His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, recently led a council meeting that underscored the leadership’s dedication to the stability and wellbeing of UAE citizens. The meeting focused on reviewing the latest governmental work, plans, developments, and initiatives. It also highlighted several projects aimed at meeting citizens’ needs and boosting their wellbeing by improving infrastructure, facilities, and community services.
During this meeting, His Highness approved the ambitious Abu Dhabi Tourism Sector Strategy 2030. This strategy is set to transform Abu Dhabi into one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations. It aims to attract 39.3 million visitors, generate 178,000 new jobs, and elevate the sector’s annual contribution to the non-oil GDP to AED90 billion by 2030.
The strategy’s approval comes on the heels of an exceptional year for Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector in 2023. The emirate welcomed over 24 million visitors, marking a significant increase of more than 30 percent from the previous year. This surge has notably bolstered Abu Dhabi’s economy, with the tourism industry contributing AED49 billion to the GDP—a more than 22 percent increase from 2022. Notably, the hotel sector alone added AED6.4 billion to this figure.
This remarkable growth not only highlights Abu Dhabi’s escalating prominence in the global tourism landscape but also sets a robust foundation for achieving the objectives outlined in the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030. The strategy aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision for sustainable social and economic development and aims to nurture talent within the tourism sector while reinforcing its role in economic growth.
Furthermore, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reviewed progress on various infrastructure projects spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre. These projects span multiple sectors across Abu Dhabi and are pivotal in enhancing quality of life and fostering social and economic development within the emirate.
The approved tourism strategy promises continued support for private sector investment in tourism through various incentive initiatives and programmes. It emphasizes simplifying regulatory procedures, supporting sustainable tourism initiatives, and driving innovation and technology integration to enhance tourism services. Additionally, it focuses on developing unique attractions and experiences to ensure the growth of Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector aligns with its broader economic ambitions.
His Highness praised the efforts of entities involved in the tourism sector for their role in achieving an exceptional performance in 2023. This success lays a solid groundwork for reaching the ambitious goals set for 2030, aiming to further cement Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for tourists worldwide.
SOURCE & CREDITS: onearabia.me