.ae/en

The old caravan route stop-off of Al Ain, with its sprawling date palm oasis, is today a favorite getaway destination from Abu Dhabi.

For families, the major attractions are Al Ain's vast zoo, acclaimed for its conservation work and home to a safari-style experience, and the Wadi Adventure water park , with its white water rafting facility, as well as a bundle of more typical water park rides.

Once home to the ruling Al Nayyan family, Al Ain is also one of the UAE's most important historic destinations, with the Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain Palace Museum, and Qasr Al Muwaiji, all well-preserved remnants from the era before the oil boom.

To peek into the deeper past, the 5,000-year-old Umm Al Nar tombs at Al Ain's Hili Archaeological Park are one of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites .

Sharjah's Museum of Islamic Civilization is the only museum in the country to focus on the breadth of Islamic history.

The collection inside traces Islam's course from the very early years to the spread of the Islamic empires through Asia and Africa, and explores the vast diversity of culture and art throughout the Islamic world.

As well as a wealth of artifacts and art objects, certain displays focus on separate facets of the Islamic faith and specific eras in Islam's history. Some displays feature rare manuscripts and religious documents, and tourists will find them easy to understand thanks to excellent information boards throughout.

Address: Corniche Street, Sharjah

Official site: https://www.sharjahmuseums.a e

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Things to do

31 Amazing things to do in Dubai for the ultimate holiday

Sun, August 14, 2022

Tick off the city's top things to do and places to visit.

Burj Khalifa

Standing 828m high, the  Burj Khalifa  is the tallest building in the world and one of Dubai's must-visit attractions. The majestic building is located in the heart of the city and is a hub of activity day and night. Just looking up in awe at the sheer scale of this magnificent structure is memorable in itself, but it's definitely worth venturing inside too. You can capture perfect views of the city from the  observation  deck at levels 124 and 125, or have a bite to eat in the  At The Top Sky Lounge . For special occasions, treat yourself to a sunset session at The Lounge, Burj Khalifa ,  the highest lounge in the world at 585m. 

Opening hours - At The Top:  8am - 12am, daily

Price - At The Top: from AED169

• 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai

The Dubai Fountain

Located at the base of Burj Khalifa  is one of the world's largest choreographed fountain displays, where powerful jet streams soar as high as 150m in the air and sway in time to musical numbers. Stop by in the evening when displays begin at sundown and take place every 30 minutes, until the final song plays at 11pm. Diners can also sit back and enjoy the show at an array of restaurants at Dubai Mall  or Souk Al Bahar , both commanding prime positions near the fountain arena.

Opening hours:  6pm - 11pm, daily

Price:  free

• Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Dubai

Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah is one of the largest manmade islands in the world and a triumph of human ingenuity. Locals and tourists alike flock to its vast array of high-end hotels – Waldorf Astoria, Fairmont, One&Only, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray  and, perhaps most notably, Atlantis, The Palm . Getting here is simple, thanks to the monorail running down the 'trunk', which connects to the mainland's tram system.

• Palm Jumeirah - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Dubai Creek

• Baniyas Rd, Deira, Dubai

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood in Bur Dubai is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city. Best seen on foot, this area offers nostalgic views of a bygone era with traditional windtowers and a maze of winding alleyways, positioned along the historic waterways of Dubai Creek. Visit Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) to appreciate local culture with Arabic classes, heritage tours and guided mosque visits. After exploring, take an atmospheric abra  boat ride  to the souks on the other side of the creek. 

• Al Fahidi St, Al Souq Al Kabeer, Bur Dubai

The Dubai desert

Less than a 20 minute-drive from the modern streets of Downtown Dubai lies the mystique-filled Arabian desert. Go on a Dubai-style desert safari, complete with thrilling activities  such as quad biking and sandboarding. Those looking for luxury can book a safari with leading tour companies  Platinum Heritage  and Arabian Adventures . From the unforgettable offroad drive to cultural fun with henna painting and camel rides, and a feast of local cuisine under the stars, it's an only-in-Dubai treat. Want to stay a little longer? Treat yourself to an unforgettable night amid the dunes at Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa .

• Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai-Al Ain Rd - Dubai

Dubai Mall is the world’s largest destination for shopping, entertainment and leisure, located next to the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Featuring over 1,200 retail stores, two major department stores and hundreds of food and beverage outlets, Dubai Mall covers more than 1 million sqm – an area equivalent to 200 football pitches. Even an entire day spent here is not enough to see it all. Along with its 1,200-plus shops and 150 restaurants, the venue  is home to a range of other fun attractions.

Opening hours: 10am - 1am, daily, except Wednesday (closes at midnight)

• Financial Centre Road, Downtown Dubai

Skydive Dubai

If there's one thing every adventure-seeker must sign up for, it's a skydiving experience. Skydive Dubai provides tandem skydive opportunities, supervised by trained professionals. You'll have to book well in advance to secure a spot, but it's worth it as you dive through the clouds from 13,000 feet and take in views  of the landmark Palm Jumeirah or rolling dunes of the desert. And you can keep reliving the epic experience thanks to perfectly-captured videos by the Skydive Dubai team. It's one for every braveheart's bucket list.

• Al Seyahi Street, Dubai Marina - Dubai

Madinat Jumeirah

Literally translated as 'City of Jumeirah', the Madinat Jumeirah complex is inspired by an ancient citadel. Housing luxury hotels and private enclaves designed to reflect traditional Arabian architecture, it's a great spot to indulge in a therapeutic day at the world-class Talise Spa , splurge on local trinkets and boutique brands at the Madinat Souk , or immerse yourself in the work of famous artists at the high-tech Theatre of Digital Art . And, with over 40 restaurants and lounges featuring cuisines from around the world, it's also an ideal place to refuel.

Opening hours & price: vary, depending on venues within the complex

• 6 King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Dubai

Dubai Frame

Since opening in 2018,  Dubai Frame  has become a cultural landmark that connects the Dubai's past with its present and represents a remarkable engineering feat.  Located within Dubai's famous Zabeel Park , this attraction lets you experience the transition between Old and New Dubai thanks to sweeping panoramic views of the city from 150m high. One of its striking features is the state-of-the-art clear glass bridge walkway, which connects parallel vertical towers so that, from the outside, the structure perfectly resembles a giant picture frame.

Opening hours:  9am - 9pm, daily

Price:  from AED20

• Zabeel Park, Za'abeel 1 - Dubai

The aptly-named Kite Beach is the perfect place to test out your watersports skills , although there's plenty to do out of the water at this popular spot too. Grab a smoothie from one of the many open-air cafes and restaurants, watch bikers and skaters fly by at the skate park, or enjoy a game of volleyball with friends on the sand. With plenty of beach activities, plus an incredible view of Burj Al Arab  in the distance, you can easily spend a whole day here.

Opening hours: 24 hours, daily, although sporting and dining venues at the beach have varying timings.

• Umm Suqeim, just off Jumeirah Beach Road

Dubai Water Canal

Dubai Water Canal is a 3.2-kilometre-long waterway extending from the Creek in Old Dubai  through Business Bay before finding its way to the Arabian Gulf. With 80,000sqm of public space and facilities and a 12km cycling path, the Canal has become a popular visitor attraction. There are also five pedestrian bridges that snake their way across the iconic waterway, so it's the perfect spot to stroll and take in classic views of the city at its best. Nearby is the Al Habtoor City  development, home to the thrilling  La Perle by Dragone  show, five-star hotels and an array of trendy restaurants.

• Dubai Water Canal - Al Safa - Dubai

If you'd like to shop, dine, watch a movie and swim in the sea all in one place, consider a trip to The Beach, opposite Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). With guest DJs playing on most weekends, a cinema and plenty of trendy boutiques , The Beach is always buzzing with activity. Take your pick from the range of dining options, try the exhilarating watersports on offer or just enjoy some relaxation time in a cabana with your favourite book. The Beach is also connected to the trendy new  Bluewaters Island  district by a pedestrian bridge.

