Tourism in the United Arab Emirates

Saif S. al-Qaidi Professor

Department of Geography UAE University a/-Ain, United Arab Emirates

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ABSTRACT

In recent years, tourism development in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been promoted to diversify the economy of the country. It is estimated that in 1991 , about 1.2 million tourists visited the coun­try. Most visitors came from the Gulf states, Western Europe and the former USSR. The question raised in this inves­tigation is whether the UAE is in a posi­tion to serve tourists from all over the world, and what facilities and attractions are available to promote the industry. The paper also highlights places of interest to visitors to the UAE. Attractions include natural landscapes for ecotourism as well as sites displaying heritage and cultural resources. Also the governmental role in promoting this activity is discussed.

KEY WORDS: Middle East, tourism, United Arab Emirates, economic activity, recreation.

INTRODUCTION

Recent developments in world poli­cies, the marketing of oil by many coun­tries, and the drop of oil prices in world markets, are all indications of a new era of policy making in the Middle East. Each country has to cultivate its new policy to develop sound economic activities. As such, the Gulf Co-operative Council (GCC) countries were urged to implement new policies to face developments in other regions, such as the European Economic Community (EEC). In order to attain a place among the strongest economic countries, such as the EEC, whose mem­bership may reach 18 to 20 countries by the year 2000 (Johnson and Thomas, 1992, p. 215), the GCC countries must seek alternative resources besides oil and try to use oil revenues to invest in new and modern infrastructures. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) as one of these states is a case in point (Fig. 1). UAE plays a major role at times of peace and war in the Gulf region. It built its economic base on petroleum revenues during the peak of oil prices. However, it is now time for the country to benefitfrom these investments and facilities to diverse its economy. With

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FIGURE 1. Main geographical features in the UAE.

its well-established infrastructure and long-range plans for the future (especially the Emirate of Dubai), UAE has to pro­mote its facilities. The country has for ex­ample six international airports, seaports and trade centers, to cultivate an alter­native industry. This paper examines tourism, which is one attractive industry contributing to UAE's diversification.

FACTORS PROMOTING TOURISM IN THE UAE

When people think of traveling, dis­tance is a question which often arises. People who have a limited budget may visit a nearby country because of lower travel expenses. This is a common con­cept of the philosophy behind tourism, even though it is not always accurate. The strategic location of the UAE between the populated centers of the Far East and Eu­rope can provide an appealing tourist fo-

cal point for commuters between east and west.

UAE with its international airports and seaports became an attractive base for an estimated 900 multi -national companies (Union of the UAE Chamber of Com­merce, 1995), which in turn encouraged the country's economic development. The well-built infrastructure in the UAE has enabled the country to service many international businesses. This activity could be used to develop other sources of income, including tourism. As a result of this new development, business tours could be adopted . For instance most of the businessmen and their partners trav­eling from Asia, the Far East, and the In­dian sub-continent to Western Europe and North America could stop over for a few days before continuing to their final destinations.

The location of UAE between the Ara­bian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman has

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played an importar.t role during the pre­oil period (1940s) and it is continuing to do so during the post-oil period. During the pre-oil period many people from the UAE out migrated to other GCC countries for jobs to support their families. Now because of its proximity to other GCC countries, people are attracted to the UAE for business and tourism. Such closeness to the GCC countries is a geographical issue as well as a social convience. The GCC countries have a common heritage, shared language, customs, and trad i­tions. This in itself was an incentive for people from adjacent states to visit the UAE during their holidays. Besides, most prefer to visit the UAE rather than go to other countries, because in UAE they find familiar attractions such as security, shopping centers, parks, exhibitions as well as social ties with relatives and families.

THE PHYSICAL LANDSCAPE

The physical variation of UAE makes it an attractive tourist site and hence can contribute to a favorable tourism indus­try. The variation in coastal and mountain landscapes provide contrasting options for tourists.

