14 minute read
Destination profiles
Dubai
Dubai Tourism / ME3110, ME3140, ME2520
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As one of the world’s most visited destinations, Dubai is flexing its muscle. Beyond the record-breaking attractions, such as the world’s tallest tower and largest mall, it boasts a stunning coastline and desert terrain in addition to an exciting cultural calendar, including the region’s largest literature festival and a year-round programme at its magnificent Opera House.
Dubai saw a record number of visitors in 2019, up from 14.3 million in 2018 to 15 million. While these figures saw a hit from the pandemic, recovery was fast-paced and the emirate bid farewell to a challenging 2020 by welcoming a total of 5.51 million international visitors during the year. With travel restrictions imposed due to the pandemic, the top source markets in 2020 included India with 865,000 visitors, followed by Saudi Arabia, UK, Russia and Oman.
With the world now reopening to international travel amid robust vaccination drives, Dubai has its sights set on record figures as Expo 2020 Dubai opens in the last quarter of 2021. In preparation, the city’s public transport network has seen the addition of new routes along with further development across roads and other infrastructure.
New hotels continue to launch with more high-end properties opening all throughout the city and close to the expo site. Luxury remains king with the largest number of rooms found in the city’s five-star hotels, but with rising numbers of three and four-star properties, recent years have shown a massive diversification in the emirate’s tourism strategy and in turn, its visitor numbers.
Burj Khalifa Soaring skyscrapers meet endless desert dunes in this fascinating emirate that stands for everything futuristic while keenly preserving the traditions of its past
Beyond its record-breaking attractions, Dubai boasts a stunning coastline and desert terrain in addition to a year-round calendar of cultural festivities
Museum of the Future Dubai Water Canal
In the lead up to Expo 2020 Dubai, the emirate is also preparing to raise the curtain on a host of new attractions, including the Museum of the Future and Ain Dubai – the world’s largest observation wheel. Both can be equally enjoyed in winter and the scorching summer as Dubai’s tourism chiefs are making sure the weather is no obstacle to drawing the crowds all year round.
Abu Dhabi
Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi / ME2250, ME2115
Last year, the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) revealed that the number of international visitors to the UAE capital reached 11.35 million in 2019, marking a 10.5 percent increase over 2018 figures. The official statistics for 2019 also showed that the hotel industry in the emirate posted the highest number of guests to date, amounting to 5.1 million.
Despite the challenges resulting from the coronavirus, the industry’s performance in 2020 closely trailed the pre-pandemic levels of 2019. This is thanks to the government’s effective management of the COVID-19 crisis, allowing for a quick reopening of the country’s borders, and the rise in staycation numbers. On some days, the market even showed year-over-year growth. For instance, in November 2020, Abu Dhabi posted the UAE’s highest occupancy level of 64.6 percent.
Over the last decade, the UAE capital has worked hard to place itself well and truly on the world map. From developing state-of-the-art cultural venues to hosting major sporting events, the emirate has become a leading destination for leisure and business travellers.
Broadening its cultural offerings, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum will soon join the likes of Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan and Qasr Al Hosn, which are currently must-see sights in the UAE capital.
Meanwhile, on Yas Island, the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall and indoor skydiving chamber, Clymb Abu Dhabi joined the trio of record-breaking theme parks in the destination – Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld.
There is plenty for outdoor lovers too, with the newly opened Jubail Mangrove Park, in addition to pristine, sandy beaches and the fiery dunes of the Empty Quarter in the remote southwest.
The capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi blends its rich past with modern icons and its forward-thinking approach, giving visitors a diverse spectrum of experiences to enjoy in the emirate
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Qasr Al Hosn
Egypt
Egyptian Tourism Promotion Board / AF3000 The mighty Nile and magnificent monuments have long enticed travellers to Egypt. Add in the country’s intriguing past, now the core of local lore, and it is a traveller’s dream
Home to some of the world’s most ancient and fascinating sites, Egypt has always been a popular destination due to its history, culture, natural beauty and architectural wonders.
It is a place etched in most people’s hearts from childhood with images of Cairo’s Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx some of the first things to learn in the history of the world.
Cairo is also home to the Egyptian Museum – a treasure trove of antiquities. The city’s medieval quarters, with its narrow, winding alleyways and vibrant souks, have also made it a stand-alone destination. But the country has so much more beyond its capital city.
At the crossroads of north-eastern Africa and the Middle East, Egypt is a melting pot of religions and empires, with remnants of ancient cultures still very much alive today, from remote desert monasteries to medieval Islamic architecture and Roman trading outposts,
The country’s Red Sea resorts offer some of the world’s most spectacular beaches and scuba diving, and with flights resumed from most countries, business is back on track. With the backdrop of the Sinai mountains, resorts such as Sharm-El-Sheikh have been a diving haven for years, a stunning escape with all the charm of
which still bear testimony to life as it once was in the unforgiving desert.
Visitors can hop on and off a Nile cruise and visit the likes of waterside temples, cross Lake Nasser to witness the wonderous Ramses II masterpiece at Abu Simbel or travel to the southern city of Luxor in search of the tomb of Tutankhamun. Luxor is also home to some of the world’s most loved pharaonic tombs and temples, including the unforgettable Valley of the Kings, where Tutankhamun’s tomb was unearthed, and the hieroglyph-lined Karnak Temple. the East, while offering some of the most luxurious hotels in the country.