Opening hours - F&B outlets: 10am - midnight, Saturday - Wednesday, extended to 1am on Thursday and Friday 

• Opposite JBR, Dubai Marina - Dubai

City Walk offers European-style pedestrian streets alongside a host of shopping and entertainment options – perfect for a pleasant day out. Take a walk along tree-lined avenues with shops and restaurants and spot artwork etched by some of the world's finest urban artists . Afterwards, treat your family to an afternoon of fun and head over to The Green Planet  to see real wildlife in an indoor tropical rainforest setting. You can also catch a concert, live sports or a comedy show at the nearby  Coca-Cola Arena , the Middle East's largest indoor arena.

• Al Wasl and Al Safa Road Junction, Sheikh Zayed Rd - Al Wasl - Dubai

Dubai Miracle Garden

A world of floral wonder awaits you at Dubai Miracle Garden, the world's largest natural flower garden. The 72,000sqm park has an impressive line-up of famous buildings and structures completely transformed into colourful flower displays. You can immerse yourself among more than 50 million blooming flowers throughout the different exhibits. The nearby Dubai Butterfly Garden  is also worth a trip. Here, children can explore over 15,000 species of butterflies whilst learning more about them in a fun setting.

Opening hours:  9am - 9pm on weekdays, extended until 10pm on Saturday and Sunday

Price:  from AED60

• Al Barsha South 3, Dubailand Area, Dubai

Dubai Opera

Located in the Downtown district, Dubai Opera offers an enticing performing arts schedule from the likes of London’s West End and Manhattan’s Broadway. With views of  The Dubai Fountain  and located next to Burj Khalifa , the eye-catching exteriors are inspired by Arabian dhow ships while the stage area is designed to easily convert into three different event platforms: theatre, hall or concert hall. Want to know what's playing at Dubai Opera while you're holidaying in the city? Visit  Dubai Calendar .

Opening hours:  10am - 9pm, daily (show timings may vary)

Price:  from AED145

• Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, Near Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai - Dubai
• Dubai Marina

A 130km drive south-east of Downtown Dubai is Hatta , a not-to-be-missed scenic getaway. In this mountain town you can try kayaking along the serene Hatta Lake, or traversing rocky mountains on foot with specially-crafted hiking experiences . Recent additions to the area include Hatta Dome Park ,  a glamping experience that takes advantage of  Hatta’s mountainscape  views and back-to-nature vibes, plus  a chic lodge-style hotel and trailer parks. Indulge in a host of adventure activities such as zorbing, mountain biking and more at Hatta Wadi Hub. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit, as the Hub is also home to Asia’s first ever water jump park, Hatta Drop-In.

• Hatta Wadi Hub, located off the Dubai-Hatta road

IMG Worlds of Adventure

Unlimited fun, excitement, speed and 5D entertainment – you can expect it all at IMG Worlds of Adventure. This enormous theme park  is the same size as 28 football pitches put together. With the most up-to-date and exciting rides , IMG Worlds of Adventure brings your favourite characters to life. Give your little ones the best time with rides featuring Ben 10, Powerpuff Girls and LazyTown, while older kids can delve into the world of Spider-Man, Hulk, Iron Man and The Avengers.

Opening hours : noon - 10pm, Sunday to Thursday, extended to 11pm on the weekend

Price - general admission:  AED345

• E311, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, City of Arabia Dubai Land, Dubai

Dubai Parks and Resorts

Dubai Parks and Resorts adds to the city's reputation as an entertainment paradise. Children are bound to get excited in the labyrinth of magnificent theme parks, which includes  Motiongate , Real Madrid World  and Legoland and Legoland Water Park . Adults can relax at the Riverland Boulevard , home to restaurants and a range of open-air entertainment. Don't want to leave? Check in to the luxury Polynesian-style hotel, The Lapita, or the region's first and only Legoland Hotel, both located within the theme park destination.

Opening hours:  10am - 11pm, daily

Price - One Park Pass:  from AED295

• Sheikh Zayed Rd, Opposite Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai

The View at The Palm

Enjoy incomparable views of one of Dubai’s most talked about landmarks at The View at The Palm. Located 240m high, the observation deck presents never seen before 360-degree panoramas of  Palm Jumeirah  alongside the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai skyline  in the distance. The View at The Palm is located on level 52 of The Palm Tower, which also houses a café, a creative exhibition that showcases the development of the island, interactive aquarium-themed tunnels and a gift shop. 

Opening hours : 9am - 10pm, weekdays, extended to midnight on weekends

Price:  from AED100

• Level 52, The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

Deep Dive Dubai

The latest addition to the city's thriving sports and adventure activities scene, Deep Dive Dubai is the place to be for all aqua enthusiasts . The recreational centre's 60.02m-deep pool is certified by Guinness World Records as the world's deepest swimming pool for diving. Aside from its remarkable depth, the pool features other unrivalled underwater additions, such as a 'sunken city', alongside year-round freediving and  scuba diving  courses and guided experiences.

Opening hours : 9am - 6pm, except on Friday (closed)

Price:  from AED400

• Deep Dive Dubai, NAS Sports Complex, Dubai

Sky Views Dubai

Thrill-seekers can try a trio of epic experiences at Sky Views Dubai, perched 219.5m above ground on top of the Address Sky View hotel. The Glass Slide allows visitors to zoom down a transparent tunnel on the 53rd floor, while the Observatory features a glass elevator and bridge to further test your head for heights. Meanwhile, true risk-takers will look forward to the Edge Walk – as they dangle off the building's side while strapped to a safety harness. All three experiences allow participants to enjoy phenomenal views  of Downtown Dubai's iconic landmarks, including the nearby Burj Khalifa .

Opening hours : 10am - 10pm, weekdays, extended to midnight on weekends

Price:  from AED70

• Address Sky View hotel, Emaar Square Area, Downtown Dubai

Burj Al Arab

For the first time since its launch, Dubai's famed Burj Al Arab  has opened its doors to visitors, granting access to the hotel's ultra-luxurious interiors on an immersive 90-minute tour. Not only will you get to explore the landmark’s gilded suites, and enjoy its incomparable views of the city , but you'll also uncover the hotel’s history and wealth of untold stories. You can also delve deeper and make the most of your experience with tour customisations.

Tour timings: 9:30am - 8:30pm, daily Price: from AED249

• Jumeirah Road - Umm Suqeim 3 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Museum of the Future

One of Dubai's most famous architectural landmarks , the Museum of the Future  takes pride of place along the city's superhighway, Sheikh Zayed Road. Founded by the Dubai Future Foundation, the museum explores how society could evolve in the coming decades using science and technology. Termed a 'living museum', it incorporates elements of traditional exhibitions, immersive theatre and themed attractions, so visitors can look beyond the present and towards the future's limitless possibilities.

Opening hours : 10am - 9:30pm, daily

Price:  from AED149

• Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre - Dubai

Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

Built along the historic Dubai Creek and designed in the shape of a traditional Islamic lectern, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library is the latest cultural hotspot to open its doors in the city. A landmark  unique to Dubai, the library is the largest in the region and representative of its collective cultural wisdom, educational milestones and continued forays in research and academia. Aside from enjoying the remarkable architecture and exploring the library's nine levels, visitors can discover a fully digitalised laboratory and several specialised collections inside.

Opening hours : 9am - 9pm, daily, except on Friday (opens 2pm) and Sunday (closed)

Price:  free

• Dubai Creek, Al Jaddaf

Serious foodies can’t possibly visit Dubai without making a stop at the  MENA 50 Best Restaurants  top spot, 3Fils. Its chic yet casual setting, coupled with calming harbourside views and a no-reservations policy, makes this one of Dubai's most unassumingly spectacular dining hotspots . Serving modern Asian cuisine, you’ll find tantalising dishes such as salmon carpaccio, wagyu sushi and fire-grilled octopus on the menu.  Opening hours : noon - 11:30pm, daily

• Shop 2, Jumeirah Fishing Harbour 1, Al Urouba St, Jumeirah - Dubai

Aura Skypool

Unwind in the world's highest 360-degree swimming pool as you gaze out at landmarks including Burj Al Arab  and Ain Dubai. Situated 200m above ground, AURA Skypool is the perfect place for an unforgettable swim. Visitors to the Palm Jumeirah venue can also relax in its chic lounge area and sample a menu filled with delicious sharing plates and Pan-Asian flavours . Standouts to try include the glazed miso salmon, chilli honey cauliflower popcorn and matcha tiramisu. 

