The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced that its strategy to enhance the tourism and cultural components in the Al Ain region continues to achieve positive results. Significant growth rates have been observed in the number of hotel guests in the region during the first half of 2025, and an increase in the number of visitors to its most prominent cultural sites by more than 40% compared to the same period last year.
The Department’s statistics showed that hotels in Al Ain received about 228,000 guests during the period from January to June 2025, with a growth rate of 12% compared to the same period last year, while the total hotel revenues increased by 5.8%. Al Ain Oasis recorded a 40% growth in the number of visitors during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Al Muwaiji Palace witnessed a remarkable 49% growth in the number of visitors during the first six months of the year, compared to the same period in 2024, and the Qattara Art Centre achieved a 42% year-on-year growth in the number of visitors.
The DCT Abu Dhabi is continuing its initiatives to enhance Al Ain’s position as a preferred destination that combines culture, leisure and adventure, in order to contribute to achieving the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030, which was launched in 2024 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The strategy aims to increase the number of visitors to the Emirate from around 24 million in 2023 to 39.3 million visitors annually by 2030, with a target annual growth rate of 7%.
As part of this strategy, the Department is focused on developing an integrated tourism ecosystem in the Al Ain region, following three main pillars that embody the diverse experiences in the region and help establish it as an inspiring destination for local and international visitors. These pillars include culture by highlighting and preserving the richness of Emirati heritage and traditions, recreation by providing serene experiences in stunning natural environments, and adventure through a variety of indoor and outdoor leisure activities. These pillars provide a general framework for current initiatives and future plans, reflect the uniqueness of the region, and promote awareness of its identity and tourism and cultural components.
H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “Al Ain is the heart of our Emirate’s history, a symbol of our past, rich heritage and authentic hospitality. This vibrant oasis is a cultural hub and a destination for exploration and rejuvenation. We will continue to invest in its potential for the benefit of its people and community, while celebrating the unique values that can be shared with the world. Al Ain is a bridge between our cultural heritage and the aspirations for the future, and we will continue to work to establish its presence as a beacon of culture that enriches life, opens promising horizons to empower youth and inspire every visitor with its exceptional experiences”.
The Tourism Strategy 2030 supports Al Ain’s position in the Emirate’s tourism scene and aims to welcome 520,000 guests to the region’s hotels annually for leisure by 2030. The Department continues to launch tourism and cultural initiatives to support sustainable economic development in the region and empower its community. Its plans focus on highlighting the ancient history of Al Ain, its picturesque nature, its rich cultural heritage, and its participation with a larger audience locally and internationally, in a way that contributes to enhancing awareness of its identity and improving the quality of life of its residents.
The DCT Abu Dhabi is undertaking several development initiatives highlighting the historical and cultural sites in the Al Ain region, including Al Muwaiji Palace, Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain Museum, Al Qattara Art Centre and Al Ain Oasis, which are the first UNESCO World Heritage sites in the country.
As part of its efforts to celebrate the region’s rich heritage, the Department organises festivals and events that attract visitors from around the UAE and the world, including the Crafts and Traditional Industries Festival, which aims to preserve the Emirati cultural heritage, preserve the skills and knowledge associated with traditional crafts and pass them on to current and future generations, the Al Ain Book Festival, the annual platform for creativity and literature, as well as other vibrant events such as the Mother of the Nation Festival and the Dar Al Zain Festival, which offer programs full of family entertainment activities, play areas, international cuisine and live musical performances.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi is also focused on highlighting the natural diversity of Al Ain, which combines desert, oases, gardens and open natural attractions, such as Jebel Hafeet, the second highest peak in the UAE. It also promotes awareness of the region as an ideal destination for meetings, conferences and exhibitions, with its state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities that cater to the requirements of these events.
The GCC Tourism Ministers have chosen Al Ain as the Gulf Tourism Capital for 2025, in recognition of the authentic Emirati hospitality it embodies, as well as its rich experiences that include culture, recreation and adventure. The history of Al Ain dates back more than 5,000 years, and today it more than 660,000 people live there.
Image Credit: The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi
