BREAKING RECORD AFTER RECORD
After a record-breaking year in 2017—the Emirate attracted 4.88 million visitors—Abu Dhabi expects to attract even more in 2018, with estimates of nearly 6 million hotel guests, the Director General of Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism, Saif Saeed Ghobash, confirmed. Looking at the Emirate overall, visitors to Abu Dhabi city increased at a higher pace (10.3%) than the Al Ain region, accounting for 88% (4.29 million) of tourists to the Emirate. Visitors to the city were able to benefit from the wide offer of 131 hotels.
Meanwhile, the Al Ain Region, with 20 hotels, accounted for 9% of tourists, after experiencing an increase of 5.5% and approximately 450,000 visitors. The Al Dhafra region and its 11 hotels grew its arrivals by 8.2%, to 130,180. Despite all these, arrivals in 1Q2018 and 2Q2018 to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) declined by around 10% compared to the same period in 2017, which implies growing traffic through Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai Al Maktoum Airport (DWC).
By nationality, tourist arrivals from China in 2017 saw the highest increase, at 61%, totaling 372,433 tourists. This extraordinary increase makes China the most important tourism market for Abu Dhabi and comes after a strategy in the country marked by the introduction of visas on arrival for Chinese citizens in 2016.
The second-largest tourism market for Abu Dhabi is India, from where tourist arrivals reached 360,364, with an increase of 11% versus 2016. Following a very intense and innovative marketing campaign by Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture & Tourism (DCT) in the UK and the US over 2017, these two source markets yielded an increase in tourists to the Emirate of 14% and 24%, respectively, over that period.
New tourism products
The success of Abu Dhabi's tourism sector is partially due to the opening of new tourism attractions that have drawn the attention of frequent travelers worldwide. The opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi in November 2017 has strengthened its cultural offering, adding to landmarks such as the Sheikh Zayed Grande Mosque. Launched in 2018, Abu Dhabi Culture app will serve as a handy travel tool for culture seekers in the Emirate.
With operations starting in July 2018, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will become one of Abu Dhabi's top destinations for families. One of the world's largest indoor theme parks, it offers various immersive worlds, from Gotham City to Cartoon Junction. Also set to open in 2018, CLYMB will be Abu Dhabi's world's largest flight chamber, offering guests the opportunity to simulate the experience of skydiving within an unmatched width of 32 feet.
MICE tourism
MICE tourism will keep playing a vital role in the dynamism of Abu Dhabi's tourism sector. The city has moved up to second place on Ipsos' “Top city to do business in" ranking. The Emirate's efforts to attract internationally renowned events have paid off, as The Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau has won bids to host events including the World Roads Congress 2019, the World Energy Congress 2019, the World Congress of Nephrology 2020, the World Conference of Family Doctors 2020, the Congress of the World Union of Wound Healing Societies 2020, and the World Urban Forum 2020.
In an interview with TBY, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), stated “ADNEC witnessed a steady growth in the number of exhibitions and events hosted in the past year, which reflects the robustness of our diversified national economy and the growing confidence of global investors in its long-term outlook." Industry players also believe a crucial factor that will determine the pace of growth for business tourism will most certainly be not only the quality of events that the city will host, but also the diversity within the region and its closer neighbor Dubai.
Visas
Abu Dhabi has employed a visa facilitation strategy in order to maintain its tourism momentum. In 2017, DCT Abu Dhabi rolled out the new Advanced Visa System, which enables hotels and other establishments to issue tourist visas.
At the same time, the Emirate has been capitalizing on the passenger traffic at Abu Dhabi International Airport by offering transit visas for passengers of any nationality wishing to make a visit of up to four days. This initiative has been part of the “Life in Abu Dhabi" program, designed by the government to attract stopover visitors and spark their interest in potential future visits for a longer period.
BREAKING RECORD AFTER RECORD
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Crypto Crime
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Juan Carlos Varela, President, Republic of Panama
TBY talks to Juan Carlos Varela, President of the Republic of Panama, on expanding the country's diplomatic footprint, the importance of participating in Expo 2020, and both countries' respective leadership roles as regional entrepôts.
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Rashed A. Al Blooshi, Chief Executive, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)
TBY talks to Rashed A. Al Blooshi, Chief Executive of Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), on highlighting the opportunities available to companies on ADX, adopting best practices in the field, and further developing the market.
read articleFocus: ADNOC’s Partnership Model
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Following the announcement of an expanded partnership model and a more active approach to managing its businesses and portfolio of assets, a series of cooperation accords position the national oil company as a champion of commercial liberalism.
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hmed Omar Abdulla, CEO, Abu Dhabi Polymer Company Ltd (Borouge),
TBY talks to Ahmed Omar Abdulla, CEO of Abu Dhabi Polymer Company Ltd (Borouge), on the impact of its new Borouge 4 plant, specialized solutions for global challenges, and the need to continue to invest in innovation.
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Philippe Peccard, President Middle East Engineering & Investment Projects, Linde Group
TBY talks to Philippe Peccard, President Middle East Engineering & Investment Projects of Linde Group, on being a key partner of its regional partners, developing the downstream value chain, and further enhancing operations with technology.
read articleFocus: In-Country Value
Time to Commit
The announcement of the In-Country-Value program is a significant step for ADNOC and Abu Dhabi in growing the local private sector. Vertically, it will develop the energy industry through a trickle-down effect; horizontally, it will affect other sectors through a multiplier effect in the long-term.