Still rising is Marsa Alam, which, since the opening of its international airport in 2001, is hot on the heels of its more established rival. However, for adventure travellers or those on a low budget, an array of quaint beachside camps made of palm frond huts offer a unique way to explore the magnificent coral-reef lined coast.
Egypt truly offers tours for all kinds of travellers, but one thing that will penetrate them all is the fascinating history of this ancient country. Aswan’s Philae temples and the unfinished Obelisk are just some of the wonders waiting to be discovered, while Hurghada’s white sands and crystal clear waters are a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Siwa Oasis is a paradisiacal island full of mineral springs, salt lakes and endless olive and palm groves, while in its main town, Shali, ruins of the Shali Fortress dominate the city centre.
Pyramids of Giza
Maldives
Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation / AS3350
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. And thanks to a host of successful strategies and fruitful measures, Maldives became one of the first countries to welcome tourists to its dazzling shores once again. Ever since, travellers from all over the world have chosen the island nation to fulfil their pent-up travel desires.
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
Maldives The Maldives has 26 natural atolls and 1,190 islands of which 185 are inhabited, several of which are standalone luxury resorts
The Maldives has consistent appeal, drawing people to its idyllic shores
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.
For those keen to learn more about Maldivian history and culture, there are multiple centuries-old heritage sites just within walking distance of the landing jetty for Malé, in addition to the National Museum, which takes visitors through the islands’ long and rich history from medieval times through colonisation, right up to the present.
As expected, Maldivian cuisine – a fusion of Asian flavours and spices – thrives on the ocean, fish and
Hawksbill turtle
coconuts, which are the archetypal local ingredients of any good Maldivian meal.
Visitors can also experience the local culture through music and dance performances by villagers from surrounding islands. 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, resorts or hotels.
Germany
German National Tourist Board / EU2350
With greater country-wide connectivity, world-renowned vibrant cities and a range of cultural and natural attractions, it is little wonder that Germany is a popular tourism 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.
The capital, Berlin, is home to iconic locations such as Brandenburg Gate, which has played a major role in Germany’s history.
Dresden
Prepare for a dizzying array of remarkable experiences in Germany as it tempts tourists with soul-stirring scenery, spirit-lifting culture, striking architecture and grand palaces
Neuschwanstein Castle
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.
There are also must-attend events like Oktoberfest, while the Christmas markets each December perfectly embody the festive spirit.
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 necessary safety measures are being implemented to provide a safe environment for travellers once restrictions have been lifted.
Through its efforts, the country aims to reiterate Germany’s proposition as a cultural and outdoor holiday destination with an abundance of natural parks, historic sites and attractions for all types of travellers.
Berlin
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Tourism Authority / ME4410, ME4440, ME4408
The birthplace and spiritual home of Islam, Saudi Arabia is rich in natural beauty, cultural attractions and religious sites, offering visitors plenty to discover across its diverse landscape
One of the biggest stories of 2019 was Saudi Arabia opening its doors to tourism. Since then, interest in this fascinating country has only skyrocketed and its momentum remains unaffected by the pandemic.
A land of heritage, culture and natural wonder, there is much to discover across the vast landscape of the kingdom, beyond the inland city of Riyadh and the coastal city of Jeddah. From its Red Sea coast to its majestic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this has long been a place of intrigue.
Among some of the destinations being highlighted is Al Ahsa in the east of Saudi Arabia. This lush green landscape is a world away from the sand dunes and arid desert plains of the Empty Quarter. Nestled between Riyadh and Dammam, and stretching into the Rub’ Al Khali, Al Ahsa is home to one of the world’s largest natural oases and is now a UNESCO-listed city.
To the country’s north-west, the town of AlUla beckons with its rugged beauty and historic sites, thanks to which it is now being dubbed as the “second Petra”.
Diriyah nation easier than ever before. These revolutionary changes helped open up the warm hospitality of Saudi’s people and its centuries-old history to the world.
As the travel industry bounces back, religious tourism is expected to remain the bedrock of the sector over the next decade, with a goal of attracting 30 million pilgrims to the kingdom by 2030, an increase of 11 million from the 19 million Hajj and Umrah pilgrims who visited the country in 2017. In alignment with Vision 2030, the country
Taking shape north-west of Riyadh is a new cultural destination that encompasses the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, which is known as the birthplace of the kingdom. Upon completion, the development will feature world-class entertainment, retail and hospitality options with a diverse collection of museums and cultural institutes at its heart.
Before the pandemic, the online visa system – available to nationals from 49 countries – made travel to this ancient has set aside US$64 billion to invest in culture, leisure and entertainment projects over the next decade, which will significantly add to the attractiveness of the kingdom as a tourist destination.
The highly anticipated Red Sea project, located 500 kilometres north of Jeddah, is undoubtedly one of the jewels in the crown for this exciting new destination. It is projected to have an annual visitation of 800,000 people upon completion with a cap of one million visitors per year.
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