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Dubai’s location has helped it a become traveler’s paradise. Easy access to the Persian Gulf coast and the Arabian desert make this spectacular city an ultimate destination for adventure, history, experiences, culture, and shopping. Every tourist can find enough activities to make their visit special enough to want to stay longer and come back again as soon as possible. Desert adventures hold a large appeal to visitors. There are tours to match every type of tourist from adventure-loving to peaceful scenic tours. You can hire a guide that will take you outside Dubai to the desert, go dune bashing (driving up and over sand dunes in 4-wheel drive vehicles), visit a camel farm and ride a camel, go sandboarding (like surfing, except down sand dunes), and enjoy a traditional dinner fireside before traveling back to Dubai. For a faster-paced option, visitors can experience a quad bike tour in the desert led by seasoned guides. This tour is generally a few hours in length, and includes navigating dunes and exploring the desert followed by Arabic coffee and traditional snacks before heading back to Dubai. You can also enjoy a slower-paced trip to the desert with a drive through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve to see desert wildlife such as Arabian gazelles and oryx. These tours include a visit to a Bedouin-style camp with traditional music, dancing, and food. If you’d prefer an early start to your day, you can take a morning tour of the reserve, to watch and learn about the wildlife in the desert under the rising sun. Fees to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve help to further conservation efforts, and visitors can feel a meaningful connection to desert wildlife. Those looking for a more immersive experience can opt to camp overnight in the desert. These tours offer wildlife viewing, camel rides, traditional cooking demonstrations, falconry displays, and sleeping in a Bedouin-style tent. The evening always includes traditional entertainment and views of the stars under a desert sky. Breakfast includes Arabic coffee, traditional food prepared while you watch, and entertaining tales from the locals. Tent in the desert with blue sky For a different view of the desert, consider watching the sun rise from a hot air balloon. These tours offer an early morning hot air balloon ride over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve where you can watch wildlife roam underneath the rising sun. The balloon ride is accompanied by a falcon display while in the air, and then gourmet breakfast on the ground before you travel back to Dubai. If traveling by air is your thing, you may want to consider a seaplane or helicopter tour of Dubai and its surroundings. Or hire a car and drive to the nearby town of Al Ain for at least one night. Al Ain has forts, oases, a zoo, and souqs for some traditional shopping. Visitors here feel they’re experiencing the real UAE, and thoroughly enjoy this relaxed, authentic Arabian town. GULF COAST AND INDIAN OCEAN Visitors to Dubai can also choose a variety of tours to explore the spectacular waters in the area. Experience traditional life with a day trip to Oman where you can journey over the water on a wooden ‘dhow’ sailboat. Begin with a drive through the Hajar Mountains to the Gulf of Oman where you board this traditional boat and sail along the Musandam coast, passing villages, watching dolphins, and swimming and snorkeling. Cruising on a Dhow (traditional boat) in Musandam Fjords from Khasab, Oman Other tours offer the chance to swim in the Indian Ocean on the East Coast of the UAE. Visit a fishing village nearby, shop at the Friday Market, and the enjoy some time on the beach and in the ocean. The scenery to and from the ocean is always part of the appeal of this day trip. Some of the beaches closest to Dubai are only open to visitors of the resorts they are linked to. If a day at the beach is on your wish list, ask your host for suggestions before heading out. The water is warm, the beaches have white sand, and the views are outstanding. Perhaps you’d like to take a day trip to the ‘Pearl of the Gulf’ – Sharjah, where you can experience the history and culture of the area in the country’s cultural capital. Explore traditional markets, and visit the Islamic museum, King Faizal mosque, and Sharjah Fort and heritage center. AIRBNB EXPERIENCES Airbnb offers a variety of experiences in and around Dubai. These are often operated by individuals who are passionate about sharing unique experiences from a local perspective with Airbnb guests. Options include a day hike at Jabal Jais (the highest mountain in the UAE), scuba diving in the Indian Ocean off the shores of Fujairah, traveling through the Souq Al Jubail market in Sharjah with a local expert, taking a kayak tour and snorkeling in a Marine Protected Area led by a marine conservationist, sandboarding until dusk and then sharing a picnic while watching the sun go down, and taking a guided jet ski tour. Once you’ve booked your Airbnb it’s a great idea to take a look at the options for these experiences. If something looks interesting, but you need different dates, just click on the ‘see dates’ option, and a pop up window will open with an option to contact the host/guide directly. Since these are often operated by individuals or small businesses you are likely to find greater flexibility and personalized options to fill your visit with memories to last a lifetime. ABU DHABI There are a variety of opportunities to take a day tour to Abu Dhabi. Must-sees include a tour of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Saadiyat Island (including the newly opened Louvre Abu Dhabi), Yas Island (home of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Ferrari World theme park), and the Al Hosn Palace. Many visitors also enjoy the Heritage Village, which is a full replica of an oasis settlement. Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Middle East United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi Whether you want to relax on a pristine beach, spend the night camping in the desert, take a boat ride in the gulf, sandboard desert dunes, immerse yourself in Arabian history, or do all of the above, a visit to Dubai is a tourist’s paradise. Book your holiday today, what's stopping you? 

