Dubai and Abu Dhabi have secured notable rankings on a newly released global list of top winter destinations. UK-based tourism company TravelBag compiled the list based on the best destinations worldwide for winter sun, highlighting the attractions and offerings of each location.
Dubai claimed an impressive third place on the list, earning a remarkable 4.5 out of 5 rating. The city’s pristine beaches and array of attractions contributed to its high ranking, solidifying its reputation as a sought-after winter destination.
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi secured the seventh spot on the list, showcasing its allure for winter travelers. The top positions were dominated by Santigo, Chile, which took first place, followed by Cape Town in second. Siam Reap and Doha claimed the fourth and fifth spots, respectively.
Abu Dhabi’s inclusion on the TravelBag list coincides with the launch of the emirate’s new global tourism campaign titled ‘Can’t Wait to Winter.’ Featuring a lineup of celebrity talent, including Singh and Yifei, along with the comedic duo Dawood Hussein and Hasan Al Ballam, the campaign aims to further promote Abu Dhabi as a captivating winter destination.
Read more: UAE tourism on the spike
Exceptional performance
The UAE’s tourism sector has achieved exceptional performance in the first six months of 2023, putting the country on a promising trajectory to accomplish the goals set forth in the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031. These objectives include attracting tourism investments worth 100 billion UAE dirhams and hosting 40 million hotel guests.
According to data released by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the emirate’s hotels welcomed a remarkable 2.4 million guests in the first half of 2023, reflecting a substantial 34 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Abu Dhabi has set its sights on reaching 24 million visitors by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, across the highway, the Department of Tourism, Commerce and Marketing (Dubai Tourism) witnessed the arrival of 8.55 million visitors in the first half of 2023. With a target to surpass the 16.7 million visitors recorded in 2019, Dubai remains focused on sustaining its growth and further solidifying its position as a leading global tourist destination.
Collaborative funding
In a related development, DCT (Department of Culture and Tourism) Abu Dhabi and Mubadala Foundation have formed a partnership with the goal of contributing AED 50 million ($13.6 million) to support the cultural industry in the emirate over the next five years. This strategic alliance aims to provide backing to various cultural initiatives, including renowned institutions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum.
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