Local tourism must be encouraged

For many Emiratis, holidays are a chance to travel abroad. This is truer in summer, when the heat pushes people to escape to cooler climes. Yet nationals, and expatriates, could learn something valuable that many foreign tourists agree on: the UAE itself has many enjoyable attractions and many interesting places to visit.

Domestic tourism has many benefits for the country and its citizens. As The National reported yesterday, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development and head of the National Council for Tourism and Antiquities, emphasised the importance of domestic tourism in the unity of citizens from different emirates during his meeting with the FNC this week. He said that despite the small budget, the tourism council is already working on encouraging domestic tourism by arranging local tours and providing Emiratis with the same benefits offered to foreign tourists at reasonable prices.

The country has invested heavily in the development of the tourism industry and its infrastructure, including hotels, resorts, shopping malls, recreational areas, amusement parks and museums, as part of its economic diversification efforts. In each emirate, there are must-visit places that offer enjoyable experiences for all pleasure and adventure seekers.

The capital Abu Dhabi has no shortage of parks and beaches, as well as art, sport and entertainment places. Dubai, which is an international tourism hub, also has many things to offer for domestic tourists: theme parks and aquariums, zoos, beaches and parks. Sharjah offers many educational and cultural places, including the Museum of Islamic Civilization and Sharjah Art Museum. Other emirates also offer various attractions, including Iceland Water Park in Ras Al Khaimah, Dreamland Aqua Park in Umm Al Quwain and Ajman and Fujairah Museums, as well as parks, beaches and camping areas.

Emiratis should be encouraged to explore all these attractions. There’s a reason why so many foreigners jet into the UAE every year, and it is not merely the excellent weather most of the year. What they know is that every emirate has wonderful natural and built attractions, and as they have fallen in love with the Emirates, so Emiratis can fall in love with their own country.