The UAE has a coastal zone of 730 ki­lometers along the Arabian Gulf, which can be divided into two sections: (1) the western coast which extends 640 kilo­meters from Ras-al-Khaimah in the north to Qatar in the south; and (2) the eastern coast which is 90 kilometers in length from the Omani borders south of Khor Kalba Village to the Omani borders in the north . The west coast is characterized by "khors" and " sebakhats" while the east is distinguished by spectacular cliffs, bays and sandy beaches. Both are attrac­tive for swimming, fishing, boating, and water skiing . These coastal areas could be valuable resources for tourist devel­opment. Although some of these riparian sectors have been used for oil and harbor fac ilities, others are utilized for tourism and recreation.

Mountain areas are found in the north­eastern parts of UAE. The Hajar Moun­tains, which are part of the Omani range, extend about 150 kilometers from the

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north to the south . These mountains con­tain many small villages and are consid­ered to be the source of traditional hand­icrafts. Most of the handicraft products are sold to tourists at the free markets during holidays and on Friday at the mar­ket in Massafi (Fig. 2).

The UAEs' mountains are composed of distinctive igneous rocks (i .e. ophiol­ite). Topographically they have spectacu­lar pyramidal peaks, steep slopes, and are well characterized by magnificent scen­ery. Climbing, hunting, camping and hik­ing in such a wild environment is a poten­tially significant attraction .

The UAE has more than 200 islands in the Gulf, mainly near the west coast. Some of the sites are used by the oil in­dustry, others are inhabited by locals, and the remainder are used by tourists. Some of these islands are landscaped with trees whereas others are used for raising wild­life. The government constructed new fa­cilities for organized fields trips to se­lected islands for tourists either from the UAE or from other countries.

Sandy desert covers more than 90 per­cent of the total area of the country (70,000 square kilometers). Th is desert has many Bedouin camps and oases. The oil wealth has converted many of these oases to modern cities; such as al-Ain. The desert has become a popular attrac­tion for visitors to the UAE. With its huge sand dunes, desert skiing is a popular pastime among tourists. As one British tourist said, "We don't have this back home, so we enjoy it here."

CLIMATE

Located in a sub-tropical latitude (250

north) the cooler winter season is consid­ered to be a valuable asset of income for tourist agencies in the UAE. The temper­ature ranges between 15- 25 Co and the country is considered to be one of the most desirable winter destinations, es­pecially for the European tourists who es­cape the cloudy winter to enjoy the sunny days of the UAE.

TOURIST SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Infrastructure and services are impor­tant for both tourists and traders, and

FIGURE 2. Friday market in Masafi.

without them tourism cannot be well sup­ported. Providing tourist services such as visa processing, hotels and transporta­tion facilities by the government is en­couraging. Also, promoting tourist agen­cies in terms of tour packages and efficient services, are the tools of excel­lent tourism in any area. The following discussion highlights some of these guest services and their significance.

TRANSPORTATION

Tourism today is one of the activities which depends on efficient air, sea and land transportation . The development in a global economy and improved facilities have increased the number of passengers traveling from one place to another. Worldwide, international tourist arrivals have increased from 81 million in 1982 to 404 million by 1989 (Lickorish, 1991). As a result of large aircraft, travel time be­tween places have decreased and access to more remote destinations has im­proved . Often tourists have limited time for their holidays at a selected destina-

tion. Therefore, convenient connections between home and UAE are important. Because the country is well served by many air, sea and land routes, tourists do have flexibility in scheduling a visit to the UAE.

LAND TRANSPORT

The UAE is well served by several road networks which connect it with other Gulf States. The main roads which connect UAE with Oman for example are in ex­cellent condition. Firstly, the highway from Oman connects the Omani villages with the northern part of UAE, which starts at Kalba in the south . This road is considered to be one of the major roads which connects UAE with Oman as well as other Omani villages in the northern territories of the Oman (Musandan). Sec­ondly, a highway from Oman to the UAE through the village of Hatta serves both tourism and commerce activities (e.g. the transport of farm products between the UAE and Oman). A third highway serves the Omani and UAE territories at the east-

19

ern part of the Emirate of Abu-Dhabi. Also it provides access to tourists travelling from Oman to the UAE and vice-versa .

