abstract in recent years, tourism development tourism in...
Post on 28-Jun-2020
10 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
Tourism in the United Arab Emirates
Saif S. al-Qaidi Professor
Department of Geography UAE University a/-Ain, United Arab Emirates
16
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
"., ,
n ' n '
Arabian Gulf
!
~. n ' o
AiD aI-Faidha . .,j
~---r. "" \
\ jf. "\ . Rural Areas \ ~I - D ·hl f~.h Beaches ~ \ UnIted A'iIb\E,mirates Mountainous Villages •
tN "' 1 ~ I"~~,
i ~~:.(_: Airports n ' \.. . . L· ; Wa M' 'gh ,--___ --, - -_ .- ._ ._ ._ • \ am HI ways
I ~KM I Saudi Arabia ._ . __ .- ._ ._ ._ . _ . ) Seaports . Scale . - ' _ ._ / \
I ' ! • !04' - '-- \:f!
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
17
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
18
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 .
20
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.
120 til 100 B 80 0 ::r: 60 'S 0 40 Z
20 0
/"71.
U 11 Deluxe
..,..--;
First Class
FIGURE 3. Classification of hotels in 1992.
r-7 f---
l-
I-
I-
fL~ I-
.. ~
Second Class
Third Class
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
21
Persons ( 1000)
140"~--r-~~--:-~--~~--==~~ 120 .. . . .... ( ........... ~ ......... . 100 .......... i ...... ... -: .......... ~ ........... ! ........... : ........... .;. .......... J ........... , ........... ; ............ ; ......... . 80 .......... i ........... ~ .......... .l ........... i ........... j ........... ! ........... l···········i···········:·· .......... l ......... . :~ ::::::::::::::::::::::;.::::::::::r::::::::::::::::::::::I::::::::::t:::::::::':::::::::::::::::::::::1::"::::::::r:::::::: 20 .......... l ........... 1. ........... t ........... ~ ........... L .......... l .......... j ........... i ........... 4 ••••••••••• .i ......... .
1 : ; . . ! l . ; 1
O~~--~--~--~-+--~--~-+--~--~~
Jan . Mar. May Jul. Sep. Nov.
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-
22
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)
40 35 , ..... ..-30 25 20 --- .
15 10 5 0
~ .ri :;j ~ ~ d ~ 01) go 8 ~ ~ '" " ~ ...., t.<. ~ ~ ...., CIl Z 0
---GeC - .. - European COWltries I
FIGURE 5. European and GCC tourists in UAE hotels in 1992.
FIGURE 6. New public gardens at Kalba.
23
250
200 '" ~ ..... 150 0 ::r: .... 0 100 0 Z
50
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 -
,,' u' ~' "
"
Arabian Gulf
( \ ,
Of \ i i
United A~jlb"Emirates
[l!] BuU/ighting [1!J Mountains ~ Camel Races ~ Falaj
n' i \\..,_._._._ , .,' i j
I ~ Sc:ale SOKM I . . Saudi Arabia
- - - .
,,' " n '
~\
- '- '- -'-
~ Sand Dunes Skiing ~ Golf Course ~ Gardens C!:J Springs Ci:J Plantation G::J Historical Place
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.
25
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
26
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.
top related