Tourism in Dubai

Due to its location the UAE has been able to act as aDubai's GDP (Gross domestic product), with some
connecting link between Europe and the Indianestimates putting it as high as 20 per cent. In fact
subcontinent, the Far East and Africa since timetourism is expected to over take oil exports as an
immemorial. It is still playing the role of intermediaryimportant source of revenue in the near future. Dubai's
between these vastly different cultures, the only255 hotels have a total of 17,253 rooms and
difference being that air travel has significantlyoccupancy in 1998 averaged 49.3 per cent. Since
increased the number of visitors who come to theJanuary 1997 when the Department of Tourism and
UAE. Traditional Arab hospitality and a delightful winterCommerce Marketing (DTCM) took over from the
climate complemented by a highly sophisticatedTourism and Trade Promotion Council, there has been
infrastructure and crime-free environment, have alsorenewed focus on worldwide promotion of Dubai as
contributed in recent years to creating an idealan ideal tourist destination and a thriving commercial
atmosphere for the development of tourism.and business center, very attractive for Dubai property
The UAE is also endowed with an extensive coastline,investors. This has involved setting up the DTCM
sandy beaches and varied landscape, where a widerepresentative offices in many countries across the
variety of activities can be indulged, ranging fromglobe as well as participation in numerous international
powerboat races to sand-skiing. Manicured golftourism fairs. In addition, the DTCM has launched very
courses provide ready enjoyment and for the lesssuccessful advertising campaigns worldwide. The
active shopping opportunities abound. In addition, theDTCM also organizes tourism-related exhibitions in
country's deep-rooted cultural heritage, accessible inDubai. Early in 1999 it hosted the Arabian Marine
the many cultural centers and at traditional sports suchTourism Conference, the first of its kind to be held in
as falconry, camel- racing and horse-racing, has beenthe region. In May more than 500 exhibitors from 40
a powerful attraction for tourists. The UAE has alsocountries participated in the Arab Travel Market 99,
become a much sought after venue for conferences,which was also held under the auspices of the DTCM.
regional and international exhibitions and major sportsNot surprisingly, since the number of tourists is
events such as the Dubai World Cup, the Dubai Desertexpected to reach three million by the end of the year
Classic Golf Tournament, and polo and cricket2000, Dubai has a number of major tourism-related
competitions. It also has one of the best selections ofprojects coming on-stream.
Dubai property available for investors.Tourism in Dubai is an important part of the Dubai
The growth of the tourism industry in Dubai in the pastgovernment's strategy to maintain the flow of foreign
few years is generally described in superlatives:dollars into the emirate. Since the formation of the
incredible, phenomenal, outstanding, stellar, inspiring,United Arab Emirates in 1971, Dubai has developed
triumphant and just about any other laudatoryrapidly from oil and gas based state to a broadly
adjective you can think of. Although one might bebased market economy. A 30-year development plan
tempted to pass this off as marketing hype, in Dubai'sprovided for substantial investment in property in Dubai,
case, it may well be warranted. Tourism in the area iseducation and infrastructure (transport and
booming.telecommunications) and has led to rapid growth in
Independent studies show that the tourism industry hastrade and inward investment.
accounted for a steadily increasing percentage of