The UAE is also served by a modern highway connecting the country and other GCC countries and Arab countries to the North (e.g . Syria and Jordan). This, of course, allows tourists from UAE and other nearby countries more access. Fur­thermore, the latest UAE legislation al­lows any GCC country visa holder to be granted an on-the-spot visa.

AIR TRANSPORT

With its six international airports, the UAE is a major half-way destination for many international airlines. It has been noted that by the end of 1993, 85 inter­national airlines used Dubai International Airport compared to 40 airlines using Bahrain International Airport (Bahrain Civil Aviation Directorate, 1995). This number illustrates the significant access to the UAE by global travelers.

SEA TRANSPORT

The UAE can also be reached by sea from other GCC countries or by those people who prefer cruises. Since the UAE has access to the Gulf of Oman, there are many direct sea lanes carrying passen­gers from neighboring countries, such as the Indian sub-continent and Iran. Specif­ically there is direct passenger service be­tween Iran and Sharjah carrying some 35,000 passengers annually (Khalid Sea­port, 1995). With its marine facilities, the UAE leads sea transportation in the Gulf countries. Some of the international lines consider UAE seaports as their home ports in the Gulf area. Most of the coun­try's facilities are equipped with the latest technology used in marine commerce (e.g. Jebal Ali Port in Dubai) .

The facilities of sea, air and land trans­portation make efficient connections be­tween UAE cities and other world cities. Consequently, transportation of tourists to and from the UAE has become easier. The location of tourist agencies, hotels, restaurants, and close transportation links provide convenient services for tourists .

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HOTELS

In 1992, there were 215 hotels serving the UAE tourism industry with 73 percent in Dubai . These hotels had 14,682 rooms with 25,355 beds and had a 56 percent oc­cupancy rate in 1992 (Ministry of Plan­ning, 1993). Figure 3 illustrates that third class hotels are most common (50%). Al­though there are several luxury hotels, tourists have rooms available for less than $25 (U .S.) per night, which is a rea­sonable rate, especially when compared to European hotels tariffs . However, data reveal that most tourists prefer deluxe and first class accommodations. Govern­ment statistics, suggest that in 1992 the occupancy rate of third-class hotels was 36 percent, compared to 64 percent in the deluxe, and 60 percent in the first class hotels. This clearly suggests that most of the tourists prefer finer accommodations.

Table 1 shows that in 1992 GCC tour­ists (excluding UAE) represented the larg­est number of guests to the UAE. This number (33%) is a result ofthe close prox­imity of the UAE to the other GCC coun­tries, the availability of tourist facilities, the quality of life in the UAE cities, and the acceptable standard of tourist ser­vices. It is interesting to note that Asia and Africa are almost as significant (31 %) a market source for visitors. This number is followed by Europeans who represent 22 percent of the guests.

From the hotel arrival data (Fig. 4), it is noted that the highest number oftourists prefer the winter months (between No­vember and January). The first part ofthe winter season attracts Europeans, wh ile the latter part of the season is dominated by GCC visitors.

Comparing the number of the GCC and European tourists during 1992 (Fig . 5) , it is clear that the hot summer months do not negatively impact visitors to the UAE. The similarity in summer temperature and the start of the school holidays play a major role in attracting tourists from GCC countries. On the other hand the data reveal that even the European tourist trade is reasonably high and steady dur­ing the summer months.

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FIGURE 3. Classification of hotels in 1992.

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TABLE 1 Number of guests arrived in UAE hotels by region in 1992

Region Number of Guests % of Total

GCC countries 481 ,536 33 Other Asian & African 451,850 31 European countries 326,561 22 Other Arab 136,685 9.3 North & South America 62,396 4.2 Oceania 6,931 0.5

Total 1.465,959 100

Source: Ministry of Planning. Yearly Hotels Statistical Bulletin. p 8.

