26 March 2009

Abu Dhabi and Singapore link arms

ABU DHABI - The Abu Dhabi tourism authority has signed a memorandum of understanding with its Singapore counterpart.

The agreement will allow both sides to tap into each other's markets, share information, and collaborate on training programmes.

For Abu Dhabi, the tourist dollar is one way of reducing its dependence on oil. In 1980, oil and natural gas revenues accounted for 80 per cent of GDP. Now, that figure is closer to 30 per cent.

Last year, 1.5 million foreigners visited the emirate - up four percent from 2007 - and it is confident numbers will go up this year, even as the world economy continues its downward slide.

Abu Dhabi is banking on star attractions like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to draw in the crowds. The mosque boasts 82 domes decorated with white marble.

Its design reflects traditional Moroccan, Turkish, Indian and German influences, among others.

It also lays claim to having the world's biggest hand-woven Persian carpet, and the world's largest chandelier - made of thousands of Swarovski crystals and covered with 24-carat gold.

Other attractions in the pipeline are Saadiyat Island, with ambitions to create a world-class cultural district - with museums, a performing arts centre, and regular art fairs.

The new Guggenheim Abu Dhabi museum designed by Frank Gehry, and the first Louvre outside France, are also expected to draw large number of visitors to Abu Dhabi.

Source: Channel News Asia