Tourists from Saudi Arabia were the sixth largest group of foreigners to visit Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, during the first six months of this year.
According to a statement by the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, 36,430 tourists from Saudi Arabia visited Abu Dhabi during the period.
“These visitors stayed for a total of 79,037 nights, up 36 percent compared to the same period last year, making Saudi Arabia the sixth largest market outside the UAE,” the statement said.
Visitors from Saudi Arabia were among the almost 1.19 million guests who stayed in Abu Dhabi's hotels and hotel apartments, accounting for approximately 3.37 million guest nights — an increase of 9 percent compared to the same period in 2011.
“This is a very encouraging performance which leaves us all on track to attain our yearly target of 2.3 million guests,” said Director General Mubarak Al Muhairi of the TCA Abu Dhabi.
He said the task ahead was to maintain the momentum of attracting visitors from Saudi Arabia and other countries.
“We are confident in accomplishing this as we look forward to a season ahead packed with major events, including the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Abu Dhabi Art … and we will further heighten the entertainment position of Yas Island,” he said.
Yas Island is the site of a $ 36 billion development project which holds the Yas Island Circuit, site of the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It also includes Yas Waterworld which is an exciting park.
In addition, Al Muhairi added, “We anticipate Abu Dhabi hosting the 18th World Routes Development Forum this coming September, which is expected to bring a significant number of aviation and airline personnel to the UAE capital”.
“Arrivals from Saudi Arabia are particularly pleasing, justifying our move earlier this year to establish a permanent presence in the Kingdom,” he said.