Opening hours : 10am - 7pm, daily

Price:  from AED150

• The Palm Tower, 50th Floor, Palm Jumeirah

Prepare to be amazed by Dubai's first permanent show, which combines acting, acrobatics, aquatic feats and aerial stunts across an exhilarating 90 minutes. All the action takes place inside a tailor-made, 1,300-seat theatre in the heart of Al Habtoor City , featuring a high-tech ‘aqua-stage’ that can fill with 2.7 million litres of water. Watch from the edge of your seat as performers dive, fly and defy gravity, as they tell a story which pays homage to the UAE's pearl diving history .

Show timings : 6:30pm - 8pm & 9pm - 11:30pm, daily

Price:  from AED209

• Al Habtoor City, 260 Sheikh Zayed Rd, Business Bay - Dubai

Alserkal Avenue

Once an industrial area in the centre of Dubai, Alserkal Avenue now comprises around 40 warehouses, converted into galleries, dance studios, artisanal cafes and more. The neighbourhood has nurtured a culture of creativity and is now one of the region’s leading art hubs. Since its humble beginnings as a standalone gallery in 2008, word caught on and similar concepts soon moved into the area. Popular spots include arthouse theatre  Cinema Akil , the hipster-inspired  Nightjar Coffee  and Leila Heller Gallery.

• 17th Street, Al Quoz 1, Dubai

Expo City Dubai

Building on the legacy of Expo 2020 Dubai , which welcomed 192 nations and more than 24 million visitors, is the future-centric Expo City Dubai. Explore popular country pavilions including the falcon-inspired UAE Pavilion, award-winning Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion and reworked spaces for Luxembourg, Pakistan and Australia. Alif – the Mobility Pavilion and Terra – the Sustainability Pavilion have been transformed into interactive educational experiences, while the Opportunity Pavilion is now the Expo 2020 Dubai Museum.  Al Wasl Plaza , the Dubai Exhibition Centre, the Garden in the Sky observation tower and the Surreal water feature also remain at Expo City Dubai, which has its own metro station. 

Opening hours: 24 hours daily, though attraction timings vary Price: free to enter, though attraction tickets vary

• Expo Road Dubai South, Jebel Ali

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Tourism in Dubai

Destination description – dubai.

Dubai is a magical place, springing up in the Arabian desert and full of ambition. It is a modern city with mega malls, the tallest buildings, and artificial islands (the largest in the world). The scenic site has perfect beach weather between November and January; a scorching experience is expected during summer. The incredible destination is the world’s leading tourism center; therefore, tourism is the primary source of revenue. The main attraction sites include; Dubai’s old culture and economic development (Anthonisz & Mason, 2019). Based on culture, Dubai can be split into two halves Bur Dubai and Deira. In Bur Dubai, there are building linings that provide a flavor of the old city. Historical Dubai is represented by Heritage Village, with some old preserved buildings, whereas the Diving Village provides a pearl diving site and fishing points (Farooq, Seraphim, and Medhekar, 2021). Other attraction sites are Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House and Museum in the famous Al Fahidi Fort.

According to Dubai’s tourism infographics, it receives approximately 10 million tourists annually, which keeps growing (Khudhair and Mardani, 2021). However, the number of tourists in 2020 decreased due to the Covid-19 pandemic that struck the world and travel restrictions by various nations. In 2022, Dubai received approximately 8.1 million tourists within the first seven months, surpassing the total number of tourists recorded in 2021. By the end of 2022, the number is expected to double.

Location on Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) model, and if/how this has changed over time

Tourism area life cycle (TALC) provides a conceptual basis through which a destination analysis can be done to show that they solely follow a relatively consistent development process as well as a cycle that can be recognized (George, 2022). In addition, the model assumes that a threshold is achieved either sooner or later. Such a tourist attraction site is perceived to have depreciated in desirability. Furthermore, the model suggests that the gradual development of a destination brings about a change in physical and sociocultural environments that impact the host community’s attitudes. TALC has various stages: exploration, involvement, development, consolidation, stagnation, decline, and rejuvenation (An and Jang, 2020, p. 60). The TALC model can be instrumental in determining and indicating the state of Dubai’s long-term sustainability.

Based on TALC analysis, Dubai is currently in the consolidation stage. In the consolidation phase, tourism constitutes most of the local economy (Singh, 2021, p. 220). Regardless of how the rate of tourists has declined, the statistics show a favorable rate, such that the number of tourists exceeds the number of permanent residents. One common characteristic of the consolidation phase is the deterioration of the quality of life and the negative impact felt by the residents due to tourism; Dubai is not an exemption. There are various negative impacts developed due to tourism activities, and they constitute environmental, sociocultural, and economic impacts. In the consolidation stage, the negative attitudes among the residents are more substantial than in the other stages (Scarpi, Confente, and Russo, 2022, p. 103472). Commonly, the negative attitudes range from annoyance to resentment and then antagonism. The negative impacts in Dubai are not favorable and safe for the residents and visitors.

Marketing and advertisements tend to be mouthwatering to visitors from other continents, so the negative impacts imposed on previous visitations do not matter (George, 2021, p. 450). In some instances, the number of tourists and provisions may arouse opposition and discontentment from the permanent residents that are not concerned with the tourist industry (Heye and Nadkarni, 2020, p. 10). According to an Expo, there are chances of a rejuvenation occurrence; this is due to the results and contributions of tourism that may have a long-lasting negative impact on sociocultural and environmental conditions within Dubai (Khudhair and Mardani, 2021). However, there is a high growth rate in the economic status of Dubai, and seamlessly, it will contain itself and maintain its paramount tourist attraction reputation in the Middle East.

Current sustainability position of the destination

As one of the most substantial pillars of its economic growth, Dubai aims to receive more visitors yearly by setting tangible targets for sustainable development. The sustainable vision of transforming Dubai into a Green Economy with a mission of making sustainable development is backed up by the Vice President of the region, HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum, among other leaders. A docket formulated known as Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) involves both the public and the private sectors and civil society.

Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) mainly focuses on contributing to the broader clean energy and aiming at sustainable development. DST embeds sustainability principles into all tourism-related aspects. In addition, the organ combines all the economic stakeholders, especially those involved in the tourism industry. The efforts of developing DST are a holistic approach with a common goal of achieving the long-term sustainability of the economy. Analogously, the initiative’s strategic plan has four main targets: energy efficiency, environmental conservation and protection, education and making awareness, and finally, engaging all sectors, both the tourist-related industries and those that are not. The sustainability targets listed are suitable and universal as they embody sociocultural development, environmental conservation, and economic development, through which tourism in Dubai will be impactful by mitigating climate change and promoting sustainability.

Tourism impacts

Define economic sustainability

Economic sustainability may be defined as the practices developed to support long-term economic growth by conserving natural and financial resources for economic stability without negatively affecting the community environmentally, socially, or culturally. Economic sustainability mainly involves balancing economic growth and profit generation with environmental impacts and people (Streimikiene et al., 2020, p. 611). Due to its importance, economic sustainability is also integrated into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which tend to provide a manual for creating stable growth and sustainability for governments and countries worldwide.

Describe impacts (examples: GDP, numbers of arrivals, leakages/MNCs, investment, growth strategies, taxes, employment, costs of living, etc .)

The tourism industry has been designated as a growth sector for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to its capabilities in economic diversification. For instance, in 2015, the tourism industry contributed approximately US$36.43 billion to the country’s total GDP. This represents about 8.7% of the total GDP. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in 2016, there was a 4.4% growth rate, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government received approximately US$64 from the tourism industry (Ozdemir and Erol, 2020, p. 1550). It is expected that the figure will have doubled by 2026 (10 years later).

The growth of the tourist industry generates many job opportunities for international and local citizens. The key beneficiaries of these opportunities are the hotels, airlines, and other transportation sectors. According to WTTC, in 2015, the industry supported approximately 300 000 jobs (up to 5.7% of total employment in the country), and in 2016, the job opportunities rose by 3.8%. It is projected that by 2026, there will be 500,000 job opportunities. Furthermore, the restaurants and leisure industries are beneficiaries of the tourism industry. In 2015, 557,000 job opportunities were generated from the tourism industry, which accounts for 9.6% of the total UAE workforce. The total workforce in 2016 rose by 3.8%, 578,000 jobs, and it is projected that in 2026, the number will have risen to 12.4% of the total, which approximates 800,000 jobs.

