Abu Dhabi targets Saudi Arabian tourists

Saudi Arabians are being targeted in a campaign launched by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority in the hopes of capitalising on increased visitor numbers this year.

A variety of activities and special packages are on offer to draw visitors from the Kingdom who make up the largest share of tourists to the capital.

“The campaign targets the GCC market, with the KSA market representing one of our key target markets through its continued contribution of the largest share of visitors to Abu Dhabi from the region” said Saif Ghobash, TCA Abu Dhabi director general.

He said the two countries were a natural fit because of the shared language, customs and traditions.

Almost 70,000 Saudi Arabians stayed at hotels in Abu Dhabi in the first six months of the year, a 7 per cent increase from the previous year.

Mr Ghobash said the number of visitors from the Kingdom have more than doubled this June compared to last June and “will see further growth potential”.

The campaign aims to showcase the capital’s diverse culture, and includes a variety of events such as roadshows, competitions and border activations.

For a month from August 15, a marquee offering food trucks, children’s activities and tourist information will be erected for visitors crossing into the UAE through the Ghuwaifat border.

Abu Dhabi Summer Season will also offer special promotional packages for attractions and hotel stays for Gulf tourists.

“Abu Dhabi presents an ideal destination for Eid and summer holidays, providing an array of attractions and events that cater to both families and young travellers” said Mr Ghobash.

The tail end of the year will really see the campaign kick into gear with events such as the 2017 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi Food Festival, and the annual Traditional Handicrafts festival expected to attract many visitors from Saudi Arabia.

“Abu Dhabi offers unique appeal for international and regional travellers, especially from the KSA market, as an extraordinary destination for short stays and longer holidays alike, providing ample opportunity for a diverse range of tourism attractions and events for visitors of all ages including shopping, dining, theme parks and family-oriented leisure entertainment,” said Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, Acting Executive Director of Tourism Sector, TCA Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi was ranked second on the 2017 Iposos City Index measuring the best cities in the world to live and work in above cities such as Paris and London.