While revelations have been shared about top visitor sources for certain MENA countries, new efforts are being put in place to attract specific and niche interests, improving overall visitor experience. Let’s take a look at the destinations marking their successes and shaking things up.
Women’s only beach in Sharjah
The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, has announced plans to establish a women’s only beach in the Lulu’iya area of Khorfakkan, offering complete privacy and amenities including a cafe, medical clinic, and prayer room. A pedestrian bridge will also be built to connect nearby areas. This follows Dubai’s introduction of women’s only beaches as part of its Quality of Life Strategy 2023. Existing private beaches in the UAE include Dubai Ladies Club Beach, Al Mamzar Beach Park, and Al Bateen Ladies Beach in Abu Dhabi. This new beach Sharjah will provide a relaxing and liberating experience for women, adding to the growing number of women’s only beach options in the UAE.
Abu Dhabi launches Al Ain docuseries to boost tourism while enjoying high visitor numbers
Experience Abu Dhabi has launched a new campaign, “Al Ain: A Living Oasis,” a four-part documentary-style series showcasing the beauty and rich history of Al Ain, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The campaign follows two Emirati friends, Obaid AlBudoor and Salem Al Attas, as they explore the city’s ancient forts, lush oases, traditional skills, and modern-day activities. The series is available on Visit Abu Dhabi’s YouTube page and the Visit Al Ain website.
The campaign was launched ami the Emirate’s healthy numbers in the first half of the year, where records showed 2.411 million guests checking into hotels between January and May. While Abu Dhabi city welcomed 2.179 million guests, Al Ain attracted 169,000 visitors and Al Dhafra, 64,000. By the end of May, Abu Dhabi recorded 169 hotels offering 34,079.
Meanwhile, Mabrian Intelligence insights show Abu Dhabi is a top destination for Russian travellers with 31.4% increase in seat availability from Russia to Abu Dhabi in the second half of 2024.. In terms of preferences, Russian visitors are leaning towards luxury accommodations (five-star propeerties and resorts) extended stays (3.4 days), and high-quality experiences.
The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi aims to increase visitor numbers from 24 million in 2023 to 39.3 million by 2030 (7% YoY growth).
Dubai promoting fitness
Dubai wants everyone to get git. Indoors, two malls are hosting runs as part of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS). The events, held at Mall of the Emirates (held on 25 Aug) and Dubai Festival City Mall (1 Sep), invite participants of all ages and abilities to run in a cool indoor environment. The runs offer three distances: 2.5 km, 5 km, and 10 km, and welcome both recreational and experienced runners. Registration starts at 6 AM, and the races begin at 7 AM. All participants will receive a medal, with special medals awarded to top runners in each age category. The events aim to promote an active lifestyle and are part of a broader DSS schedule of activities across Dubai.
Outdoors, the Dubai Municipality has completed the development of the Hatta Mountain Trails, a 53 km cycling and 33 km walking trail network in Hatta, Dubai. The trails feature 21 cycling routes and 17 walking trails; nine wooden bridges and 14 rest stops; as well as four color-coded difficulty levels: green, blue, red, and black. The trails offer panoramic views of Hatta’s natural beauty and cater to outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities.
Tourism to Jordan good for H1, but has since declined
According to the mid-year report of the Economic Modernization Vision’s executive program, Jordan‘s tourism industry experienced significant growth in the first half of 2024, welcoming a record 2.79 million tourists and generating JD2.33B (US$46.5B+) in revenue.
However, the Israel-Hamas conflict has since significantly impacted Jordan’s tourism sector leading to a sharp decline in tourist arrivals, particularly from Europe and North America with increased travel advisories and warnings from governments. The Jordanian government has taken measures to mitigate the impact, including increasing security, launching marketing campaigns, and providing financial support to businesses. International support and regional cooperation will be crucial in helping the Kingdom navigate this crisis and rebuild its tourism industry.
Türkiye enjoys visitor growth
Türkiye’s tourism industry saw significant growth in 2024, with 28.9 million visitors in the first seven months, an 8.27% increase from 2023. While Russia is the country’s top source of tourists, with 3.6 million visitors, Germany took the lead in July with 3 million tourists. In terms of cities, Istanbul welcomed 8.5 million tourists in the first half of 2024, an 8% increase from 2023; and Antalya is projected to surpass 17 million tourists by year-end. Overall growth was seen in tourist arrivals from South America, South Asia, Europe, and North America, while declines were recorded from Western Asia and Gulf countries.
Egypt will welcome more visitors with new e-ticket and medical tourism
Egypt’s tourism sector is experiencing a significant surge, welcoming more than 8 million visitors in the first seven months of 2024. This growth is expected to continue, with predicted tourism revenues exceeding $14 billion by year-end and total visitor numbers reaching 15 million, surpassing 2023’s total. Among the key source markets, China has seen a 60% increase in tourist numbers, while Japan has experienced a 70% growth. To further enhance the visitor experience, Egypt has launched an e-ticket for archaeological sites and museums.
Egypt also has plans to launch an electronic medical tourism platform to showcase the country’s medical capabilities, and establishing the country as a premier destination on the global medical tourism map, while attracting inbound tourism.
Meanwhile, PM Mostafa Madbouly has ordered the revocation of the licenses for 36 tourism companies for illegally organizing Hajj and Umrah trips, by enabling citizens to travel to Saudi Arabia on non-Hajj visas.
Indian travellers love Oman
Oman has seen a significant increase in Indian tourists, with a 70% rise in 2023 from the previous year. The Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism aims to surpass this number in 2024, with a 15% increase already recorded in the first five months. Oman is a popular destination for Indians due to its proximity and cultural similarities, making it feel like a “home away from home”. India is Oman’s largest tourism market outside of the GCC countries, accounting for 625,000 arrivals last year.
Hunting tourism and safari take centre stage at Adihex’s biggest ever event
The 21st Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex) will take place from August 31 to September 8, 2024, at Adnec Centre in Abu Dhabi. The event will showcase 11 sectors, offering visitors a chance to explore the realms of falconry, hunting, equestrian sports, veterinary products, fishing and marine sports, environmental preservation, cultural heritage, arts and crafts, as well as the latest in technology and innovation. With hunting tourism and safari expected to be a highlight, exhibitors will be showcasing luxurious safari destinations, hunting locations, and bespoke packages.
Conservation organizations and wildlife reserves will play a key role at Adihex, showcasing eco-friendly tourism initiatives and sustainable hunting practices that support wildlife preservation. By highlighting successful conservation efforts, exhibitors will demonstrate how responsible tourism and hunting can harmonize with environmental protection, aligning with the UAE’s commitment to preserving 14% of its land as protected areas.