GOVERNMENTAL FACILITIES FOR TOURISM

The UAE depends highly on one source of income, oil. Because ofthe drop in oi I prices over that last decade, the gov­ernment is seeking ways to diversifying its economy. Among these actions, the government improved its infrastructure as well as tourist facilities. The purpose was to improve tourism and thereby cre­ate a stronger and more diverse econ­omy. In 1993, tourist expenditures in the UAE were estimated by the Dubai Com­merce and Tourism Promotion Board (DCTPB) to be about $258 million. Of this

total $68 million was spent on hotels and $82 million on services and other activi­ties (e.g. on shopping). In addition, a total of $109 million was spent on airline tickets.

To make the UAE more attractive the government designed and created many tourist facilities to include public gardens and parks (Fig . 6) . Numerous parks pro­vide children and adult entertainment in urban areas. In al-Ain city for example there are more than 40 gardens; 23 are considered public utilities, 11 are public, and 3 are for women and children. Also, there are several gardens and parks avail­able in the suburbs of the city. In al-Ain

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Persons ( 1000)

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FIGURE 4. Number of guests in UAE hotels, 1992.

there is an amusement complex which is the largest such facility in the UAE, cov­ering 85 hectares and accommodating about 1,500 visitors at a time.

THE NEED FOR TOURISM IN THE UAE

The UAE with its oil rich deposits has used this resource to improve its econ­omy. Officials in the UAE recognize the benefit of the country's geographical lo­cation with regard to tourism. Physical and social facilities have enabled the UAE to become one of the major tourist des­tinations in the Gulf region. One sign of this development is an increased number of hotels in the country. For example, in 1977 there were only 22 hotels in the UAE, mainly in Dubai . This number had risen to 86 hotels by the end of 1982 (Fig. 7). In the next decade the number had in­creased to 215 hotels, because of the in­creased number of tourists arriving in the country. This increase in tourism may have been affected by many factors, such as the establishment of the DCTPB, which is headquartered in Dubai and has a net­work of seven offices overseas. With its main goal to promote tourism to the Emirate of Dubai, the DCTPB also pro­motes tourism to the other Emirates. Con-

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sequently the total revenue of Dubai's ho­tels has increased from $110,410 million in 1986 to $233,703 million by the year 1992 (Table 2). About 70 percent of these revenues came from the Deluxe class hotels.

By the end of the Gulf War (1991) tour­ists, especially from Eastern Europe, per­ceived the UAE as a secure zone, thus cre­ating a new market for the UAE. Finally, the government policy toward tourism in terms of issuing visas and the increased number of travel agencies in the country has helped to increase the number of tourists.

TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS

The prime attractions for tourists of course vary from place to place in UAE, but serve a variety of interests (Fig . 8) . Tourists who are looking for clean and quiet beaches are attracted to coastal ar­eas. However, others prefer to visit the old towns and museums, or go to shop­ping centers which are common in most urban areas. All these places provide car parks and supporting tou rist facilities. Also, most of these tourist sites are served with good access to the main highway networks.

45 Persons (1000)

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FIGURE 5. European and GCC tourists in UAE hotels in 1992.

FIGURE 6. New public gardens at Kalba.

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250

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0 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992

Year

FIGURE 7. The growth number of hotels in the UAE 1982-1992.

TABLE 2 Total revenues of Dubai hotels by hotel class between 1986-1992

% of Increase 1986 to

Hotel Class 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1992

Deluxe 79,605 90,638 92,216 117,040 117,393 139,379 161 ,908 103 First Class 27,346 29,394 33,601 30,546 36,971 37,208 41 ,076 50 Second Class 3,157 3,555 4,439 9,223 10,512 12,221 21,316 575 Third Class 300 355 411 4,027 3,561 7,990 9,402 3031

Total 110,410 123,942 136,658 160,836 168,439 196,800 233,703 112

Source: Dubai Commerce and Tourism Promotion Board (000 U.S. dollars) .

RURAL AREAS

In the UAE, most rural areas are within a short distance from major cities. The ar­eas located east of Dubai and Sharjah are popular attractions. On the way to al-Ain most of the tourists can view traditional rural life. Here most local inhabitants as well as tourists from other places enjoy relaxing in this Massafi , a village sur­rounded by mountains. The UAE has paid attention to developing the rural areas and wildlife. The government designated the lower end of the Dubai Creek as a nat­ural preserve for sea birds (Dubai Mu­nicipality, 1995), and established recrea­tion centers, especially in the mountain

24

regions (e.g. Madhab in Emirate of Fujai­rah). Here fences and an ornate wall around the area were constructed to pre­serve the sites as well as provide tourists with information. Most of the historical places and health spring resorts in the UAE as well as some islands off the west coast of the UAE also provide tourist centers.