Expo 2020 will be one of the most significant events in Dubai’s modern history. The first event of this magnitude to take place anywhere in the middle east, it represents the UAE’s new identity as a worldwide travel destination. The theme for Expo 2020 is Connecting Minds, Creating the Future. It will be an exposition of innovation, ingenuity, and collective human potential such as the world has never seen before. Over 180 countries will be represented during the six-month exposition, and more than 25 million people are expected to visit—at least 70% from outside the UAE. It is an opportunity for Dubai to show the world their ability to host events on such a grand scale, and that Dubai is a place not to be missed when making travel plans. The overall impact of Expo 2020 to Dubai has three phases: construction and preparation until October 2020, during the event from October 2020 to April 2021, and post-event. Throughout all of these, one constant is the need for accommodations; for those involved in the development of the site, for the visitors coming during the exposition, and then for the ongoing boost in tourism that this event will generate. It’s estimated Expo 2020 will create a need for 70 million additional room-nights. Those investing in providing accommodations will see strong ROI before, during, and after Expo 2020 with non-Expo visitors to Dubai already estimated to be 16 million guests. Careful planning for sustainable development is underway. More than 80% of development for Expo 2020 will continue to be in use. This is not a one-time event for Dubai. Rather, it is part of an ongoing plan to diversify Dubai’s economy and attract businesses and tourists. The subthemes of Expo 2020 are Opportunity, Mobility, and Sustainability—all clear indications of the long-term impact it will have on the region and the country. All buildings on the expo site will meet a minimum of LEED Gold standards, indicating the commitment to sustainability and efficient building design. Dubai Marina, United Arab Emirates Analysts expect the direct financial impact during Expo 2020 to be over 17 billion USD. The further-reaching impact of establishing a world-class venue of immense proportions, along with a reputation for delivering an experience such as an exposition are yet to be seen. In all, 33 billion USD will be spent on projects related to Expo 2020. The impact will be seen everywhere from the construction industry to tourism, hospitality, residential, and commercial developments. In addition to the Expo site, development includes a residential district designed to accommodate 250,000 residents, and a commercial district that will employ 150,000 people required outside of the temporary positions for Expo 2020. INFRASTRUCTURE An influx of over 25 million additional visitors requires some substantial investments in infrastructure. From transportation to sewage treatment, and energy creation to airport capacity, nearly every aspect of Dubai’s infrastructure is undergoing development and improvement. Much of the work being done is below ground. The new buildings are all being built with basements that will become an underground rail and road network, allowing all logistical and support activities to occur outside the visitor’s view. During construction of Expo 2020, at least 47 construction contracts and 98 non-construction contracts will be issued with a value of over 33 billion USD. Plans are to complete the majority of these projects one year ahead of the start of the event. The impact is extending through the local economy and into the regional and international economy, and the attraction for business and development in Dubai is strong. In 2018 the international participants will move into Dubai to begin work on their pavilions. Night view of the light show at Dubai Dancing Fountain. The Dubai Fountain, the world largest choreographed fountain on Burj Khalifa Lake area, performs to the beat of the selected music. Expo 2020 is also making a concerted effort to include small and medium-sized businesses in the tender process, further stimulating job creation and economic growth. Over 50 percent of the contracts awarded to date have been to these businesses. In addition, Dubai is taking a very strong stance regarding worker welfare for the thousands of workers who are so important to construction. These improved standards will also contribute positively to the long-term impact of Expo 2020. MULTI-SECTOR IMPACT There are a variety of lesser-known non-construction business sectors that are also seeing a strong boost from Expo 2020. Printing companies, IT and data management, health and safety firms, and all manner of logistics will see an upswing in activity. In addition to meeting the needs for construction materials, businesses are meeting all the needs of workers both on and off-site, and preparing to supply all the products, food, and services that 25 million new visitors will require when they come to Expo 2020. Dubai’s ability to host such an exhibition demonstrates its attractiveness to investors and businesses looking for the best location to establish corporate offices. Dubai is already becoming one of the top locations for companies participating in our global economy. This location becomes even more desirable because Dubai is less than four hours from one-third of the world’s population. The impact will reach beyond Dubai, and even beyond the UAE. Expo 2020 will become a catalyst for global development, especially as the subthemes of Sustainability, Mobility, and Opportunity are explored and refined. LASTING IMPACT The years of hard work, planning, promoting, and creating Expo 2020 will provide significant and very positive results for Dubai far into the future. Infrastructure is improving across the emirate, providing a sustainable frame for ongoing use and future development. Projects will continue to attract tourists, conferences and conventions, and new businesses. Globally, Dubai is already becoming recognized as a highly desirable destination. The benefits of such positive global exposure are difficult to quantify, but are clearly long-reaching. Wave shaped Meydan Bridge in Dubai blue illuminated at night. United Arab Emirates It is likely that every business sector within Dubai will see a strong financial benefit from Expo 2020. From shopkeepers to real estate moguls, small businesses to international corporations, the most impressive expo to-date will bring opportunity and prosperity. Dubai’s reputation as a destination for travel and business will be cemented. Those representing Dubai are privileged to share their spectacular city with the world, and the world will forever be changed because of Expo 2020.

