Abu Dhabi: 'A Destination of Distinction'

It is a true celebration and reflection of the colours that shimmer throughout the city.

As a city within the oil-rich United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi’s own economy was once also rooted in oil-production and trade. However, in the last decade, the city has undergone a significant, economic transformation. This began following the government’s decision, backed by Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to forge an economy that not only successfully funds the city, but does so through celebrating and conserving its rich, cultural heritage.

In 2002, Mubadala Development Company devised and launched its plan to revitalise Abu Dhabi’s income, focusing on investments that create international relationships and reflect the colour and vitality of the city’s culture and people. From this was born the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which builds on the unique flavour of the city, attracting ‘culturally sensitive tourists’ to enjoy all it has to offer.

Events

One of the most successful cultural events devised by ADTA, is ‘Summerfest Abu Dhabi’. This annual, 52-day festival centres on family fun, with countless shows, activities and performances for both adults and children. Summerfest ignites the city centre with music, comedy, live acts and celebrity appearances, spanning across the summer months and Ramadan period. Held in all four halls of the National Exhibition Centre, and within Du Forum on Yas Island, the festival draws in thousands of international tourists every year, all excited to experience the energy and life that overflows from Abu Dhabi.

Painting the city in a different, but equally intriguing light, is the annual Abu Dhabi Art Fair. Acting as a platform for contemporary artists, this fair showcases works from all corners of the globe, including pieces from both emerging and established international artists. It is a true celebration and reflection of the colours that shimmer throughout the city’s art-scene.   

Another major influence on ADTA is the range of sports events that vitalise the city all year round. Most famously, this includes the Formula 1 race, held at the Yas Marina Circuit. The first race here took place in 2009, having been announced in 2007 as part of the economic diversification strategy. Indeed, the race has been hugely successful in showcasing the city to a new audience, and attracts countless motorsport fans every year.

The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, equally, draws in sports fans due to its staging in the city’s beautiful golf club. After teeing off for the first time in 2006, the championship has become a favourite event for some of the world’s most famous golfers, and has been instrumental in drawing in tourists from across the globe.

Museums

The ADTA strategy also focuses on attracting tourism through Abu Dhabi’s incredible collection of museums. Doing so has become not only an essential stream of income, but a perfect way to dazzle and educate visitors with immaculate displays of the city’s history and legacy. Saadiyat Island has become the beating heart of Abu Dhabi’s cultural district, boasting a collection of the most innovative and stunningly constructed museums in the world. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, due for completion in 2014 and designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, will house an unequalled collection of contemporary art. Educational programmes will also feature within the museum, with the aim of inspiring and stimulating those who visit.

Equally inspirational is the Zayed National Museum, which allows Abu Dhabi’s history to unfold, through tracing the progress made by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan, as he worked to unite the Arab Emirates. With exhibitions that emphasise the importance of tradition in development and modernity, the Zayed Museum, also situated on Saadiyat Island, is a vivid depiction of how Abu Dhabi came to be, and evolved into the city it is today. 

Cultural Heritage

At the root of the cultural diversification programme are Abu Dhabi’s cultural heritage attractions. It is through the preservation and celebration of these attractions that ADTA believe many channels of tourism now meander into the city. Al Ain is heralded as one of Abu Dhabi’s most enchanting natural phenomena, and is a UNESCO world heritage site consisting of six oases surrounding expansive areas of archaeological interest. Bida bint Saud, Harfeet and Al Hili have seen the discoveries of multiple artefacts, dating back to the Iron Age, and so tell a very physical story of the city’s past, one which attracts numerous tourists every day.

Imposing and captivating, the Al Jahili Fort near Khalifa Park grandly overlooks the city, evoking a haunting image of the past. Built in 1891, the fort defended the city from outer threats, and protected its precious palm-groves. Today, the fort is surrounded by lush, landscaped gardens, and is a glorious monument to the history of this fascinating city.   

The story of modern Abu Dhabi has truly been one of ‘out with the oil, in with the new’. It is safe to say that, thanks to the ADTA, the city’s image has successfully been transformed into that of a magnificent and exhilarating place to visit.