Planning a family holiday can be difficult business. You want a diverse location that is easily accessible with plenty of exciting excursions for children of all ages (and adults) at a good value. Above all else, you want a destination that is safe. Given the reach of the UAE’s aviation sector to most of the planet, the number of family-focused attractions that dot the country and the safety of our society, family travel is an ideal avenue for tourism growth.
In recent years, the UAE has expanded its Halal tourism sector in an effort to tap into this growing market. Halal tourism is a natural fit and expands tourism outside of Abu Dhabi and Dubai to emirates such as Ras Al Khaimah. It is not just the UAE, across the region from Turkey to Oman, Halal tourism is booming.
With a strong US dollar adding stress to global tourism, new ideas and markets are especially important for the local industry. Russian tourism – a major source of revenue – has posted lacklustre numbers because of the weakening rouble. Russians are staying home or looking for much cheaper alternatives when it comes to travel. At the same time, Fly Dubai has just posted lower profits partly due to waning Russian demand and political challenges in destinations including Iraq and Ukraine.
Given the current reality of the market, there is a concrete drive to tap new tourist reservoirs from places such as China, Africa and India. Given the proximity of the African and Indian markets, these areas are ripe for growth. Abu Dhabi – which met its target of 4.1 million tourists last year, up 18 per cent on the previous year – is leading the charge to get more tourists with announcements of new hotel infrastructure.
Having enough hotel rooms is only part of the challenge of generating tourism figures. Fresh ideas that build on the UAE’s strength are needed to tap into new markets. Between the Halal tourism industry and more branding of the UAE as an excellent family destination, there is ample material for new campaigns. Few destinations in the world can compete with the UAE in these sectors.
SPECS
Engine: Two-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 235hp
Torque: 350Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Price: From Dh167,500 ($45,000)
On sale: Now
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How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries
• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.
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Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
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The specs: 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 300 Cabriolet
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Torque: 370Nm @ 1,300rpm
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THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)
Power: 141bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: Dh64,500
On sale: Now
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Our Time Has Come
Alyssa Ayres, Oxford University Press
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
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September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
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