TOURISM

Introduction

Tourism is the latest sector of the UAE economy to start developing. Few would have believed that the UAE's efforts to develop a tourism industry would have been so successful in such a short period of time. Those who knew what the UAE really had to offer visitors have been less surprised by the country's brilliant rise in the tourism field.

In fact, tourism has proved itself to be a sustainable industry with a long-term growth potential. Investments in the infrastructure, in the form of airports, hotels, roads, communication, and other facilities has meant that visitors to the United Arab Emirates are assured a comfortable travel, a warm welcome, and a first class accommodation.

Apart from the natural allure of Arabia which is underpinned by its history, culture, and environment, tourists are now able to take advantage of its warm, sunny winter weather, and to enjoy a wide range of pursuits and sports from camel or horse rides in the desert to diving under the sea waters.

Though not a traditional tourism destination, the UAE have always welcomed visitors. Old traditions of hospitality are now complemented by a world class infrastructure of fine highways and roads, five star hotels (including the major chains), and modern civic facilities. Some, like Dubai's two 18 hole golf courses, attract visitors from all over the world. The travel industry has attracted government support, particularly in the easing of entry regulations for bona fide tourists.

The billions of dirhams spent on an extensive afforestation program have paid dividends beyond the beautification of the cities and countryside. Nowadays, many rare species of birds find sufficient food to encourage them to remain in the area and breed, helping to make the UAE one of the top destinations for birdwatching throughout the Middle East. It is not just wildlife that feels safe in the UAE, a country that offers security of life, prosperity, and one of the lowest crime rates in the world.

Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah are regular venues for international sporting events including championship powerboat racing, PGA golf, and international cricket. There are numerous other attractions in the UAE, among them is the country's reputation as a shopper's paradise which has people from neighbouring countries and regions flocking to the tax-free 'souqs' (markets) of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah all year around.

The variety of goods on offer, ranging from local handicrafts to the state of the art electronics and jewellery, presents an irresistable attraction for most visitors, who are made to feel at home by the remarkable atmosphere of religious and ethnic tolerance that prevails in what is, after all, a very multi-cultural society. Combine all that with a virtual absence of crime, and the delightful discoveries to be made of the country's rich national heritage, provides the ingredients of the recipe for the UAE's rapidly developing tourism industry.