Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing:.
Due to its location the UAE has been able to act as a connecting link between Europe and the Indian subcontinent, the Far East and Africa since time immemorial. It is still playing the role of intermediary between these vastly different cultures, the only difference being that air travel has significantly increased the number of visitors who come to the UAE. Traditional Arab hospitality and a delightful winter climate complemented by a highly sophisticated infrastructure and crime-free environment have also contributed in recent years to creating an ideal atmosphere for the development of tourism.
The UAE is also endowed with an extensive coastline, sandy beaches and varied landscape, where a wide variety of activities can be indulged, ranging from powerboat races to sand skiing. Manicured golf courses provide ready enjoyment and for the less active shopping opportunities abound. In addition, the country's deep-rooted cultural heritage, accessible in the many cultural centers and at traditional sports such as falconry, camel- racing and horseracing, has been a powerful attraction for tourists. The UAE has also become a much sought after venue for conferences, regional and international exhibitions and major sports events such as the Dubai World Cup, the Dubai Desert Classic Golf Tournament, and polo and cricket competitions.
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II. Tourism Statistics:.
The UAE is placing more emphasis on promoting tourism in the course of lessening its reliance on the traditional oil industry and diversifying the sources of its national income. The UAE has been able to grasp the realities of the age and place itself among those countries, which focus on the tourism industry.
The UAE has exerted a great deal of effort to attract tourists, especially among people visiting for conferences and exhibitions, and within a short span of time in the life of the country, it has become a central stopover and a significant attraction for businessmen and participants in conferences.