Abu Dhabi gets boost as global destination for leisure, entertainment, business

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

In 2022, Middle East’s travel and tourism sector’s GDP growth is expected to more than double to 36.1%. Meanwhile, the sector is already bouncing back with 48.8% increase in revenues from international visitors: Travel and Tourism Economic Impact 2022.

The UAE aims to host 25 million tourists by 2025, according to Alpen Capital.

If these numbers are anything to go by, leisure tourism is poised for a mega comeback in the region, particularly in the UAE.

The UAE has always been in the spotlight for leisure superlatives with different Emirates doing a lot to ramp up their leisure offerings and Abu Dhabi is emerging on the global map as an attractive leisure and entertainment destination.

In 2021, Abu Dhabi launched the Tourism Strategy 2030 to attract 23 million tourists to the capital annually by 2030.

Against this backdrop the Middle East and North Africa Leisure and Attractions Council (MENALAC), a not-for-profit trade council representing the MENA region’s leisure and attractions industry, is all set to host ‘FOCUS ON ABU DHABI 2022: Investment, Innovation and the Future of Fun’ on December 7-8, 2022.

The two-day event is expected to attract 100 delegates including C-Level Executives, founders, investors and decision makers of leading leisure & entertainment companies from key markets, including Europe, the US and Asia. It will feature a Conference, Behind-the-scenes tours followed by Networking Opportunities for industry professionals to connect with each other.

Speaking about the upcoming must-attend event, Mishal Al Hokair, Deputy CEO Al Hokair Group and President MENALAC says, “It is one of MENALAC’s primary goals to create an engaging space where all stakeholders can discuss developments within the industry as well as learn from each other’s success. In this event we can all come together and celebrate as the entire region becomes an increasingly attractive tourist destination.”


“Our region boasts the best in theme parks, waterparks, and myriad attractions and unique concepts that are now creating and setting global benchmarks. Our Focus on Abu Dhabi 2022 event is a step in that direction concludes Mike Rigby, Exec VP, ME & India, Whitewater, Chairperson MENALAC Events Committee.