Destination profiles

Ajman

Ajman Department of Tourism Development / ME4110

Ajman Museum

Illustrating life as it once was in the emirate, the Ajman Museum is home to a collection of fascinating exhibits

It may be the UAE’s smallest emirate, but it is one of the most picturesque destinations. From its vast coastline to the rugged mountains, the quaint town packs a punch. While offering a range of accommodation across all categories, its five-star coastal resorts are world-class.

One of its newer developments is Al Zorah, a nature reserve surrounded by protected mangrove forests. It has become a favourite among golf enthusiasts and nature lovers in the UAE. Further afield, visitors can enjoy a taste of mountain life with a visit to Masfut and its 19th-century castle. The area is a prime location for adventure travellers, offering walking, hiking and biking routes for all levels in the surrounds of the Al Hajar Mountains.

Also in the area is the Bin Sultan Mosque, which was built in 1815 and has been a pivotal part of the remote community. The oldest mosque in the emirate, it is a hidden gem, made from traditional clay and plaster, with a canopy of date palm leaves woven together to form the roof.

Archaeological finds in the area go back as many as 5,000 years. Illustrating life as it once was in the emirate, the Ajman Museum, which was an 18th-century fort and served as the ruler’s residence until 1970, is home to a collection of fascinating exhibits.

Visitors can discover pottery, jewellery and other items, while there is a section devoted to the pearl trade, which was once the mainstay of the local economy.

For a more modern experience, there is a wealth of things to do on land and sea. Bounce Aqua Park promises a fun day for the family with the likes of climbing walls, balancing beams and swing ropes, all on the water.

Ajman Mosque

Over at Al Zorah Marina, there is a range of entertainment venues, including The Groovy Park, a family-friendly food park with an outdoor cinema and flowerdecorated food trucks, reminiscent of the 1960s and 70s. Promising fun for all ages, Funtastico, with attractions, games and rides, is filled with trampolines, bumper boats and quadricycles.

Pre-pandemic, growth was steady with the emirate capitalising on events, such as the popular cycling race, Ride Ajman, welcoming both domestic and international participants.

Fujairah

Fujairah Tourism & Antiquities Authority, Government of Fujairah / ME4210

Nestled on the UAE’s east coast, the emirate of Fujairah offers a wealth of things to see and do, from its sleepy coastal town to its dramatic mountainlined shore and heritage sites.

In Al Aqah, known for its serene seaside resorts, outdoor activities and mountainous backdrop, a range of properties offer attractive packages for visitors eager to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The area is preferred for water sports, including snorkelling and scuba diving. Snoopy Island is especially popular as it is home to a vast array of sea life, from reef sharks to turtles.

In the city, age-old customs still practised today, such as the famous Friday bullfighting, offer an intriguing insight into the local culture and traditions. For history and heritage, there is no shortage of sights, including the UAE’s oldest mosque – Al Bidya Mosque

Fujairah offers a wealth of things to see and do, from its sleepy coastal town to its dramatic mountain-lined shore

Fujairah Fort Fujairah

on Fujairah’s mountainous coastline. Dating back to around 1446, it is a precious relic made of mud and stone.

The emirate’s forts, including Fujairah Fort on the Kalba border, offer a glimpse into a life gone by. Al Bithna, Awhala Fort and Al Hail Fortress are rich in history, having withstood battles from the region and beyond. They offer a fascinating way to see how life was in the emirate before the discovery of oil in the region transformed the economic fortunes of the UAE.

Fujairah Museum pays homage to the arts, crafts, weapons, costumes and traditions of the Bedouin tribes as seen generations before. This landscape is one of the many reasons that is making Fujairah a destination for all. The emirate has also proved popular among UAE residents forgoing international travel for stays closer to home. This resulted in a rise in the average daily rates, compared to pre-pandemic levels, a momentum that the emirate will continue to maintain this year.

Sharjah

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority / ME2110

In 1998, UNESCO deservingly bestowed the title of ‘The Cultural Capital of the Arab World’ on Sharjah. To this day, the coastal city remains a key player in the region’s cultural preservation efforts.

With a range of museums and art galleries, from the Sharjah Art Foundation to the Sharjah Museum Of Islamic Civilization, the emirate has become a leader in all things old and new.

With an extensive calendar of events, from its book fair to the spectacular light festival, there is always something happening in and around the city for residents and visitors to experience.

The new Heart of Sharjah district is seeing a revival of a bygone era with a recreation of the old marketplace nestled by the sea and a boutique hotel to match the historic flavour of the area. But it is not only within the city’s perimeter that visitors can find excitement.

The Mleiha Archaeological Centre, carved among the magical desert dunes, has offerings for all the family. From educational activities to nature and history tours, the ancient site, which boasts the likes of Bronze Age tombs and pre-Islamic forts, is a must-see.

