How UAE Became a Top Tourism Hub

The Birth of Tourism in the UAE: When Guests Were Personally Welcomed

To this day, it is awe-inspiring to see how the United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have become one of the world's leading tourist destinations. Skyscrapers, luxury hotels, iconic attractions, and festivals attracting millions annually characterize the region. However, few know that the entire industry started from nearly nothing just a few decades ago. Behind it lay not only strategic planning but genuine passion and leadership dedication.

Beginnings in Abu Dhabi: An Empty Hotel and a Big Dream

In the late 1980s, the manager of a five-star hotel under Abu Dhabi National Hospitality (ADNH) faced the problem of having insufficient guests in the enormous hotel. The challenge was clear: they needed to build tourism in a place where it was virtually nonexistent.

The solution: a targeted travel campaign in Germany and Switzerland. The first year, 1988, marked a breakthrough: one thousand tourists visited Abu Dhabi. These travelers were not left on their own – the organizers personally welcomed them at the airport, escorted them to the hotels, showed them around the city, and ensured they returned home with lifelong experiences.

This wasn’t just a marketing gimmick. It was the first step on a long journey to establish one of the country’s most important economic sectors.

Sheikh Zayed's Support: Introducing Culture as a National Mission

The initiation of tourism played a key role in the vision of the UAE's founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He not only accepted but actively supported the idea of welcoming foreigners to discover the culture, hospitality, and development path of the Emirates.

He offered concrete suggestions, such as calling for the opening of an authentic Emirati restaurant where tourists could savor local dishes. The project was realized, and he even visited the new location, showing how much he valued tourism for the country's future.

This inspiration and support led to the creation of hotel chains, such as the globally renowned Rotana Hotels.

A Midnight Call About Dubai and Attention to Detail

Dubai’s development is equally impressive and is marked by similar stories. One particular anecdote perfectly illustrates the commitment to hospitality demonstrated by city leadership.

One night, at 1 AM, an unexpected phone call came: Dubai's ruler was personally heading to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel to inspect the set-up of a conference room for the next day's meeting. One of the hotel's managers immediately set off, even if it cost him three speeding tickets.

Upon arrival, Dubai's leader smiled and said, “I gave you a whole hour to be ready.” This story highlights how crucial quality, details, and guest experiences were to them. They left nothing to chance.

Global Attention: How Dubai Reached CNN

Spectacular marketing campaigns also contributed to the region’s international reputation. Legendary moments, such as Roger Federer and Andre Agassi playing tennis atop the Burj Al Arab, or Tiger Woods hitting a golf ball off the building into open air – these generated worldwide media coverage.

These PR actions were not only spectacular but strategic moves. They helped position Dubai on the global tourism map as a unique and innovative destination.

The Real Secret: The People

As impressive as the buildings are, and as luxurious as the hotels may be, it's the people that truly make the difference. The foundation of hospitality isn’t marble and gold, but respect, attentiveness, and service quality.

According to one of the first Emirati hotel managers, the key was to treat employees not just as workforce, but as a community – like their own village folks. If you treat your team well, it is immediately felt by the guests.

One of Dubai's iconic hotel groups, Jumeirah, laid down three golden rules, which are simple yet effective: always greet guests with a smile, never let “no” be your first response, and treat every colleague with respect.

The Future of Tourism: Balancing Heritage and Innovation

By 2025, UAE tourism has grown far beyond the initial thousand visitors. In the first quarter alone, Abu Dhabi recorded 1.4 million guest nights. Dubai keeps breaking new records year by year – not only in visitor numbers but in tourist investments as well.

However, past stories are not just for nostalgia. They show that hospitality is an important part of culture and national identity. To maintain the country’s exceptional position, more than new hotels are needed; it requires the spirit present when welcoming the first tourists: personal commitment, faith in the future, and genuine respect for the guest.

The development of tourism in the UAE is not merely an economic success story. It is the result of deeply human, value-based building that has rightfully become an example worldwide.

(Source of the article is a story shared on the opening day of the 20th Future Hospitality Summit.)