According to Dubai Statistics Centre (DSC), the number of visitors has been rising at an average of 8.7% per annum. Furthermore, according to WTTC, there is an indication that by 2026, the growth trajectory will have shot up further, thus making the industry more impactful to the growth of the UAE (Safari et al., 2022, p. 1630). Recent reports say that new developments and mega projects are underway, which translates to growth forecasts and predictions of the sector being conservative. When the projects that are underway are completed, according to the previous reports, the number of visitors visiting Dubai will have increased.

Sociocultural

Define social sustainability and cultural sustainability

Social responsibility refers to the process through which sustainable and prosperous platforms are created to promote the wellbeing of individuals by having an understanding of their needs from their workplaces and homes. The occurrence of social sustainability is said to exist when both formal and informal processes, distinct structures, systems, and relationships support the survival of individuals in the current and future generations (Schönborn et al., 2019, p. 6). On the other hand, Cultural sustainability revolves around maintaining cultural beliefs, practices, and heritage conservations. The importance of cultural sustainability can be viewed within the limits of influential power and beliefs that heavily measure societal decisions.

Describe the impacts

Social ramifications from economic expansion through increased tourism activities are conspicuous. Economic modernization and financial improvements in Dubai have led to an acceleration in population. On the other hand, tourism leading to developmental prosperity, has brought significant social and cultural impacts. Some impacts include housing, urbanization, cultural and heritage erosion, and employment. Furthermore, the negative impacts are a result of conflicts between the permanent residents and the tourists. However, the impacts are mainly brought up by the tourists that cause resentment to the host communities. Increase in crime such as robbery, theft, street prostitution, drug abuse, and illegal gambling are among the negative social impacts, which are as a result of criminal gangs whose main intention is moving in the region to exploit the tourists.

The features of migrant housing patterns in the Gulf regions reveal the social ramifications as a result of the increased population due to urbanization and economic liberalization (Maxim, 2020, p. 25). Among the characteristics include, temporary construction workers reside in camps at the periphery of the city, single rooms that are shared by several people are shared by either the unskilled migrants or the semi-skilled ones, these rooms were owned by indigenous individuals, increase in suburb villas and residential buildings, older houses serving as homes for the lower middle-class individuals and secure and well-built houses for the expatriate communities.

There is a rise of social distinctions that results into ethnicity and discrimination of the poor by the expatriate communities who are well-of. In addition, tourism has, by a bigger factor, cemented ethnicity in terms of Western and non-Western communities (Alipour and Galal Ahmed, 2021, p. 15). Neo-colonialism has taken the mantle in various places in Dubai, for instance in the recreational facilities and in sports where they represent civic characteristics. Analogously, the social stratification system among the permanent residents and the tourists is not cohesive, and this results in skewed perceptions about the visitors, hatred may easily come through this state.

There is a rise of tribal and territorial differences between the UAE nationals and other low-income nationals such that there exist variations in forms of citizenship. Tourism further introduced division among nationals resulting into different social groups based on ethnicity, they include, lower-income groups, the merchant class, new middle class and the ruling families (Szromek, Kruczek, and Walas, 2019, p. 228). The lower income groups are regarded as poor peasants who does informal jobs such as drivers and farmers, the merchants on the other hand are still down in the hierarchy, however they are dealers in international consumer goods, the new middle class are the second from the top, they are characterized by learned individuals and professionals that have beneficiaries of free education, lastly, the expatrtes or the ruling families are at the top of the hierarchy, they are mainly characterized by individuals holding highest political positions.

Culturally, Dubai is an Islamic zone just like other Middle East cities, tourism has had an impact on this, through the rise of modernization and urbanization. Historical cities and local heritage have faced constant threats from the developing nations. However, there are some proactive initiatives underway to revive the culture, especially in the aesthetically conducive parts that can further attract the tourists. These efforts, however, are however being challenged by the lack of local life and social continuity, which tend to create a disconnection from the Emirati cultural life. Historical buildings have been destroyed in an attempt to restore some parts of Dubai. Notably, approximately 2500 historical buildings have been destroyed, with only 300 out of the total surviving.

Museums being part of the tourist circuit in Dubai are not mainly considered in the tourism industry as the main focus is not overtly on the cultural heritage (Zaidan, 2019, p. 577). Vernacular and indigenous architecture in Dubai have been dominated by modern buildings, as a result, the demise of older architecture has been experienced. Currently, Dubai’s image as a tourist attraction site does not reflect its cultural identity, this reduces the sense of prestige. It can be concluded that the scarcity of heritage that represents major historical events and tradition have societal repercussions.

Environmental

Define environmental sustainability

Environmental sustainability is defined as the proactive process of preserving natural resources and conserving ecosystems with an end goal of promoting health and supporting human health, in the present day and in the future. Environmental regulations are an important aspect of sustainability, tangible standards for quality water and air should be set in order to achieve a long-lasting environmental sustainability. Threats to environmental wellness are all over and almost every industry is a suspect of environmental misconduct. Multinational companies have shown efforts of effectively limiting emissions and effluents that threaten the environment, however, this is only paid attention to countries where regulations are strict, whereas in those that guidelines are lenient, emissions are not controlled.

Describe impacts

Rapid economic development in Dubai has contributed to serious environmental challenges due to the rise to the rise of population. The rise in population is directly proportional to the increased demand for air, energy and water. In addition, high population leads to a fast-paced urban development that induces high levels of effluent gas emissions. According to a report by the Living Planet, Dubai has the highest ecological footprint. Dubai having a higher ecological footprint simply means that sustainability within that region is not balanced with the use of natural resources such as air and water per person per capita.

Tourism in Dubai has caused land degradation and desertification through man-made factors such as an increased population. Increased human activities tend to decrease the soil quality and degrade land utility through consumption systems. Desertification on the other hand is promoted by drought and over-exploitation of scarce natural resources (Elgaali, Ziadat, and Alzyoud, 2019, p. 3). As seen earlier, tourism leads to development of urban encroachment that directly exerts pressure on natural resources, contributes to soil deterioration. Dubai being in desert-like land, excessive manipulation by human activities leads to drought that threatens the lives of million individuals, sustainable development is highly affected, as there are increased instances of poverty, poor health, food insecurity, decrease in biodiversity, scarcity of water among other catastrophic issues.

Air pollution has also been promoted by energy, water and transport activities in Dubai. Ambient air quality has been challenged mostly by the transport industry which in Dubai is famous and has expanded. Combustion of fuel from airplanes and other means of transport continually emit some poisonous gas and therefore keeping air quality within the required standards becomes a challenge. Additionally, Dubai’s per capita waste generation is among the highest in the world, which after high accumulation, the waste ends up in mere landfills. Waste generation is caused by an increased population, that goes back to the drawing board which is tourism.

Current management plans and which impacts they alleviate/manage: carrying capacity measures, visitor management methods, impacts assessments, codes of conduct, etc…

Dubai has pledged to be proactive in reaching a net zero carbon emission in the near future, specifically, it announced that by 2050, carbon emissions will have ended. An investment of approximately $163 billion has been put in place for the development of clean and renewable energy among other zero carbon emission technologies. Currently, there is significant progress in urban infrastructure that is aimed at diversification and change from a hydrocarbons-focused economy to a green-energy based economy (Panagopoulos and Haralambous, 2020, p.111773). In order to curb Dubai’s per capita water consumption, bearing in mind that there is water scarcity, there are plans underway to utilize desalinated seawater in order to meet the high water demand.

The leadership of Dubai recognizes that economic growth and environment conservation can be pursued and achieved together. The leadership has proactively welcomed ideas and steps aimed at mitigating the negative environmental impacts. In addition, the government has adopted several policies and strategies of addressing the aggressive causes and impacts of climate change, air quality improvement, mitigating the emission of greenhouse gasses, and curbing food and water insecurity and natural resources conservation.