Further afield, in the emirate’s enclaves, luxury hotels along the

Heart of Sharjah

The Chedi Al Bait

With an extensive calendar of events, there is always something happening in and around the city

Fujairah and Kalba border offer a new take on the traditional hotel concept.

Several glamping sites are set in a preserved nature reserve with protected mangroves on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other. Perfect for visitors of all age groups, there are nature and adventure activities on offer as well as incomparable serenity.

Oman

Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism / ME1310

Few countries in the region have the breadth of landscapes found in Oman. From the lush green waterfalls of the Dhofar region to the majestic Al Hajar Mountains, known as the Grand Canyon of the Middle East, Oman is wildly beautiful.

Visitors can enjoy some of the most breathtaking beaches as found in Salalah, famous for its monsoon season, where temperatures are around half that of its neighbouring countries. There is also a vast array of active pursuits, from climbing to hiking, caving to canyoneering and fishing to riding. With so much nature around the rich landscape, visitors can get up close to an array of flora and fauna with activities such as dolphin watching or spotting native oryx and gazelle.

An adventure seeker’s paradise, there is much history to be uncovered, too, with UNESCO World Heritage Sites in abundance, including the Frankincense Route, The Five Falajs, Bat Tombs and Settlement as well as the Bahla Fort and Wall. The sultanate’s capital, Muscat, has also added a range of attractions to lure visitors, including three pristine golf courses and the city’s cultural hub – the Royal Opera House.

In addition to the famous Muttrah Souq and exquisite street food, there is much to stimulate the senses in the nation’s heart and soul.

From the lush waterfalls of the Dhofar region to the Al Hajar Mountains, known as the Grand Canyon of the Middle East, Oman is wildly beautiful

Oman welcomed approximately 652,000 visitors in 2021, while 1.9 million passengers, including citizens and expatriates, flew out during the same period. Most visitors were from the GCC countries, followed by India, Yemen, Pakistan and Egypt among the country’s top source markets. In December 2021 alone, the number of international visitors arriving in Oman amounted to 180,000, an increase of 384 percent compared to 37,000 visitors during the same period of the previous year.

While Oman has always been hugely welcoming to the outside world, it has held on to its authenticity and charm. Locals are all around, from the concierge to the taxi driver, so it’s easy to feel the true Omani welcome, while diversity is also felt everywhere, from its architecture to its varied cuisine.

Muttrah Fort

Bahrain

Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority / ME1410

Bahrain’s capital city, Manama, was named the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2020. While the pandemic led to a decline in international arrivals, the country hopes to build on its promising figures from 2019 as it eyes a fastpaced recovery to travel normalcy.

According to Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, the country recorded 3.2 million visitors during the first quarter of 2019, a 3.1 percent increase compared with the same period in 2018.

According to recent government data, arrivals to Bahrain have jumped more than 750 percent on a yearly basis from January 2021, reflecting growing confidence among travellers.

Within the next year, more than two dozen hotels are set to open in the country. This is in order to meet the demand as seen in previous years, when five-star hotel occupancy rates increased 53 percent compared to 50 percent during the same period in 2018.

For visitors seeking an all-encompassing holiday experience, Bahrain boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Bahrain Fort, the Bahrain Pearling Trail and the Dilmun

Bahrain Fort Bahrain International Circuit

Beyond its heritage, Bahrain, which is made up of 33 islands, boasts a modern vibe with chic cafés, art galleries and a diverse nightlife scene

Burial Mounds, said to form the largest prehistoric cemetery in the world.

The capital city offers several ways to explore the kingdom’s fascinating culture with the likes of the Al Fateh Grand Mosque – one of the world’s largest – and the Bahrain National Museum, which charts the history of the ancient trading route in the region.

Beyond its heritage, the country, which is made up of 33 islands, boasts a modern vibe with chic cafés, art galleries and a diverse nightlife scene. Having hosted the region’s first Formula One race in 2004, it is a popular destination for active pursuits, from karting to nature spotting on the islands off the coast, where visitors can view exotic fauna on and below the water.

Maldives

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation / AS2150

Already one of the world’s most soughtafter destinations, the Maldives was one of the most visited countries during the pandemic with a robust testing and quarantine system in place allowing the perfect destination for socially distanced travel escapes.

The mere mention of the Maldives instantly conjures up mesmerising images of overwater villas. Only a handful of destinations in the world can rival the barefoot luxury and untouched charm of this archipelago.

With tourism one of the most significant pillars of the country’s economy, it is little wonder that the government fast tracked its efforts to reopen its borders to the world since the pandemic first hit. Thanks to a host of successful strategies and fruitful measures, the Maldives became one of the first countries to welcome tourists to its dazzling shores once again. Ever since, travellers from all over the world, led by Russia, India and Ukraine, have chosen the island nation to fulfil their pent-up travel desires.

According to statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism of Maldives, over 359,000 tourists have visited the Maldives so far in 2022 as compared to 241,407 arrivals in 2021 during the same time period. This year, the island nation aims to welcome 1.6 million tourists from all over the world.