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Ali Vezvaei, Executive President & CEO, Bilfinger Middle East
TBY talks to Ali Vezvaei, Executive President & CEO of Bilfinger Middle East, on its keys areas of focus in the UAE, trends in the hydrocarbons sector, and the application of energy efficiency technologies to new sectors.
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Samia Bouazza, Managing Director , Multiply Marketing Consultancy
TBY talks to Samia Bouazza, Managing Director of Multiply Marketing Consultancy, on satisfying sophisticated consumers with high purchasing power, targeting different categories of the population, and thinking globally while acting locally.
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Yousuf Al Shaibani, Director General, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC)
TBY talks to Yousuf Al Shaibani, Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), on the goals of the national space program, attracting youth to the program, and the significance of KhalifaSat.
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Abdulla Jassem bin Kalban, Managing Director & CEO , Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA)
TBY talks to Abdulla Jassem bin Kalban, Managing Director & CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), on its expansion upstream, strategies to grow the sector, and sustainability initiatives.
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Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman , Department of Health (DoH)
TBY talks to Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Department of Health (DoH), on facilitating investment for local and foreign investors and building and maintaining a sustainable workforce.
read articleFocus: Technical Training vs. Academic Teaching
Balanced Learnıng
Abu Dhabi's technical institutes are growing in popularity among young Emiratis; however, finding a balance with more traditional academic programs is paramount to ensure the development of a truly knowledge-based economy.
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Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister , Culture and Knowledge Development
TBY talks to Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, on the Creative Industries Contributions Index, bridging the AI-culture divide, and adopting a systems leadership approach moving forward.
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Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman , Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT)
TBY talks to Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi, on the role of innovation, the late Sheikh Zayed's cultural vision, and strengthening cultural engagement among youth.
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Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary , Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT)
TBY talks to Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi, on becoming a beacon of cultural tourism, tailoring its approach to different markets, and penetrating the MICE segment.
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Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO , Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC),
TBY talks to Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), on fast-tracking Abu Dhabi's economic diversification, the importance of the Year of Zayed, and technology's impact on the world of event planning.
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Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister , Climate Change and Environment
TBY talks to Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, on the UAE's commitment to reducing its ecological footprint, transitioning to a climate-resilient green economy, and the importance of sustainable green finance.
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Neri Askland, Vice President , Middle East and UAE Country Manager of Statoil
TBY talks to Neri Askland, Vice President of Middle East and UAE Country Manager of Statoil, on its efforts to help reduce its carbon footprint, opportunities for R&D in the area, and its collaboration with Masdar.
read articleFocus: Nuclear Energy
The Nuclear Option
The UAE is the first country in the MENA region to develop nuclear power, with Abu Dhabi's Barakah nuclear power plant. The Emirate hopes to achieve energy security and embrace alternative sources of energy, ensuring full cooperation and support from the international community.
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Christer Viktorsson, Director General , Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR)
TBY talks to Christer Viktorsson, Director General of Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), on the role of the institution in advancing the nuclear energy regulatory environment, the Barakah Power Plant, and the importance of an integrated network.
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Eng. Omar Husain Al Hashmi, Acting Managing Director , Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC),
TBY talks to Eng. Omar Husain Al Hashmi, Acting Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC), on its successes with STEP, helping Abu Dhabi to reduce its carbon footprint, and its successful Emiratization policies.
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Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, Director General , Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA)
TBY talks to Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, Director General of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), on the Farmers Income Support Program, the UAE's agroecological climate, and introducing intelligent control systems.
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Falah Al Ahbabi, Chairman, Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities (DPM)
TBY talks to Falah Al Ahbabi, Chairman of Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities (DPM), on coordinating joint-investment programs and strategic alliances with the private sector and integrating technology within developments and services.
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Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi, Undersecretary of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Economy
Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi, Undersecretary of Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Economy, on efforts to enhance the UAE's intellectual property framework, creating a knowledge-based economy, and fostering a culture of innovation.
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Khalifa Al Mubarak, Group Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Mubadala Investment Company
TBY talks to Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Group Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Mubadala Investment Company, on the company's diversification strategy, its technology investments, and its focus on innovation.
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Desert Breeze
Abu Dhabi unveiled the new stimulus package, Ghadan 21, in effort to counter the post-oil crisis slowdown. While it might be too soon to call for the end of austerity measures, it definitely signifies the leadership's commitment to grow the Emirate's economy.
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Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Chairman, Statistics Centre- Abu Dhabi (SCAD)
TBY talks to Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Chairman of Statistics Centre-Abu Dhabi (SCAD), on its efforts to improve data collection and lower costs, innovative statistical development tools, and its Emiratization policies.
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Saeed Al Neyad, Director General, Abu Dhabi Monitoring and Control Centre (ADMCC)
TBY talks to Saeed Al Neyadi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Monitoring and Control Centre (ADMCC), on being a critical enabler for various key partner organizations, efforts to increase Abu Dhabi's competitiveness in tourism and commerce, and improving the quality of life for citizens and visitors.
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Nick Cochrane-Dyet, Chairman, British Business Group (BBG)
TBY talks to Nick Cochrane-Dyet, Chairman of British Business Group (BBG), on Abu Dhabi's forward-looking strategy, the need for British firms to continue to bring value to the Emirate, and areas of opportunity for the UK.
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