Assess where further management strategies are needed

Clean tech and environmental technologies further needs further research and management strategies are required. Although a very rewarding and promising future by integrated form of energy, great losses as well are likely to be experienced especially when done incorrectly or mismanaged. Waste to energy projects which are underway needs ultimate managerial strategies considering that this is a new technology on trial. Waste to energy power plants that are aimed at reducing landfills as a result of waste generation and decreasing carbon (IV) oxide emissions. One waste to energy power plant is expected to process approximately 950,000 metric tons of landfills, power that is sufficient for more than 30,000 homes.

Tourism in Dubai is a great asset for economic growth and expansion, positioning the city to be among the most developed cities in the world. The number of tourists visiting Dubai is expected to rise further by 2026, in fact it is projected that the number will double. Urbanization due to an increased population has been experienced, and is expected to rise according to the 2026 projects. However, Tourism has some negative sociocultural and environmental factors that lead to suffering for both the tourists and permanent residents. Among the sociocultural negative impacts as a result of high population growth are social evils such as crimes, prostitution, robbery, theft among others. Conversely, tourism has promoted tribal and ethnicity that indirectly leads to discrimination towards the minority groups. Culturally, tourism has led to erosion of Emirati culture, which is an important aspect of their heritage. Analogously, environmental negative impacts of tourism in Dubai have led to human life being endangered by all forms of pollution, from water to air pollution. Currently, mitigation measures that are being developed and others are already operational are timely and perfect, they are expected to improve the environmental risks and pollution. Finally, tourists have been facing insecurity challenges from individuals pretending to have come to visit various places. Therefore, there is a need for increasing security in Dubai.

Farooq, H.A.Q., Seraphim, J. and Medhekar, A., 2021. Branding heritage tourism in Dubai: A qualitative study. Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Research (AHTR) .

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Anthonisz, A. and Mason, G., 2019. Reinventing tourism: the Dubai phenomenon. Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes .

Maxim, C., 2020. Challenges of world tourism cities: London, Singapore and Dubai. In Routledge Handbook of Tourism Cities (pp. 19-30). Routledge.

Khudhair, H.Y. and Mardani, A., 2021. The positive role of the tourism industry for Dubai city in the United Arab Emirates. International Journal of Economics and Management Systems , 6 .

George, R., 2021. Marketing Tourism Destinations. In Marketing Tourism and Hospitality (pp. 447-484). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.

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Szromek, A.R., Kruczek, Z. and Walas, B., 2019. The attitude of tourist destination residents towards the effects of overtourism—Kraków case study. Sustainability , 12 (1), p.228.

Gore, S., Borde, N., Hegde-Desai, P. and George, B., 2022. A structured literature review of the tourism area life cycle concept.

Singh, S., 2021. Time, tourism area ‘life-cycle,’evolution and heritage. Journal of Heritage Tourism , 16 (2), pp.218-229.

Zaidan, E., 2019. Cultural-based challenges of the westernised approach to development in newly developed societies. Development in Practice , 29 (5), pp.570-581.

Alipour, S.M. and Galal Ahmed, K., 2021. Assessing the effect of urban form on social sustainability: a proposed ‘Integrated Measuring Tools Method’for urban neighborhoods in Dubai. City, Territory and Architecture , 8 (1), pp.1-21.

Scarpi, D., Confente, I. and Russo, I., 2022. The impact of tourism on residents’ intention to stay. A qualitative comparative analysis. Annals of Tourism Research , 97 , p.103472.

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Tourism in Dubai - Essay Example

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Tourism in Dubai essay ,For those who want to visit Dubai or want to know information about tourism in Dubai, you will find here Tourism in Dubai essay and you will find all the important information that interests you .

Tourism in Dubai essay

Dubai is one of the most beautiful tourist cities in the world and tourists come to it  from all over the world. Here you will find Tourism in Dubai essay with all the important and valuable information about the touristic places in Dubai.

The Emirate of Dubai, located in the United Arab Emirates, is one of the most developed cities of our time. It is governed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It is one of the cities that has become a destination for all races and all countries, and is characterized by the beautiful places that tourists from all over the world come to it, in this article we will give you the best places to visit .

Burj Khalifa is one of the most famous places in Dubai. It is a symbol of its length. The tower is eight hundred and twenty-nine meters long. It is the tallest tower in the world. Most tourists visit this tower to see the magnificent view of the city through the terrace on the floor one hundred and twenty-four, and the scenes are frightening and pretty wonderful as seen by the bird from the sky.

The tower is surrounded by beautifully landscaped buildings and Dubai’s charming fountain, one of the most important towers in the world, is Burj Al Arab, the tallest hotel in the world.

Dubai Museum This museum is located in Al Fahidi Castle, built in 1987 to protect Dubai Creek. The castle was also used by the ruling family in Dubai as a government building and prison. It was restored in 1991 and again in 1995 and is now one of the most important museums located in Dubai, and has plenty of traditional artifacts and artifacts for the area.

Old City of Dubai This city was built in the 19th century and was an area of ​​residence for rich Persian merchants. Their trade was based on pearls and cloth. There are many places to visit in this area, including Dubai Creek and wind towers.

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum Palace: Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum was the ruler of Dubai from 1921 to 1958, the Grandfather of the current ruler of Dubai. The palace was renovated and transformed into a museum showing the old Arab and Islamic architecture. Built in 1896 , In the time of his father, who built the house to observe the activities of merchant ships of honor located in the palace.

Dubai Creek: Dubai Creek divides the city into two parts, and has played an important and influential role in the growth of the Emirate of Dubai, and was an important center for fishing, diving and pearl collection.

Jumeirah Mosque: The most beautiful mosque in Dubai,  the mosque has been built to be identical to the Al-Azhar mosque located in Egypt, the mosque holds the aesthetics of Islamic engineering design.

Dubai Water City is one of the most important tourist attractions in Dubai. It has a hundred and forty species of marine animals. It is located under the Dubai Mall. The walkway under the large fish pond, which surrounds you from all sides, can make it one of the most exciting experiences in Your life.

Tourism in uae essay

Once we look at the picturesque scenery in the United Arab Emirates, we can know that it is one of the countries that can attract you with only one picture.

Once you think about tourism in the Emirates, you can imagine several things, such as the beautiful coast, which is designed on  modern designs, with palm trees, and in the middle of it are the exotic resorts designed on the finest architectural style in the world, besides the picturesque sand surrounding it on every side.

Then comes to your mind the tallest towers, which have surpassed the clouds to correspond to the description that the clouds are already embracing it from one side. Many people dream of seeing this view in nature.

Then we move to famous landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and how it is designed and the surrounding areas from below and its splendor, Or the Burj Al Arab and many imaginary towers, entertainment areas or restaurants.

It is not possible to describe the UAE through some words, because that will not give it its right. But the sure thing is that it is the most beautiful country in the world, which must be visited for tourism, even once in a lifetime.

Paragraph on tourism in the United Arab Emirates

Tourism represents a great source of income for tourist countries, as it helps greatly in raising the value of infrastructure, and is considered a major improvement in both the local currency, the economy, and the standard of living of the individual.

Therefore, when the state’s primary interest is tourism, it is at a high level of luxury and sophistication, in order to receive tourists in an honorable and great manner.

This is what the United Arab Emirates is doing. It exploits all its resources in reconstruction and infrastructure improvement, in order to attract all kinds of tourism.

Not only that, but it also attracts the richest businessmen in the world who are attracted to successful regions, and in this regard, the United Arab Emirates is considered a winning horse for any investor who wants to benefit from commercial projects there.

You will not find a place that works daily to invent something new to attract tourism like the Emirates. It is truly a great country, striving to achieve the greatest records, provide the greatest degree of security and safety, and constantly strive for innovation and development to amaze the visitors.

In addition to all that, it retains its identity and we find it always lofty and great, as it helps many of its neighboring regions, to represent an honorable image that every Arab is proud of.

I want to visit Dubai essay

There is no doubt that everyone is watching the great achievements that are taking place in Dubai. It can be said that it is the country of dreams, anyone can achieve anything there he dreams of if he has money, he can build the tallest tower in the world, he can ride the most luxurious and wonderful cars, he can set up any project that has not been established anywhere in the world and meets great success because the city loves New and different.

Therefore, I very much want to visit Dubai and live in it for a while, even for a short period, and enjoy what has been established on its land and spend some time watching those great luxury buildings, wandering in the malls and streets, and spending some time in the best amusement parks in it that compete strongly with all the cities of the whole world, and are considered the best also.