The Heritage of Rural Life

To preserve the past economic activi­ties and the local lifestyles during the pre­oil era, the country established several traditional villages close to or part of a lo­cal museum in each area. In these vil -

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FIGURE 8, Places of interest to tourists in the UAE,

lages, most of the traditional ways of life such as tools and equipment are dis­played, The idea is to remind the younger generation of the traditional ways of life, and to introduce tourist from other coun­tries or from other areas to UAE cultural traditions,

While tourists are spending their time touring traditional villages, they can visit a typical plantation garden, watered by a Falaj, (a common method of irrigation) , At these gardens, tourists can see the design of an ancient water system typically used in the UAE. The simple techniques and the determination of the local people in managing their water resources with tra­ditional technology is instructive.

MOUNTAIN, DESERT AND COASTAL ACTIVITIES

Travel agencies in the UAE, sponsor one ortwo day mountain tours. Such eco­tourism provides camping in the moun-

tains near Hatta, Masfut and Massafi. Here visitors can enjoy mountain climb­ing or visit old forts. Others visit these ar­eas to see craftsmen making their tradi­tional products or to enjoy swimming at the natural springs.

The blue sky and waters ofthe Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman are a popular attraction for tourists. Driving along the beaches of the east or west coast of the UAE is an enjoyable experience. The gov­ernment has invested in the construction of avenues along the coast landscaped with palm trees and flowers referred to as the "corniche" (Fig. 9). New hotels and motels have been constructed along the seaside to serve the tourists of the area. Dining at ai-Boom Restaurant in Dubai, for example, has become one of Dubai's traditional attractions. Taking a cruise in one of the small dhows in the Dubai es­tuary is an unforgettable experience. Here one can rent a small dhow for a rea­sonable price and see Dubai at night.

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FIGURE 9. The new corniche in Fujairah was completed in 1993.

One could camp a night in the desert enjoying traditional Arabic coffee and food, drive a four-wheel vehicle over sand dunes or enjoy the fun of sand ski­ing, a developing sport in the UAE.

COASTAL CITIES

Cities in the UAE provide contrasting urban lifestyles. On the west coast large urban areas have developed, whereas on the east coast urbanization is character­ized by smaller population clusters. Those who enjoy touring cities with high modern buildings and European lifestyles can come to the western coast of UAE to enjoy the high standard of living. Because of the oil industry, especially at Abu­Dhabi and Dubai, the influx of foreign la­borers and the mixing of foreign cultures with the locals, west coast cities have be­come some of the most cosmopolitan cit­ies in the Gulf littoral. Here (e.g. Abu­Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah) tourists can enjoy city life, especially the night life of the UAE. Clubs, restaurants and shopping

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centers are open late into the evening. Tourists, including businessmen and women who come to the UAE to conduct business, can enjoy their stay in the UAE while they attend to their business. Here the tourist can buy traditional gifts: gold and Persian carpets all at reasonable prices. Those who prefer quiet areas and enjoy village or small city life, and can tour the coastal and mountain areas and spend time in east coast cities (e.g. Fujai­rah, Kalba and Khor Fakkan). Here tour­ists can enjoy traditional fishing and par­ticipate in casting and pulling the fishing nets with local fishermen.

WATER SPRINGS

The UAE is famous for its fresh water springs. There are two types of water springs namely; hot, and normal water springs. Many of these springs are estab­lished spas. The hot water springs are known for their healing properties and are also gaining a reputation as natural parks, especially Ain al -Faidha. Some

springs are located in historical districts; like Mudhab in Fujairah. Here the govern­ment manages the site. The historical sites are considered a major attraction for t,~.!r. i ru-,c:.. \OW R. \,;~t, t,l;oR. U~'l.c:.. ;n~tR.,y, t,l;o R.

remote location of some sites.

