ABU DHABI tips

Running to May 20, 2024, the vibrant culture and iconic landmarks of Shanghai are being showcased at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport. The “Meet Me in Shanghai” pop-up event invites travelers to immerse themselves in a captivating interactive experience, offering a slice of Shanghai without the need to leave the terminal.

Abu Dhabi boasts an array of sandy escapes, but there’s one that stands head and shoulders above the rest. Saadiyat Island, a perennial favourite, has once again clinched the coveted title of ‘Middle East’s Leading Beach Destination’ at the 2024 World Travel Awards, reaffirming its status as the ultimate coastal retreat.

One of the Middle East’s annual big-ticket industry events, the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), takes place this week in Dubai and opened this morning, while the UAE continues to attract visitors from around the world. Just this year, Dubai was ranked first in the Top 100 City Destinations Index 2023 by Euromonitor International. This comes against a backdrop of the world recovering from Covid-19, high inflation rates affecting travel, and turmoil in the region. Although the global travel market continues to recover, few can doubt that the dark clouds that have hovered over the Middle East since the Israel-Gaza war broke out in October of last year have taken a toll on tourism and business travel alike in countries like Egypt and Jordan.

Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, announced record-breaking visitation numbers in 2023 across Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, witnessing an extraordinary surge in destination visits and setting a new benchmark. Revealed during Arabian Travel Market 2024, Yas Island recorded over 34 million visits, a rise of 38% compared to 2022, which recorded 24.9 million. Similarly, Saadiyat Island saw a 44% visitation growth compared to 2022.

Ryan Reynolds is Yas Island Abu Dhabi’s new chief island officer.

Planning your summer holidays, and looking for a unique mix of culture, adventure, and inspiration? Then Abu Dhabi is the destination for you! With the summer season just around the corner, Experience Abu Dhabi has introduced 101 Abu Dhabi Do’s to bring your travel plans to life, unveiling the vast diversity of what the emirate has to offer like never before.

The capital of the United Arab Emirates has unveiled a new grand plan for tourism, with $10 billion worth of investment into the sector, almost 200,000 new jobs, and the promise of new streamlined visa processes.

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has approved the new Tourism Strategy 2030 for the emirate. Spearheaded by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the ambitious blueprint signals a new era of expansion and strategic development in the travel and tourism sector. The Strategy seeks to boost visitor numbers from nearly 24 million in 2023 to 39.3 million by 2030 (overnight and same-day), with a 7% year-on-year growth. Moreover, it plans to significantly elevate the tourism and travel sector’s contribution to the UAE’s GDP, raising it from approximately AED 49 billion in 2023 to AED 90 billion annually by 2030.

Nurai Island was the gem of Abu Dhabi hospitality, a favorite among the rich and a featured location on the Real Housewives of Dubai. Now it says it is shutting down temporarily – though it’s unclear when it will reopen.

The maritime and tourism authorities of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Oman have formalised the Cruise Arabia alliance. This regional partnership will promote the Arabian Gulf as a global cruise ship destination. Dubai Department for Economy and Tourism (DET) announced on Friday that an official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the stakeholders at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB Berlin) travel trade convention.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Oman have signed a pact to promote cruises across all four destinations. The Cruise Arabia Alliance was forged at this week’s ITB Berlin travel trade show and is the latest development in trying to promote multi-country holidays in the Gulf.

Etihad Airways is profitable again and a turnaround program is progressing well. Could an IPO be next? 

The accommodation boasts soft furnishings in neutral colours in a soothing style which is reflected throughout the public areas of the resort.

Miral, in collaboration with The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Airport and OACIS ME LLC, a cutting-edge off-airport baggage processing solutions provider, proudly introduces remote airport check-in services to The Fountains at Yas Mall. This collaboration allows guests and their families the opportunity to explore the diverse dining experiences, offerings and boutiques at Yas Mall as well as the award-winning theme parks Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and CLYMB™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi prior to their departure, effectively optimising their time to explore the exemplary retail and leisure experiences before takeoff. Available exclusively for Etihad Airways and Air Arabia flights, prepare for a new era of hassle-free travel – where convenience meets innovation as this exciting initiative aims to elevate the overall travel experience for guests and their families. The seamless and user-friendly process not only simplifies but also saves precious time for UAE residents and international visitors before embarking on their travel plans with two of the country’s most prominent airlines.

Lights, camera, action! Get ready for Movies at the Marina, an unforgettable cinematic experience at Yas Marina, where movie lovers can immerse themselves in a world of entertainment under the night sky in this vibrant waterfront destination Taking advantage of the sublime temperatures, the excitement kicks off on Friday 23rd February at 7:30pm and continues every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Sunday 17th March. Guests can relax in comfort on deckchairs and beanbags while indulging in a selection of blockbuster films, including favourites like “10 things I hate about you”, “Moana”, “Mamma Mia”, “Spiderman” and many more.

With just weeks to go until the start of the Formula 1® 2024 season, Ethara has announced tickets for this year’s FORMULA 1® ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX are now on sale, with a range of thrilling experiences and fan favourite vantage points now available for fans to secure for the F1® season finale at Yas Marina Circuit. The 24th and final race of the longest season in Formula 1® history will take place as part of the 16th edition of the Abu Dhabi GP weekend, set to take place from Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th December 2024 at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island. Fans can now secure their seat at the region’s biggest event weekend with organisers confirming a range of in-demand experiences are now available to purchase.

Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi are gearing up for a spectacular celebration in line with the Chinese New Year, ushering in the Year of the Dragon. From February 3 to 18, both parks will feature a range of activations embodying the themes of power, nobleness, honor, luck and success associated with this special occasion. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the festivities, showcasing the park’s commitment to delivering unique and culturally rich experiences.

United Arab Emirates-based Silkhaus, a tech-based short-term rental platform, has announced raising a “multi-million” pre-series A financing from San Francisco headquartered-Partners for Growth.

Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, and its destinations achieved new records by clinching an impressive collection of over 170 regional and international accolades, further solidifying Yas Island and Saadiyat Island as leading destinations for excellence and innovation.

I last checked in at the half-year, highlighting the few brands, ideas, and services that deserved a hat tip for their executions. There were a lot of exciting ideas: At that point, we’d gone from the precariousness of a global pandemic into a full-throttle, growth sprint for luxury. Interest in high-end experiences continued to surge, along with eye-watering room rates.  

As the end of the festive season approaches, guests can dive into a world of enchantment at Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi’s beloved Winter Spectacular, running until the 7th of January 2024. Guests can look forward to an array of holiday performances, meet-and-greets with their favorite characters and unforgettable family-friendly experiences, bringing to life the festive spirit.