I am also looking forward to some exciting experiences that no one has done before, such as jumping from one building to another. I watched this terrifying game in one of the videos, and I found it very terrifying and indescribable. This method does not have any safety means, and therefore it is very terrifying. I do not know if I am brave enough to ride such scary games, but I may try it if I find someone who encourages me.

Therefore, I would like to visit Dubai and enjoy all its atmosphere.

This is why we have provided with Tourism in Dubai essay  ,and to read more about Dubai you can access the following article:

• Essay about Dubai

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Dubai Enforces New Entry Requirements for Visit Visa Holders

D ubai authorities have introduced stringent entry requirements for visitors on visit visas . Travelers must now carry AED 3,000 in cash or credit, a valid return ticket, and proof of accommodation. This new rule is designed to ensure that visitors have sufficient funds and a clear plan for their stay in Dubai .

Read More: Countries To Visit Visa Free If You Are A UAE Resident

Financial Proof Required

To meet the new requirements, visitors need to present proof of having AED 3,000, which can be in cash or on a credit card. This measure is aimed at confirming that travelers have enough money to support themselves during their visit, thereby reducing the risk of overstays and ensuring they can cover their expenses while in Dubai.

Proof of Accommodation

In addition to financial proof, travelers must also provide an address where they will be staying. This could be the home of a relative or friend, or a hotel booking. This requirement helps authorities manage the influx of tourists and reduces the risk of illegal stays in the UAE.

Pre - Boarding Checks

These entry checks are now part of the pre-boarding process at various airports. Authorities are vigilant in verifying all required documents and proof before allowing travelers to board flights to Dubai. These measures are enforced not only in the UAE but also at airports in India and other countries to prevent non-compliant passengers from traveling.

Impact on Tourism

Officials believe that these stringent checks will positively impact Dubai's tourism sector . By ensuring visitors have enough funds and a confirmed place to stay, authorities aim to create a more transparent and secure travel experience. This proactive approach is expected to enhance the overall travel experience and maintain Dubai's reputation as a safe and welcoming destination.

This article was posted on UAEMoments

PRESSR: UAE tops MENA region and climbs seven places globally in WEF’s Tourism & Travel Development Index 2024

Abu Dhabi: The UAE has been ranked first in the region and 18th globally in the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024, climbing seven places from its 25th global ranking in 2019.

H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, emphasized that the UAE tourism, thanks to the forward-looking vision and directives of the country’s wise leadership, continues to excel at the regional and international levels, achieving outstanding results that reflect the country's leading position in the global tourism and travel landscape. These accomplishments contribute significantly to achieving the targets of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to further the country’s position as the best tourist destination in the world by the next decade.

H.E. said: “We expect our national tourism sector to continue its growth in 2024 in light of the pioneering tourism projects and initiatives that are being implemented by the country. This will be further supported by the UAE’s sophisticated infrastructure built in accordance with global best practices and outstanding tourism products and services that provide a unique experience for visitors and tourists from around the world.” H.E. added that the national efforts to formulate resilient tourism policies and enhance the sector's contribution to the national GDP are continuing in line with ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.

H.E. Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), commended the success of the UAE in strengthening its position on the global tourism map as one of the most attractive and safe travel destinations. This is the result of the implementation of an effective and comprehensive strategy by the UAE under the directives of its wise leadership to enhance economic diversification, she said.

She added: “The latest results of the Index underscore the UAE’s success in maintaining competitiveness in the national tourism sector, given its status as a key pillar of the future economy. The country tops the global tourism landscape in indicators such as the provision and comprehensiveness of travel and tourism data, as well as travel and tourism policy and infrastructure.”

The WEF report evaluates various factors and policies that contribute to creating a sustainable and resilient environment for the travel and tourism sector, which in turn enhances the country's sustainable development. It classifies the economies of 119 countries according to five sub-indexes, from which 17 pillars are divided, and 102 individual indicators, including: an enabling environment, travel and tourism policy and infrastructure, infrastructure and services, travel and tourism resources, and the sustainability of the travel and tourism sector. The index serves as a strategic measurement tool for companies, governments, international organizations, and others to advance the travel and tourism sector.

In the report, the UAE ranks first globally in the travel and tourism data provision indicator and air transport infrastructure, second globally in infrastructure and services, and third globally in the travel and tourism data comprehensiveness, air transport services efficiency, and travel and tourism policy and infrastructure.

In addition, the country ranks first globally in six indicators and is among the top five in 15 other indicators and the top 10 in 27 indicators. The UAE also achieved progress in a total of 32 indicators of the report.

The UAE tourism sector grew by 26 per cent in 2023 compared to that of 2022 and surpassed 2019 levels by 14 per cent. Its contribution to the country's GDP amounted to AED 220 billion, equivalent to 11.7 per cent. Its contribution to the national economy is expected to rise in 2024 to AED 236 billion, accounting for 12 per cent of the GDP, according to a report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC.)

For further information, please contact:

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Email: [email protected]

Website: www.orientplanet.com

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Filipino Writers’ Circle organizes essay writing and poster making contests

In celebration of the 126th Philippines Independence Day, the Filipino Writers’ Circle (FilWrite) in collaboration with the Philippine Embassy Manama and Migrant Workers Office (MWO), Bahrain is delighted to announce an exciting opportunity for all creative-minded Filipinos to participate in the ‘’On the Spot Essay Writing and Poster Making’’ contests to showcase their talents on the theme that revolves on freedom, love of country and future aspirations. This will be held on 8 June 2024 at the Philippine Embassy.

According to Cecil Ancheta, president of FilWrite, “Both contests will celebrate the artistic talents of the participants to express their hopes and ideas for the future of the country through words and art.”

She further narrated that these competitions “will serve as an educational platform for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to reflect on and honor the journeys and sacrifices of our heroes as one way of celebrating Independence Day with creativity and vision.”

The winning candidates will receive certificates of awards, plaques, and cash prizes.

Interested participants must register online. The deadline for registration is 31 May 2024. For inquiries, interested parties can contact Ruth +9736778214 and Gina +9736395711.

FilWrite is composed of Filipino writers in Bahrain who bonded together to foster camaraderie among its ranks and create a strong united voice to support the community on various issues.

Staff Report

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Tourism and Economy in UAE Report

Introduction.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) was formed in 1971 as a confederation comprised of seven emirates. The states forming UAE include; Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah, and Umm al Qaiwain. The economy of UAE was first based on fishing and pearling industry before the discovery of oil.

Abu Dhabi became the first state to export oil in the year 1962, after which others followed. The oil industry has since attracted a number of foreign workers which accounted for almost three-quarters of the population (United Arab Emirates, 2010).

United Arab Emirates has been operating on high and rising oil prices, as well as healthy growth in property markets since the start of the 21 st century. The economy is approximated to be growing at an average rate of 7% p. a. from the year 2000 to 2007.

In their bid to develop a stabilized economy which does not fully rely on energy resources, the country embarked for re-investing assets in the country at local and federal levels (EIU, 2005a). The assets are in form of public-private partnerships, infrastructure, education and training. The country faces several challenges from political, environmental, social and economic.

External threats of geopolitical instability which encompasses unresolved inter-cultural and national ties could lead to some negative impact. Internal threats range from social and political imbalances, increasing rates of unemployment and income distribution.

The United Arab Emirates is a currently which is recorded to undergo tremendous expansion with the governments focused on investing proceeds from high oil prices.

Frequent tourists visits are largely influenced by the nature of environment based on political stability. The level of value attached to recreation destinations has significant contribution towards tourism industry worldwide (United Arab Emirates, 2010).

Tourism is definitely one of the fastest growing sectors of economy in the UAE. However, records reveal that the sector has experienced unlimited economic analysis. There are numerous business entities operating within the same industry, such as transport, hotel and hospitality which make such economic assessment appear tricky.

Tourism contributes significantly into community development since the sector offers numerous employment opportunities. The employment sector within the industry accommodates various areas of expertise skilled and unskilled.

Attraction sites within remote areas should be identified and developed by the government since this could be used to open up avenues for investment activities.

Remote regions are at the same time known to be rich in social and cultural heritage, hence they could be utilized through development of tourism industry. Such development always lead to change in living standards (EIU, 2005a; United Arab Emirates, 2010).

