Dubai sets ambitious growth targets as tourism booms
Tourism now constitutes 30% of Dubai’s growing GDP, with hotels and apartments recording 6.5 million guests in 2006, generating revenues of more than £1.52 billion.
Traditional oil revenues were reduced to only 3% of the national GDP last year, compared with 10% in 2000, with Dubai launching a financial plan which sets a new goal of achieving economic growth of 11% a year by 2015 and to almost double its workforce.
This would triple the emirate’s GDP to £54.8 billion, through trade, transportation, tourism and financial services.
The Emirate says the offer of “unparalleled luxury combined with Arabian charm” has helped promote Dubai to an ever-widening audience.
Dubai’s location as a gateway between East and West combined with year-round sunshine, infrastructure, service and facilities including restaurants, shops, hotels and spas have contributed to the growth.
That is due to continue with the Dubai Mall, which is claimed will be the world’s largest shopping mall, and Burj Dubai which is set to be the tallest building.
Also planned is Dubailand, intended to be the world’s largest theme park, and the three islands of The Palm project, containing the largest man made islands.
Bärbel Kirchner, director of the UK and Ireland representative office of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: “Dubai maintains its position as a leader within the region by demonstrating the ability to successfully diversify its economy whilst sustaining consistent growth.
“The next few years will look to build on previous successes and continue to expand the wealth of experiences which Dubai offers.”
Report by Phil Davies
John Alwyn-Jones
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports
All eyes on Qatar as Qatar Airways leads a season of global events