Whether visitors are seeking the seclusion and privacy of an island hideaway, the pampering of a spa resort or the thrills of white-knuckle water sports, the Maldives is a destination for all. With so much to offer, it does not cease to draw people to its idyllic shores.

Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is unique for its geography and topography. Positioned on top of a vast underwater mountain range, the Maldives has around 1,190 islands and sandbanks. The pearl-string-like islands cover a land area of around 298 square kilometres, encircled by a crystal clear lagoon. The islands are protected by a natural reef structure, housing some of the world’s most fascinating diving spectacles.

There is always something to do on this island paradise. From diving or snorkelling to canoeing and windsurfing, fishing to water skiing, the destination is a water sports haven.

As expected, Maldivian cuisine – a fusion of Asian flavours and spices – thrives on the ocean, fish and coconuts, which are the archetypal local ingredients

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The Maldives was one of the most visited countries during the pandemic

Maldives

It is a tradition passed down from generation to generation – with influences from as far afield as India, Africa and even Arabia – and a reflection of the diversity of Maldivian culture.

Offering a range of accommodation options, visitors can stay in guest houses, luxurious liveaboards, all-inclusive resorts or five-star hotels.

Germany

German National Tourist Office / EU1235

With great country-wide connectivity, world-renowned vibrant cities and a range of cultural and natural attractions, it is little wonder that Germany is a popular tourist destination.

Home to medieval castles, Roman ruins, epic forests and grand palaces, the country has an offering that can rival any destination in the world.

When it comes to the big cities, Munich’s year-round calendar of events, Hamburg’s ongoing renaissance and multicultural Frankfurt continue to draw visitors of all ages. There are also mustattend events like Oktoberfest, while the Christmas markets each December perfectly embody the festive spirit.

The capital, Berlin, is home to iconic locations such as Brandenburg Gate, which has played a major role in Germany’s history. Aside from the major towns and big cities, there is plenty to explore, from the Alps in Bavaria to the quaint villages in the Black Forest.

With so much on offer, it is no surprise to learn that the country was attracting an increasing number of tourists before the pandemic. The hospitality industry was quick to react to the increase in arrivals, with a host of new hotels set to open in the coming years.

With a change in strategy resulting from the coronavirus crisis, Germany has been working closely with travel partners to ensure that safety measures are being implemented to provide a safe environment for travellers.

July 2019 was a record high for Germany, reaching 4.84 million visitors compared to its record low of 85,216 in April 2020 but plans to get back on track are more than underway with numbers slowly climbing back up to 1.9 million in October 2021 as people began to return for the country’s iconic Oktoberfest.

The country aims to reposition Germany as a cultural and outdoor holiday destination with an abundance of natural parks, historic sites and attractions for all types of travellers.

Berlin Cathedral

There is plenty to explore, from the Alps in Bavaria to the quaint villages in the Black Forest

Neuschwanstein Castle

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority / AM1475

Made up of sister islands, namely Antigua and Barbuda, this Caribbean island nation is perfectly positioned where the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea meet. For seekers of sun, sand and sea, this means that there’s plenty to explore from its reeflined beaches to its lush rainforests, tied together with a luxury hospitality offering.

Antigua’s corrugated coast cradles hundreds of coves lapped by enamelblue water. The sheltered bays have provided refuge for everyone from Admiral Nelson and buccaneers in the past to the modern-day jet set and yachties. Antigua is quintessentially Caribbean, full of candy-coloured villages and engaging locals who will greet visitors with wide smiles.

Antigua’s smaller sister island of Barbuda was devastated by Hurricane Maria in 2017 and it is still busy rebuilding. Its extraordinary beaches

Antigua and Barbuda is perfectly positioned where the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea meet

remained unaffected, meaning that travellers can lounge on white sands, snorkel around pristine reefs and watch the famous frigate birds nesting.

The Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Tourism reported strong growth in tourism in 2021. The latest figures revealed that air arrivals for August 2021 totalled 18,792 visitors to the destination, an increase of 965 visitors over August 2018, which previously held the record of the “best” August with 17,827 visitors.

The United States and the United Kingdom remained the main source markets, combining a total of 17,306 visitors or 92 percent of the total visitors arriving in August 2021. The US market continues to dominate as the main source market with 52.5 percent of the total visitor arrivals while the UK contributed 39.5 percent of the total visitor arrivals.

Antigua and Barbuda is continuing to receive favourable numbers this year as it relates to its cruise industry. The year 2022 began on a high note but March has been the best month yet. January 2022 recorded 64 calls and 50,794 passengers while February had 59 calls with 44,710 passenger arrivals.

For March, the island nation had forecast a total of 71 booked cruise calls with a projection of 56,779 passengers. But the month ended on an even greater note with 73 cruise calls with 60,816 passengers in total by the end of March.