General Information » Economy » Tourism Developments

Abu Dhabi’s economic and social transformation from a breakwater fishing village to an international tourist destination and global marketplace can be credited to the late President, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is considered the modern architect and visionary of the emirate and the UAE Federation. Planning department figures show that more than Dhs.100 billion was pumped into the development of Abu Dhabi, particularly into infrastructure projects, during Sheikh Zayed's period as Ruler, from 1966 to 2004. The setting up of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, established by Ruler's Decree, in September 2004, to develop and promote tourism within the emirate is a clear indication of the intention to make this a leading global tourism destination.

Abu Dhabi has recently upgraded a number of its five star hotels, and several more are being expanded, under construction, or at the planning stage. Most hotels have private beaches where guests can indulge in a wide range of water sports with state of the art facilities. The Abu Dhabi National Hotels Company (ADNHC) owns and administers a variety of hotels and resorts in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. It also supervises the duty free complexes at Abu Dhabi and Al Ain international airports, and provides transport services through Al Ghazal (taxis), a wholly owned subsidiary.

Also active in hotel management is the National Corporation for Tourism and Hotels (NCTH), which is responsible for promoting Abu Dhabi as a tourist and international destination.

With more than 40 airlines touching down at Abu Dhabi International Airport, the city has become a widely accessible tourist destination. The planning and execution of a $250 million satellite terminal is now nearing completion. This ambitious project, overseen by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation, is expected to be implemented by 2006. The airport intends to double its passenger and cargo capacity (to over 7 million passengers and over 300,000 cargo tonnes annually) with the construction of a new terminal, a second runway and additional facilities.

Abu Dhabi’s developing reputation as a trend setting retail paradise can be traced to the opening of the Abu Dhabi Mall and Marina Mall in 2001. Abu Dhabi Mall is located within the Tourist Club area, and boasts the Abu Dhabi Co-op (a 16,000 square metre hypermarket), over 200 retail outlets, restaurants, an extensive food court, coffee shops and a multi-screen cinema. Located near the rapidly developing Breakwater area opposite the Corniche, Marina Mall is another shopping and recreationa...