What type of economy is the UAE? List the features that are typical of this type of economy and provide a detailed discussion as to why you have chosen this classification.

The United Arab Emirates is considered to have an industrialized and open kind of economy making the country to be one of the most developed countries in the world. Such categorization is based on various factors, such as GDP indicators and the level of energy consumption per capita.

In the year 2006, the GDP of the UAE was approximated to be around $ 168 billion making the country to be ranked third in the Middle East-North Africa region. Reports indicated that nominal GDP recorded an increase of 35% in the year 2006 (United Arab Emirates, 2010).

In terms of basic economy, the country rates among the highest income providers in the world. Owing to decline in oil prices, the government has opted to diversify the national economy which has ultimately led to the growth of industries, construction, free trade zones, transportation, tourism, fisheries, commerce, as well as communications.

Such investments have helped in reducing the country’s heavy dependence on oil. Positive results were recorded in 1998 when the gross domestic product from non-oil sector was estimated to be at 70%. The cost of living in the UAE is average, since the majority of the population can be identified as enjoying high standard of living.

Housing, as well as food rates within the country, are comparable to that in the United Kingdom with the housing unit offering housing allowance alongside employment package and private healthcare to individuals. Residents of the UAE are provided with healthcare services free of charge or at times charged very low fee (EIU, 2005a).

Tourism industry has grown for decades within the UAE making tourism one of the fastest improving industries within the country. Reports indicate that UAE has resorted to improving their tourist attraction centers, including building infrastructure for the purposes of accommodating huge number of tourists in future.

Tremendous improvements have been realized within the sector, with records showing positive annual growth. Tourism, though serving as pleasure market, has played vital role in impacting economy of the UAE.

The industry is considered a demand-led and has notable influence on other sectors of economy, such as hotel and hospitality industry. Tourism has brought lots of benefits to employment sector, as well as contributing positively to gross domestic product and acting as one of the foreign exchange earners (United Arab Emirates, 2010).

What are the stated tourism goals of the UAE and what is the current economic impact of tourism on the UAE economy?

The tourism sector in the UAE received a boost between the years 2001 and 2009; the increase was estimated to be at 168%. The tourism sector had an approximated economic impact of around Dhs69 billion between the period 2001 and 2010.

The impact included income from capital investments as well as direct and indirect income from other sectors. Statistics revealed that tourism alone contributed up to 7.4% of the total Gross Domestic Product of UAE and over 11% of the Gross National Product. Amongst the seven states Dubai recorded the highest percentage of the tourism economy contributing between 66-67% followed by Abu Dhabi at around 16%.

Despite all the gains deflation which arose from the global financial crisis in 2009 affected the industry to a smaller extent. Between 2001 and 2002 the tourism growth for UAE was approximated at 25% (EIU, 2005a).

The current tourism goals within the UAE include development of new Travel and Tourism resorts expected to create a new look within the country’s Travel and Tourism economy.

Various projects which are underway in the sector include investment in the Palms, the Marina, the Waterfront, Dubai-land, as well as Festival City Land. This would enable the destination to accommodate increased number of visitors (EIU, 2005a).

Intra-Arab tourism was initiated after the 9/11 attacks in the US, there was a tremendous downfall in tourism after the attacks. Strategy had to be implemented to help the UAE and other Arab countries recover quickly owing to their ability to attract tourists from the same region, hence reducing heavy dependence on the foreign markets, especially the West.

Tourism has formed one of the major providers of employment opportunities, as well as has been a major foreign exchange earner of the country. The gains from tourism sector have been relied upon for the purposes of implementing liberalization reforms. Direct and indirect contributions of tourism in the middle-east accounted for 9% of the total employment in the recent past (United Arab Emirates, 2010).

United Arab Emirates Travel & Tourism industry accounted for approximately 2% of the total employment in the year 2005, the indirect and direct impact on the economy incorporating spillover employment from industry capital investment and spending from the government accounted for 12% of total employment opportunities (Henderson, 2006).

The forecast table below shows the nature of responsiveness to the current transformation of the tourism industry within the UAE. It takes into account the latest data on visitors’ arrivals and spending.

The data in the table shows the revised forecast as having two-fold increase in the number of visitors within the next subsequent years. The government, on the other hand, predicts a target of around 15 million visitors by the year 2020 (Henderson, 2006).

Table 1: Tourism Industry Forecast

Identify and discuss the main reasons for government expenditure on the facilitation and promotion of tourism in Dubai and critically analyze how this differs from other UAE emirates.

One of the reasons for government expenditure on promotion of tourism in Dubai is the presence of infrastructure and proper planning, as well as marketing (EIU, 2005c). Dubai has not yet imposed restrictive entry procedures like other states that view western culture as incompatible with the Islamic Religion way of life.

Dubai, at the same time, possesses some key attributes such as stability, its easily accessible and presence of superb socials amenities. Dubai has got one of the largest international airports in the region and, at the same time, has got a number of tourist attraction centers which include; beaches, cities, oases, mountain and desert landscapes, ancient civilizations, as well as nature reserves (EIU, 2005c).

Dubai has got capacity of surmounting inhibitors of tourism operating within other areas in the Middle East. It is one of the entrepots in the region and well known for its financial and commercial prowess within the region. It has created numerous free-trade zones, as well as Industrial parks connected to the internet and media.

The state is considered to be a cosmopolitan and Liberal, hence providing little threats and cases of civil unrest, as well as low crime rates. Though the country is a Muslim state, other religious practices besides Islam are allowed and, at the same time, it is opened to outside influences as opposed to other UAE states (Bousaa, 2003).

The state also boasts of wider federation policies, and has positioned itself in western markets as a secure centre with numerous beach tourism locations and vast alternatives on shopping, as well as cultural and natural attraction centers. Development of the Hospitality industry has been boosted by the lenient rules concerning land leasing and ownership which favors many investors (Bousaa, 2003).

Development of Dubai as a tourism destination is still a continuing process and will largely depend upon favorable circumstances which could, however, be a subject for uncertainty. According to the government, the large demand would be contained through expansion of transport sector including airports (Bousaa, 2003).

There is the challenge of maintaining high growth rate through construction of expensive hotels and leisure centers. The government has to make lots of efforts in establishing tourism industry that is economically viable and environmentally sustainable.

Unique features in Dubai have been marketed in such a way that it drives away fear in tourists and entice them to a region that is mostly associated with insecurity based on terrorism attacks (Henderson, 2006).

Examine the social and cultural benefits and disincentives of tourism in relation to the UAE and provide a conclusion based upon your findings.

There are common contrasts in expectations concerning cultural behaviors of tourists from the West and those from Arab world. All these should be appreciated, and the conflicts that might arise wisely managed. In terms of social set-up, the country has got low rates of unemployment cases, as well as numerous semi-skilled youth workers.

The social system has largely been affected by low literacy rates, as well as scarce educational facilities since the government’s budget expenditure in education records have been very low. Private sector is recorded to be the highest employer of foreign labor making labor force to account for 75% of the total work force within the UAE.

A majority of the workers are flooding into the construction sector in Dubai which is experiencing high growth rate. Low literacy levels within the UAE present one of the major obstacles to its tourism expansion, because there is a lack of highly skilled labor which could fit into different development sectors (Henderson, 2006).

There is increased pressure on the healthcare infrastructure due to increased number of tourists and immigrants.

This has led to the creation of tax-free zones in the health sector hence attracting pharmaceutical and biotech companies, one of the tax-free zones known as Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) has attracted major medical clinics and pharmaceutical suppliers, such as Johnson & Johnson (Henderson, 2006).

Concerning individual rights, UAE has got no rules championing for freedom of expression or association. There are strict conservative rules surrounding the media making it one of the key social issues which require redress by the country since it might cause mass protests which could turn harmful to the tourism industry.

The culture of the UAE is largely dominated by Islam with most of the Emiratis being members of Sunni Sect. Most of the legal matters are controlled by Sharia Law. However, Emiratis seem to bear with other religions practices making immigrants and tourists of other faiths comfortable in enjoying freedom of worship.

They have tolerated other social customs due to the influx of many ethnic groups within the country but, at the same time, managed to maintain their own, which makes them good marketers of their own cultural identity (Bousaa, 2003).

