Dubai: Dubai will welcome 20 million visitors a year by 2020, doubling its annual visitor numbers from 10 million in 2012, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said on Saturday, officially approving Dubai’s Vision for Tourism for 2020.By 2020, Dubai will welcome 20 million visitors per year, and treble the annual contribution made by tourism to the city’s economy, according to the new tourism vision.
“We are aware that such goals are ambitious, but more important than ambition is realising these goals in reality,” Shaikh Mohammed said in a statement, adding that he is confident that the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) is capable of achieving what it aims for “given the previous accomplishments and the positive results attained”.He added that tourism, however, is a broad service sector that one entity cannot solely be held responsible for its development.“Therefore, it is important that other government departments and institutions share this responsibility and join in developing this sector in order to strengthen our macroeconomic capabilities,” he said, adding that he expects the private sector to play a similar role in supporting this goal.
Attractions, As in Las Vegas, developers designed most of Dubai's top attractions to appeal to and entertain the city's large influx of tourists. However, with its millenniums of history, Dubai is home to excellent examples of Islamic architecture, archaeological dig sites, old villages and restored ancient neighborhoods like Bastakiya. Spectator sports have recently become a major attraction; Dubai has hosted events like the Desert Classic PGA golf tournament and the UIM Class 1 Powerboat World Championship.
Nightlife, Dubai's nightlife takes place almost exclusively in the city's hotels and resorts, as these are the only businesses that can serve alcohol. Thursday nights tend to be the busiest, and many hotels offer "ladies' night" discounts on Tuesday and Sundays. The opulence and grandeur of Dubai is reflected in the city's clubs; most have dress codes, and some are selective about who they let in. Groups with women usually have a better chance of making it into some venues. If it seems the nightlife scene is lacking local flavor, that's because you will find most Dubai residents at shisha cafes rather than clubs and bars.
Dubai International Airport services 110 airlines from 160 different countries. From the airport, tourists can take car rentals or taxis or use the RTA airport bus, which runs every 30 minutes to Deira or Bur Dubai. You can save money by flying into Abu Dhabi International Airport, located less than two hours from the city. Driving is the best mode of transportation in Dubai. Most people take taxis, though car rentals are available; an International Drivers License is required to drive in Dubai.
Add new comment