Abu Dhabi targets GCC travel trade...

Agents can access new tools to promote the UAE capital to Gulf clients

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) has launched a new travel trade platform in Arabic, providing agents and operators with the "necessary tools and knowledge" to effectively showcase the UAE capital to their GCC-based clients.

This comes as domestic travel is expected to represent the majority of the travel market in the Middle East in 2025.

An Arabic version of DCT’s ‘Experience Abu Dhabi Experts’ e-learning tool, the platform provides travel professionals across the Gulf with the destination knowledge they need to effectively promote Abu Dhabi’s many landmarks, attractions and accommodation options, as well as its cultural heritage.

Designed in an engaging quiz format, it features nine specialised modules that cover all aspects of Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector, from products to services and experiences.

Those who complete the modules will gain in-depth knowledge to craft personalised travel itineraries, and will be recognised as ‘Experience Abu Dhabi Experts’ with a certificate.

Abdulla Yousuf, International Operations Director at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: "By engaging directly with our partners, we collectively contribute to Abu Dhabi's compelling growth story and ensure it remains a top choice for travellers seeking unique and enriching experiences.”

This move comes as Abu Dhabi saw record overnight visitors in the first quarter of 2025, up 4% on last year, and reported a 76% surge in the number of passengers taking advantage of its stopover programme.

Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030 aims to attract 39.3 million overnight and same day visitors by 2030, up from 24 million in 2023, with plans to contribute US$16.9 billion to the emirate’s economy in 2025, up 13% on the previous year, and US$24.5 billion by 2030.

Museums and cultural attractions are playing a key role in its tourism success, with the Louvre Abu Dhabi recording more than 1.4 million visitors in 2024, its highest attendance since opening in 2017.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Adding to the cultural mix in the Saadiyat Cultural District is the recently opened teamLab Phenomena, an interactive, multi-sensory art experience. Also set to open this year are Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and the National History Museum Abu Dhabi, while the city's Yas Island will welcome a Harry Potter attraction at Warner Brothers World and 18 new attractions at Yas Waterworld.

Stopover visitors can also use the new Abu Dhabi Pass to get discounts at key attractions, including Ferrari World and Louvre Abu Dhabi, as well as free public transport.

The UAE capital recently announced plans for the Middle East’s first-ever Disney theme park, with Disneyland Abu Dhabi expected to open in the next six years.

For more information, visit dct.gov.ae/en

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