SPORTS

UAE is well known among the GCC countries for its traditional sports such as camel racing, sailboat racing and bull­fighting . Most of these sports are a tradi­tional way of life of the people of this area. The physical and human factors of the area have played a major role in de­veloping these sports. In cities close to the sea, people participate in boat racing . Camel racing tracks occur in several lo­calities of UAE such as in al-Ain and Dubai .

Bullfighting has existed in the east coast ofthe UAE for centuries (Fig . 10). It is believed that the sport pre-dates the ar­rival of Islam to the area (Hellyer, 1990), or possibly introduced to the east coast

FIGURE 10. Bullfighting in the UAE.

by the Persians. Obviously it has been a part of the culture of the area for a very long time, and " probably is as old as the land itself" (Crone, 1989 p 28). In the past, rnR.'>t. ,y, tJ)pv 8MJoiW, (nn.'>t., 'O<hirj;l , i:>, rpW". of the East Coast, as well as parts of Mus­cat (Oman), were famous for bullfighting (Hay, 1959). This competition used to be part of the traditional lifestyle of the farm­ers of the area and in the past the actual bullfighting was often used by owners to further their personal quarrels with own­ers of other bulls.

Bullfighting is popular in three loca­tions; Qurayyah, Fujairah and Kalba. It of­ten takes place on weekends when many of the Biyadeer (farm workers) bring their bulls (which are used to irrigate the crops at their landlords' farms during the week) to fight other bulls. Every weekend large crowds gather at the chosen sites and a bullfighting arena is formed. The fighting begins when one owner agrees to chal­lenge another owner. Once agreement is reached on which bulls will fight, the re­spective bulls are brought into the arena,

27

which is an open space. The f ight lasts for only a few m inutes; when one an imal falls the other is declared the winner.

CONCLUSION

The physical attractions of the UAE such as the desert and the mountain ar­eas are valuable resources for developing ecotourism in the UAE. This could attract many Europeans to visit the country. The rural life of the mountain villages and coastal cities could enhance the tourists' activities. The government is encouraged to promote tourism and provide the nec­essary facilities to encourage the activity.

Tourism and especially, ecotourism as a new industry in the UAE, needs to be promoted in the country. The UAE has many attractive places that can be devel ­oped in the future and may be used as tourists sites. The government should in­vest in education and in training person­nel to participate in the tourism industry. Moreover, it should build more hotels and create national parks for the industry. More package tours and international promotion is recommended to expand tourism in the country.

28

REFERENCES

Abu-Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Indus­try. 1992. al-A in Tourist Guide. Dubai, al -Ba­yyan Press.

Challawa, Nazeen. 1993. A Diverse Blend of Cult ure, Travelrrourism Supplement Khaleej­Times, Dec. 22. : 7- 11 .

Crone, Eileen. 1989. It Just a Load of Bull. What's On Magazine. April 26-28.

Dubai Commerce and Tourism Promotion Board, 1993.

Dubai City Tourist Map. 1993. Designed and produced by Panorama Trading, with edito­rial input and support from the Dubai Com­merce and Tourism Promotion Board.

Hay, R. 1959. The Persian Gulf Countries. Washington , D.C., The Middle East Institute.

Hellyer, Peter. 1990. Fujairah, An Arabian Jewel, Dubai , Motivate Publishing.

Johnson, P. and Thomas, B. (eds.). 1992. Per­spectives on Tourism Policy, London, Man­sell Publishing Limited.

Khalid Seaport. Sharjah, 1995, (personal communication).

Lickorish, J. L. 1991 . Development Tourism Destinations, Policies and Perspectives, Lon­don, Longman Limited.

Ministry of Planning. 1993. Yearly Hotel Statis­tical Bulletin.

Ritter, W. 1986. Tourism in the Arabian Gulf Re­gion-Present Situat ion Chances and Re­straints. GeoJournal, 13(3): 237- 240.

Union ofthe UAE Chamber of Commerce. 1995 Dubai.