In the past 30 years, the art scene in the UAE has become an important stop for both tourists and artists alike. UAE now attracts art enthusiasts and experts from around the world who bring their passion for art and their willingness to purchase. Recent cultural developments designed to attract art and culture-loving tourists align with the UAE’s long-term plans to provide economic diversification and new job and investment opportunities. In November 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi opened its doors to the public. This spectacular new destination is an important component of the partnership formed between the emirates and France to expand the reach and influence of art within the UAE. The Louvre is one of many upcoming installations that will be part of Saadiyat Island and the Cultural District, further establishing Abu Dhabi and the UAE as an international center for art and culture. The Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority is committed to partnering with the Louvre and other art institutions and sites to provide cultural programming to tourists coming to Abu Dhabi. It’s clear that Abu Dhabi recognizes the importance of developing a sustainable cultural arts destination that will continue to generate tourism revenue for years to come. The opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi is already having a positive impact on tourism in the region and has attracted 4.9 million visitors before the end of 2017. In particular, it will benefit from the new incentives to attract Chinese visitors to the UAE, as these guests love culture and a visit to the Louvre here will be a must-see for many. The exhibits in the Louvre Abu Dhabi highlight the multicultural aspects of Abu Dhabi and showcase an openness to the area’s varied cultures. It is already receiving recognition for showcasing the harmony between different cultures while also celebrating their uniqueness. The combination of contemporary art and historical works reflect Abu Dhabi’s deeply historical roots alongside a rapidly advancing contemporary art scene. Pieces will continue to be added to the permanent collection that are carefully curated to honor ethical and cultural sensitivities while unabashedly working to become established as an internationally recognized first-class collection. The children’s museum portion has been well-designed to capture the youngest art lovers visiting the city. It has an ideal mix of education and fun, and pairs well with Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a family friendly city. Although only recently opened, Louvre Abu Dhabi is already receiving high ratings from tourists. From the architecture to the exhibits it is becoming a top destination for visitors. The Louvre Abu Dhabi is clearly a place where East and West share an open and appreciative dialogue that will appeal to both residents and tourists for a long time to come. DUBAI’S ART MARKET Art-loving tourists are also including Dubai as a top destination. Dubai has made a concerted effort to become known as a thriving contemporary art center. Art Dubai is Dubai’s largest art festival, and the line-up for 2018 will attract art lovers from around the world. Almost 50 countries will be represented in 103 galleries, and this festival is part of the official art month of March. Another major art event that attracts visitors is Art Week. Run the week before Art Dubai, this event will again showcase Dubai’s diverse and exciting arts scene. Art Dubai 2016 generated $35 million USD in just seven days. In 2017 Art Dubai attracted over 28,000 visitors who came to Dubai specifically to participate in Art Dubai. With the growing line-up for 2018, this event is set to make a strong impact on tourism revenue. The permanent Alserkal Avenue Arts District in Dubai is quickly becoming a highlight for many tourists to the area. While it is not yet widely advertised as a hotspot, those who visit can’t say enough good things about the variety of art, the friendly and welcoming gallery owners, and the excellent eating spots throughout the district. For those looking for an authentic art experience, this district is exceeding expectations. ART AND TOURISM IN THE EMIRATES In a few short years, tourism is expected to contribute 20 percent of the GDP in the emirates. The continued focus on the development of arts and cultural attractions highlight the beneficial impact that this market offers to the economy. Tourists that choose destinations based on arts and culture make significant economic contributions to the places they visit. The growing arts scene in the emirates is attracting such tourists. Tourists will travel to a region specifically to attend art events and exhibitions. These destinations provide a varied schedule of activities and points of interest that will captivate the attention—and resources—of tourists arriving in the emirates for other reasons. In fact, all the leading emirates are prioritizing arts and culture in a bid to boost tourism. While other revenues are waning, tourism in the UAE is still strong. The ongoing investment in art for the express purpose of generating tourism revenue is a sign that art and tourism are now strongly intertwined throughout the emirates. Tourists are increasingly looking for meaningful connections with the places they visit. The arts community throughout the emirates is uniquely poised to meet this need. Local artists, contemporary galleries, and rotating exhibitions all provide tourists with connections to art and opportunities to exchange money for a piece of art and its accompanying story that will encourage repeat visits and further purchases. It’s possible that arts and culture will become one of the biggest markets in the emirates. From exclusive galleries to local artists in communal markets, the enhanced tourist experience is bound to be shared on social media and added to many more people’s choice destinations. The UAE is well on its way to becoming a world-renowned destination to discover and acquire art. Although the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Art Dubai may be the most widely known at this time, the opportunities that the arts community present across the kingdom will collectively attract tourists and the accompanying revenue for a long time to come.