Out of expansive research done on cultural and social impacts on tourism, it can be concluded that much is still required from the government to enable bridge the gap between native citizens and the immigrants. Giving native citizens proper education and other necessities would contribute to the tourism development, since they will make tourists understand their cultural and national heritage better.

Marketers within the tourism sector should utilize the use of internal promotions which could enable easy interactions between natives and tourists, hence creating learning space and comfortable exchange of ideas and skills. This could reinforce identity hence increases the level of enjoyment that accompanies tourism activities within the country (Bousaa, 2003).

The study reveals how exposed weaknesses could possibly be turned into lucrative points when managed in the appropriate way. Technology has allowed the UAE to function as one of the largest tourist destination centers in the world despite climate and other associated geographical impediments.

Economic wealth has allowed development of various industries within the UAE making it one of the most sophisticated countries in terms of infrastructure development and lavish accommodation. Such metropolitan urban centre as Dubai established such immense wealth acts as good attraction sites for tourists.

Implementation of appropriate economic principles and strategies is important to the UAE, since it enables the formation of appropriate pictures on the kind of market and industry tourism entails.

It ensures that tourism sector applies appropriate principles and strategies for the purposes of protecting business entities within the industry from outside threats, such as competition and insecurity. Implementation of the appropriate marketing principles ensures development of social amenities and proper recreation centers which act as some of the major centers frequently visited by tourists.

Taking thorough analysis of the marketing strategies used by already established countries in tourism industry prove to be vital, since competition could be realized from other businesses not related to the tourism industry.

Bousaa, D. (2003). Dubai: the Search for Identity. In G. Moser (Ed.), People, Places and Sustainability , Seattle: Hogrefe and Huber.

EIU. (2005a). United Arab Emirates Country Profile 2005 . The Economist Intelligence Unit: London.

EIU. (2005c). UAE: Historical data- Dubai tourism. The Economist Intelligence Unit Viewswire , 41

Henderson, J. C. (2006). Tourism in Dubai: Overcoming Barriers to Destination Development. International Journal of Tourism Research , 8, 87-99.

United Arab Emirates. (2010). In-depth PESTLE Insights. Datamonitor Analysis Report, 6, 1-63.

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IvyPanda. (2019, March 28). Tourism and Economy in UAE. https://ivypanda.com/essays/tourism-and-economy-in-uae/

"Tourism and Economy in UAE." IvyPanda , 28 Mar. 2019, ivypanda.com/essays/tourism-and-economy-in-uae/.

IvyPanda . (2019) 'Tourism and Economy in UAE'. 28 March.

IvyPanda . 2019. "Tourism and Economy in UAE." March 28, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/tourism-and-economy-in-uae/.

1. IvyPanda . "Tourism and Economy in UAE." March 28, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/tourism-and-economy-in-uae/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Tourism and Economy in UAE." March 28, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/tourism-and-economy-in-uae/.

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UAE President arrives in Beijing at beginning of state visit to China

Uae government.

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The two countries set to bolster four decades of strategic partnership

Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in the Chinese capital, Beijing, on Wednesday ahead of the start of a two-day state visit to the People's Republic of China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping of China.

The state visit of Sheikh Mohamed tomorrow, Thursday, marks a transitional shift in the enduring UAE-China ties, which have grown into a strategic partnership across various sectors.

This visit promises to propel sustainable development and prosperity for both countries, while solidifying ties and fostering collaboration across economic, developmental, and cultural spheres.

Regular dialogue, high-level meetings, and ongoing ministerial engagements demonstrate the unwavering commitment of the UAE and China to cultivating their bilateral relationship.

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The UAE-China relations stretch back several decades. They started with the visit of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to China in 1990, which was reciprocated by the late Chinese President Yang Shangkun’s visit to the UAE in 1989, laying the foundation for this long-standing partnership.

Previous visits

These reciprocal high-level visits, including President Xi Jinping’s visit to the UAE in 2018 and Sheikh Mohamed’s visit to China in 2019, have significantly bolstered the strategic partnership, ushering in a new era of collaboration.

Formal diplomatic ties between the UAE and China were established on November 1, 1984. China opened its embassy in Abu Dhabi in April 1985, followed by the inauguration of the UAE’s embassy in Beijing in March 1987.

Underscoring the UAE’s commitment to boosting relations, consulates were established in Hong Kong (April 2000), Shanghai (July 2009), and Guangzhou (June 2016). Meanwhile, China opened its consulate in Dubai in November 1988.

The UAE and China enjoy a comprehensive partnership, made strong by expansive cooperation and joint coordination across all levels, including the signing of over 148 bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) spanning various fields.

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Economic cooperation

The UAE and China’s exceptional economic partnership continues to flourish, reaching new heights of competitiveness. Collaborative efforts are expanding in sectors of mutual interest, particularly the new economy, entrepreneurship, tourism, aviation, and logistics.

The Joint Economic, Trade, and Technical Committee actively seeks promising investment opportunities in both markets, aligning with the economic visions and goals of both nations for the present and future. There are also several facilities in place which help boost ties and cooperation between the Chinese and Emirati business communities.

In 2023, the UAE’s non-oil trade with China reached a staggering Dh296 billion ($81 billion), reflecting a 4.2 per cent increase from 2022. China remains the UAE’s top non-oil trade partner in 2023, accounting for 12 percent of UAE trade.

China is the UAE’s leading import source, accounting for 18 percent of all imports. While the UAE’s non-oil exports to China stand at 2.4 percent, China ranks higher in re-exports at 8th with a 4 percent share. Notably, excluding oil trade with Arab nations, China’s trade with the UAE is the highest at 30 percent.

From 2003 to 2023, UAE investments in China reached $11.9 billion across diverse sectors like telecommunications, renewable energy, transportation, hospitality, and rubber. Conversely, Chinese investments in the UAE totalled $7.7 billion during the same period.

The UAE actively participates in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) launched in 2013. This initiative aligns perfectly with the UAE’s strategic location, economic leadership, and Centennial development goals. BRI further strengthens the UAE’s role in global trade and supports its re-export focus.

Belt and Road Initiative

The UAE actively participates in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) due to its development capabilities, strategic location, and significant economic influence in the region. This initiative, started by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, highlights the UAE’s importance in global trade and complements the country’s Centennial development objectives. Additionally, the BRI promotes the re-export sector, a key component of the UAE’s non-oil trade activities with other countries.

Tourism is a cornerstone of UAE-China economic ties. Over 1 million Chinese tourists visited the UAE in the first ten months of 2023, with a resident Chinese community of roughly 350,000. Over 210 monthly flights connect the two countries, operated by the UAE national airlines. During the 8th meeting of the Joint Economic, Trade, and Technical Committee in Abu Dhabi in February, both nations emphasised joint tourism initiatives to promote their diverse offerings and attract a wider global audience.

Culture and education

Cultural exchange is pivotal to UAE-China relations, recognised by both nations as a powerful tool for building bridges of understanding and cooperation. This vibrant partnership is marked by frequent student visits, exchanges between cultural and media officials, and collaborations among researchers. Since 1989, a series of cultural agreements have solidified this partnership. These include the 1989 UAE-China Cultural Cooperation Agreement and the 2001 Cultural and Media Cooperation Agreement.

The Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Centre for Arabic Language and Islamic Studies, established in 1990 at Peking University, has contributed to spreading Arab culture in China and promoting the Arabic language. Cultural weeks, music festivals, book fairs, and joint events further enrich this growing relationship.

Education is another pillar of UAE-China relations, fostering a thriving exchange of students and collaboration between universities and institutions.

A 2015 memorandum of understanding on higher education cooperation promotes collaboration in science, upholds educational quality, fosters exchange programs, and awards scholarships.

In 2019, a project aimed at teaching the Chinese language in 200 schools was launched in the UAE, and has seen tremendous success, attracting over 71,000 students across 171 schools. This initiative reflects the strong Emirati interest in learning Chinese and fostering cultural and human connections.

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Egypt hikes subsidised bread price first time in 30 yrs, viral ‘hands in’ challenge has the cutest paw-rticipant, vegan, gluten-free basil hummus recipe, the latest beach in dubai is dog friendly, saudi's ndmc concludes $5b sukuk sale, attracts $20b.

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