Ahlan wasahlan is the Arabic welcome greeting – and Abu Dhabi extends a warm and sincere welcome to all our friends from overseas.

Hospitality is one of the most treasured values of Arab culture and lies at the heart of our desire to   open our doors to international travellers. We believe tourism can play an important role in promoting friendship, goodwill and understanding and, as the following pages show, Abu Dhabi has a wealth of attractions to fascinate and tempt the visitor.

In this regard, the setting up of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, established by Ruler’s Decree in September 2004, is highly significant. The creation of this statutory body with wide ranging responsibilities for the development and promotion of tourism provides a clear indication of the Government’s commitment to the industry and determination to secure Abu Dhabi’s rightful place on the international travel map.

The Authority works closely with the hotels, airlines, destination management companies and other travel-related organisations in Abu Dhabi to promote the emirate and raise its international profile as a upmarket destination offering superb facilities for the holidaymaker and business visitor alike.

In parallel with this promotional role, the Authority is the catalyst in driving and coordinating the growth and development of the emirate’s tourism infrastructure, facilities and services. A major element of this will be the construction of many additional hotels to extend and diversify the emirate’s existing fine range of accommodation options, and we will also be regulating the industry to ensure consistently high quality standards.

As we embark on this exciting new era for Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector, we are keenly aware of the vital role and contribution of our overseas colleagues and partners. We are delighted by the growing interest and support from tour operators and organisers of international meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions and it is one of our key priorities build and develop these relationships in future. We firmly believe Abu Dhabi offers outstanding potential as a destination for both leisure and business-related tourism and we look forward to working still more closely with our friends in the international travel industry in the months and years ahead.

Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan

Chairman

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority