TCA ABU DHABI PUTS RAMADAN LIFESTYLE TIPS ONLINE IN EIGHT LANGUAGES
18 Jul 2012
Stay in touch with the latest information on Abu Dhabi at:
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Travellers to the emirate are invited to check these pages for any questions on Ramadan etiquette or to find out how Abu Dhabi’s life is transformed during this month. The e-guide speaks to all visitors and covers a variety of topics from basic information such as when Ramadan takes place and what it means, to explanations of ‘Suhour’ and ‘Iftar’.
The e-guide also gives visitors an insight into how they can capture the Ramadan spirit and describes why the Holy Month is an ideal time to visit Abu Dhabi for those interested in the emirate’s culture. Whether it’s a visit to the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which updates its complimentary guided tours to include insights into the practices of the Holy Month, or a visit to the annual Ramadan & Eid Festival at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre; socialising and trying special foods at an Iftar in one of the specially erected Ramadan tents, or taking advantage of the special promotions and late shopping hours, travellers to Abu Dhabi will be able to experience a rich and colourful, yet different view of the emirate.
Conceived with travellers’ needs in mind, the Ramadan e-guide is aimed to add to the overall ‘mission’ of www.visitabudhabi.ae which is to act as a one-stop-shop for tourists who want to explore the emirate, providing easy access to interact, in any of eight languages, with extensive, dynamic information on Abu Dhabi’s attractions and experiences, culture and heritage, and events and recreation activities.
The consumer-orientated destination website also features a comprehensive hotel search option, which aggregates live deals and room availability from over 50 booking engines, and allows visitors to find real-time information prior to their decision to book.
The website is also complemented by the destination’s social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google +, Flickr and Pinterest), inviting travellers to become active contributors to the destination, to post, comment, get inspired and share their experience, before, during and after their visit.
COURSE RANKINGS CONFIRM ABU DHABI AS MIDDLE EAST’S RISING GOLF STAR
19 Apr 2012
Emirate’s Three Championship Courses Dominate ‘Golf Digest Middle East’ Rankings
Abu Dhabi’s three championship-ready golf courses have dominated the prestigious regional golf course rankings list compiled by Golf Digest Middle East magazine, widely considered the game’s voice of authority in the Middle East.
The Golf Digest Middle East course rankings list, split into ‘Editor’s Choice’ and ‘Reader’s Poll’ sections, saw Yas Links Golf Club crowned the region’s best facility by the magazine’s respected editorial panel, while Abu Dhabi Golf Club - host venue for next month’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship - and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club placed third and sixth, respectively.
Abu Dhabi placed even higher in the all-important reader charts, where the emirate’s three championship courses all ranked in the top four.
“These vital recognitions highlight the significant progress Abu Dhabi has made as a world-class golf tourism destination,” said Dayne Lim, Director, Product Development Division, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA). “Golf tourism is a core pillar in Abu Dhabi’s long-term tourism strategy and endorsements like these will only further fuel our potential to sell the destination internationally.”
To optimise the emirate’s golfing assets on both the domestic and international fronts, ADTA recently launched ‘Golf in Abu Dhabi’ - an umbrella marketing communications, product packaging and distribution platform. The initiative, which features a diverse range of golf-driven packages and experiences, heavily leverages Abu Dhabi’s three championship-ready facilities.
With a wealth of playing options, world-class tourism infrastructure and special promotional packages, the one-stop shop ‘Golf in Abu Dhabi’ initiative will make it easier than ever before for international golfers to visit one of golf’s most exciting and desirable destinations.
For more information or to place bookings, visit www.golfinabudhabi.com or email bookings@golfinabudhabi.com
About Yas Links Golf Club
One of world golf’s best new courses, Yas Links’ rolling fairways, large undulating greens and penal bunkers have helped the Kyle Philips designed course rank in Golf World’s Top 100 World Courses.
About Abu Dhabi Golf Club
The traditional home of the PGA European Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, Abu Dhabi Golf has also been recognised in Golf World’s Top 100 rankings.
About Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Designed by Gary Player, the Middle East’s first ‘ocean-front’ course is set against the breathtaking backdrop of white sandy beaches and the crystal clear waters of the Arabian Gulf.
For additional information, please contact:
info@golfinabudhabi.com
FORMULA 1™ ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX TICKETS GO ON SALE GLOBALLY
12 Mar 2012
Dynamic all-inclusive destination packages available for the first time
Tickets to one of the most anticipated and exciting sporting events on the international calendar, the 2012 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which runs November 2-4 2012, go on sale on Sunday 25 March 2012.
It is anticipated that, now in its fourth year, the weekend will again host a sell-out crowd with 50,000 spectators gathering at Yas Marina Circuit to watch the excitement.
In addition to a new ticket structure released, Yas Marina Circuit, the Grand Prix organiser, has teamed up with Etihad Airways, the award-winning national airline of the UAE, to deliver a series of all-inclusive flight, hotel and race weekend packages to entice regional and international motorsport fans and international leisure and entertainment seekers. Full details of these and all other available packages can be found at www.yasmarinacircuit.ae or www.etihadracing.com.
“The all-inclusive options enable visitors to experience the best of Abu Dhabi during the most exciting week of the year,” said Richard Cregan, Chief Executive Officer, Yas Marina Circuit. “We work very hard to raise the bar every year, and believe we are offering the most innovative race and entertainment packages out there. Families and visitors of all ages will not be disappointed.”
The destination-driven packages are offered in three categories – Luxury & Lifestyle, Entertainment Seekers and Motorsport Fans – with a view to targeting as many niche sectors as possible. A range of upgrades and add-ons are also available.
Leveraging the core attraction of Grand Prix weekend action, the travel packages are designed to encompass the best of Abu Dhabi’s increasingly diverse tourism portfolio. Ranging from value to luxury, the packages will include a number of city-based tours, wide-ranging leisure activities and varied accommodation options at both city and beachfront resorts.
“Since the first race in 2009, the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has grown in popularity each year, cementing its status as a must-see event on the international sporting calendar,” said James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways. “We look forward to bringing more of the world to Abu Dhabi to experience first-hand this dynamic event and world class-destination.”
Race-goers are being offered a variety of seating and hospitality upgrades available for the first time, allowing them to tailor-make their race weekend experience – including Marina Club and South Club upgrades. On the corporate sales front, Yas Viceroy Hotel Private Suites & Terrace Tickets and Marina Grandstand Boxes are available again.
In another first for 2012, the popular Australian V8 Supercars series will be the official F1™ support race. Fans of this bumper-to-bumper series can buy select seating packages granting exclusive weekend access to the V8 Supercar pits and drivers. Marina Grandstand Boxes also provide access to the V8 Supercar pits and drivers.
Beyond the on-track action, F1™ ticket holders will be able to enjoy a wider entertainment programme in the Oasis areas behind the Grandstands, while the Yasalam after-race concerts of world class acts will once again draw F1™ ticket holders to the neighbouring Yas Arena after the days’ on-track action. Previous Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekends have seen world-class acts such as Sir Paul McCartney, Beyoncé, Kings of Leon, Aerosmith, Britney Spears and Linkin Park perform to crowds in excess of 30,000 per night. With free concerts on the Corniche, celebration events taking place across the city, and plans under way for more exclusive F1™ ticket-holder only entertainment, the Capital is gearing up once more for an action packed F1™ week.
All race weekend tickets are available ithrough: Hala Abu Dhabi (Etihad Airways’ destination management company), TRAVEL F1.com, BookF1.com, Motor Passion LTD Thomas Cook Sport and Profile F1 Tickets.
About Yas Marina Circuit
Yas Marina Circuit is probably one of the world's most iconic sporting venues. Located on Yas Island, the circuit debuted on October 30, 2009 with the final race of the FIA Formula One World Championship - the inaugural Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to a capacity crowd of around 50,000. Year round, Yas Marina Circuit hosts an extensive programme of leading international and national motorsport racing series as well as major entertainment events and corporate activities. Supplementary facilities include the Yas Drag Racing Centre, the Yas Racing School and the Yas Kartzone.
About Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction which enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. The authority manages the emirate’s tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programmes relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The authority supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate’s heritage. A key authority role is to create synergy in the destination’s development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base.
AWARD-WINNING SCOTTISH CHEF ROY BRETT ATTENDS GOURMET ABU DHABI
27 Jan 2012
Sustainable cuisine champion shows why Scottish produce is among world’s best
Scotland’s most noted chef Roy Brett, is heading to Abu Dhabi, with a mission to show why Scottish produce is some of the world’s best.
Award-winning Chef Roy Brett, Chef and Patron of Edinburgh’s famed Ondine restaurant has signed up for the annual Gourmet Abu Dhabi culinary festival, running in the UAE capital from 8- 23 February 2012.
Chef Roy will be the star of a special Scottish dinner in the iconic surroundings of the Yas Viceroy – the only hotel in the world to connect to a Formula 1 track. Guests will be piped into the dinner where Chef Roy promises “a true taste of Scotland”.
“Scottish produce is famous for being some of the best in the world. I intend to prove why that is the case,” says the culinary maestro, who was named Hotel Chef Of The Year at the Scottish Chef Awards in 2009 for his contribution to the country’s dining scene.
The full flavours of Scotland will be on the menu for Chef Roy’s special dinner on 20 February for which intense preparation is already under way. “We want to do justice to Scottish cuisine and produce,” says Chef Roy, who spent 23 years honing his skills and has worked with top chefs such as Rick Stein and Mark Hix. “I’ve been experimenting to get the marriages and blends right. There will be venison carpaccio, lobsters, langoustines, crabs and cured smoked salmon. The shellfish and fish have been selected with conservation in mind because, to me, it even tastes better when you know where the fish comes from and how it was caught,” he adds.
Seasonality and sustainability are Chef Roy’s hallmarks and he has been accredited by the Marine Stewardship Council, an independent non-profit organisation with an eco-label and fishery certification programme, for his commitment to excellence in responsible sourcing.
“At the moment, I’m bringing everything on the menu over with me, but I’m talking to my hosting partner Chef Rene at the Yas Viceroy and if there are substitutes which can be sourced locally, I will be very happy to do that. In an ideal world, I’ll marry the best of Scotland with the best of Abu Dhabi. I’d be delighted to use sustainable, local produce – because that’s exactly the way I work,” says Chef Roy.
Chef Roy is looking forward to his trip to the UAE capital, which is also noted for its sustainability focus and where the Emirates Wildlife Society and World Wildlife Fund together run a’ Choose Wisely’ consumer guide solution to overfishing.
Chef Roy is also conducting a free-to-attend masterclass on Scottish cuisine on 19 February at Abu Dhabi’s stunning Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel.
“We’re having our first cook-offs to make sure everything’s right and we’re doing a dummy demo too to make sure we’re fully prepared for the masterclass,” said Chef Roy. “We’ll definitely be doing Scotland justice.”
About Gourmet Abu Dhabi 2012
Now in its fourth year, the extended 16-day gastronomic event brings together culinary experts from around the world and features a star-studded cast of master chefs, celebrities and special guests serving up a culinary feast across 20 host venues. Running February 8-23, Gourmet Abu Dhabi 2012 will welcome 18 masterchefs from 12 countries with 25 Michelin stars between them in a range of 50-plus events, including free-to-attend masterclasses (including three ladies' only classes), masterchef dinners, special themed dinners, château dinners and the ever-popular Gourmet Golf Experience. The event’s traditional curtain call, the Gourmet Abu Dhabi Stars Awards - the ‘Oscars’ of the local hospitality industry is also returning to reward individuals and restaurants deemed to have most significantly contributed to the evolution of the domestic F&B scene. New additions for 2012 include a special ‘Scottish Dinner’, ‘Cheese Dinner’ and ‘Comedian Night’.
About Gourmet Abu Dhabi
Gourmet Abu Dhabi was conceived to serve as a focal point in the emirate’s drive to be internationally-recognised as a leading global gastronomy destination. With an operational mandate to foster increased service standards in the food and beverage industry, the event incorporates industry-leading restaurants as well as new additions to Abu Dhabi’s rapidly maturing fine dining scene. As the event has evolved, it has also been used to highlight the increasingly diverse fine dining options available across the emirate’s world-class portfolio of hotels. More recently, Gourmet Abu Dhabi has been utilised as a vehicle to promote traditional Emirati cuisine and cooking techniques to participating international masterchefs and diners.
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) has wide ranging responsibilities for managing and assisting the development of the emirate's tourism industry and the marketing and promotion of the emirate as a world-class destination of distinction. ADTA’s responsibilities include destination marketing; infrastructure and product development and regulation and classification. A key role is to create synergy in the international promotion of Abu Dhabi through close co-ordination with the emirate's hotels, destination management companies, airlines and other public and private sector travel-related organisations.
PRIDE OF A NATION AS AZZAM SEALS HISTORIC ‘ETIHAD AIRWAYS IN-PORT RACE’ WIN
13 Jan 2012
Jubilant Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing Crew Lays Down Marker in Volvo Ocean Race Ambitions
In the presence of Their Highnesses Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing claimed an historic win in the Volvo Ocean Race 2011/12 Etihad Airways In-Port Race in Abu Dhabi today.
The win sparked wild scenes of celebration both onboard the team’s Azzam (determination) yacht and in the purpose-built Race Destination Village on the Corniche breakwater, which was also attended by His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).
A herculean effort by Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, skippered by Briton Ian Walker, a double Olympic medallists, and backed by ADTA, which is also behind the emirate’s historic maiden Volvo Ocean Race stopover - saw the 11-man team dominate a hugely tactical contest and romp home ahead of Groupama, CAMPER, Puma and Telefonica, respectively.
With special guests, His Highness Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan and His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, Duke of York, also onboard Azzam for the day, an overjoyed and relieved Walker beamed with satisfaction at the finish line.
“We wanted to win this in-port race so much and we knew we would have to take some risks to do it. We always knew winning here would mean a very special day for everyone,” said Walker. “We’re involved in a nine-month odyssey that is made-up of lots of little bits, but today is a very important day for Abu Dhabi - it is the single biggest day of the race for us.
“We’ve only just started in this race, but we’ve never lost our confidence. The important thing is to enjoy the moment; you have to enjoy the good moments and not beat yourself up when things go wrong. This is a very special day.”
A clearly jubilant Adil Khalid, the Emirati crew member who clinched his spot in the team ahead of 120 other national hopefuls, revelled in the patriotic fervour as he proudly waved the UAE flag as Azzam crossed the finish line.
“Words just cannot express how I feel right now - this is the most special day of my life,” said Khalid, who was thrown overboard by his fellow crew members after the finish. "The feeling as we approached the finish when I knew we were going to take the win was incredible. Winning is the result of months and months of hard work by so many people; it is great that we could get the win and give Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s sailing community such a huge boost.”
With all five competing yachts’ skippers predicting the race would be won and lost at the start, perfect 10-12 knot winds prompted different philosophies off the line and the fleet was well spread in the downwind sprint to the first marker. As hundreds of spectator boats jostled for position, it was Azzam which benefitted from the best racing line at the right-hand side of the field to round mark one in the lead.
Closest challengers, Groupama, pushed and pushed in their chase of the front-runners, but Walker’s decision to opt for the seaward side into the second marker saw Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing consolidate its lead and, despite a few scares, never relinquish it.
The finish turned into a procession and with fresh cacophonies of cheers erupting from the spectator fleet every time Azzam rounded markers, euphoric scenes of celebration greeted the team’s victory.
“I’ve never seen this many boats in Abu Dhabi to watch a race,” said Walker. “It is an amazing scene and after the tough time we had in the previous legs, it is great to know that everyone will sleep well tonight!”
The Etihad Airways In-Port Race was shown on global television, with commentators immediately dubbing it the most riveting Volvo Ocean Race in-port race so far and a “tremendous win for the destination”.
As eyes moved away from the prize giving to the skies above, the tens of thousands of fans were treated to a special aerobatics show by the UAE’s Al Fursan team, who lit up Abu Dhabi’s skies with a series of gravity-defying moves in celebration of the race.
Stay up-to-date with all Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing news, exclusive competitions and content via
About the Volvo Ocean Race: The Volvo Ocean Race traces its origins back to 1973 and is the world’s premier offshore sailing race. The Volvo Open 70 racing boat is sailed by professional athletes, who race around the world with the prevailing winds.
The next Volvo Ocean Race will start in the Spanish port of Alicante October 29 of 2011 and finish in Galway, Ireland during the summer of 2012
The first 31,250 nautical-mile race first took place over 37 years ago (as the Whitbread Round the World Race 1973-74), testing the crews against some of the most ferocious elements that man can encounter
The 2011-12 race will be the 11th edition of the event
This will be the first time the Middle East has formed part of the route for the Volvo Ocean Race
Lying on the Arabian Gulf, Abu Dhabi has a rich maritime tradition as a trading port. Throughout its history, the iconic dhow has plied the trade routes between the city and its neighbouring countries
About ADTA: Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) has wide ranging responsibilities for managing and assisting the development of the emirate's tourism industry and the marketing and promotion of the emirate as a world-class destination of distinction. Its responsibilities include; destination marketing; infrastructure and product development and regulation and classification. A key role is to create synergy in the international promotion of Abu Dhabi through close co-ordination with the emirate's hotels, destination management companies, airlines and other public and private sector travel-related organisations.
VOLVO OCEAN RACE CROWDS CHEER ABU DHABI SKIPPER
13 Jan 2012
Skippers parade ahead of Volvo Ocean Race In-Port Race
Skippers decked out in the five Volvo Ocean Race teams’ colours paraded through Abu Dhabi’s purpose-built Destination Village in front of thousands of fans ahead of the Etihad Airways In-Port Race in Abu Dhabi on Friday 13 January 2012, the first points scoring competition in the UAE capital for the round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race.
The crowd roared as Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing’s skipper, Ian Walker led the parade. Heralded for their survival and endurance skills, the sea-hardened Volvo Ocean Race crews, spend 25 days at a time battling some of the world’s most treacherous conditions and oceans.
Abu Dhabi’s historic fortnight-long hosting of the Volvo Ocean Race fleet ends on Saturday 14 January 2012 with the leg three start to Sanya, China. Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, the first Arabian entry into the race, will continue to push for title honours around the globe.
The Destination Village will be open until midnight on Friday 13 January 2012 and from 11am-6pm on Saturday 14 January 2012.
Following the parade, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing won the Etihad Airways In-Port Race.
Stay up-to-date with all Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing news, exclusive competitions and content via
Facebook (www.facebook.com/abudhabioceanracing);
YouTube (www.youtube.com/abudhabioceanracing) and
Twitter (www.twitter.com/adorlog)
COURSE RANKINGS CONFIRM ABU DHABI AS MIDDLE EAST’S RISING GOLF STAR
05 Dec 2011
Emirate’s Three Championship Courses Dominate ‘Golf Digest Middle East’ Rankings
Abu Dhabi’s three championship-ready golf courses have dominated the prestigious regional golf course rankings list compiled by Golf Digest Middle East magazine, widely considered the game’s voice of authority in the Middle East.
The Golf Digest Middle East course rankings list, split into ‘Editor’s Choice’ and ‘Reader’s Poll’ sections, saw Yas Links Golf Club crowned the region’s best facility by the magazine’s respected editorial panel, while Abu Dhabi Golf Club - host venue for next month’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship - and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club placed third and sixth, respectively.
Abu Dhabi placed even higher in the all-important reader charts, where the emirate’s three championship courses all ranked in the top four.
“These vital recognitions highlight the significant progress Abu Dhabi has made as a world-class golf tourism destination,” said Dayne Lim, Director, Product Development Division, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA). “Golf tourism is a core pillar in Abu Dhabi’s long-term tourism strategy and endorsements like these will only further fuel our potential to sell the destination internationally.”
To optimise the emirate’s golfing assets on both the domestic and international fronts, ADTA recently launched ‘Golf in Abu Dhabi’ - an umbrella marketing communications, product packaging and distribution platform. The initiative, which features a diverse range of golf-driven packages and experiences, heavily leverages Abu Dhabi’s three championship-ready facilities.
With a wealth of playing options, world-class tourism infrastructure and special promotional packages, the one-stop shop ‘Golf in Abu Dhabi’ initiative will make it easier than ever before for international golfers to visit one of golf’s most exciting and desirable destinations.
For more information or to place bookings, visit www.golfinabudhabi.com or email bookings@golfinabudhabi.com
About Yas Links Golf Club
One of world golf’s best new courses, Yas Links’ rolling fairways, large undulating greens and penal bunkers have helped the Kyle Philips designed course rank in Golf World’s Top 100 World Courses.
About Abu Dhabi Golf Club
The traditional home of the PGA European Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, Abu Dhabi Golf has also been recognised in Golf World’s Top 100 rankings.
About Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Designed by Gary Player, the Middle East’s first ‘ocean-front’ course is set against the breathtaking backdrop of white sandy beaches and the crystal clear waters of the Arabian Gulf.
ABU DHABI BAGS ‘GOLF DESTINATION OF THE YEAR AFRICA & GULF STATES 2012’ HONOUR
18 Nov 2011
Abu Dhabi has been named ‘Golf Destination Of The Year Africa & Gulf States 2012’ in the prestigious International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) awards, which sees over 380 specialised operators from 55 countries vote for the golf destinations viewed as the best performing by their clients. Abu Dhabi beat off competition from nine contenders, including five other shortlisted candidates Dubai, Kenya, Marrakesh in Morocco, Mauritius and the Western Cape in South Africa.
In voting for their preferred winners, operators judged against criteria including customer satisfaction, quality of golf courses and accommodation, value for money, professional conduct of suppliers, support from the local tourist industry and accessibility to tee times.
“This is a major fillip in our goal of strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a preferred golfing destination – a niche and high-yielding tourism sector which has been prioritised in our product, promotional and industry collaboration strategies,” said Dayne Lim, Product Development Director, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), who accepted the award on behalf of Abu Dhabi.
“The emirate’s golf offering has come a long way in recent years and is now dynamic and diverse. It encompasses three championship-ready courses within a 25 kilometre radius; two of which have been listed in the world’s top 100 courses by Golf World magazine. Abu Dhabi’s wealth of playing options are a mix of parkland, ocean and links styles, a highly convenient downtown facility, a championship-standard ‘browns’ course and an all-grass country course in our heritage heartland of Al Ain. It means that tourists visiting the emirates can play a different style, with varying challenges, every day over a standard six-day break. We believe this diversity is giving us a significant competitive edge.”
To mark Abu Dhabi’s achievement, Matteo Manassero, the Italian prodigy who acts as a global golf ambassador for the emirate as part of a multi-year sponsorship deal with ADTA, recorded a special video message.
“Aside from the legendary Abu Dhabi hospitality that is now very well known on the European Tour, I decided to partner the emirate because I believe in the product; the quality and quantity of playing options really is second-to-none,” said Manassero. “It is very rare that one place has such variation in course type. In fact, the only way you know you’re in Abu Dhabi is when you look up and see the blue skies.”
With the global golf tourism segment worth US$17 billion annually, according to IAGTO, Abu Dhabi’s drive to capture a bigger slice of this lucrative market has been boosted by its new ‘Golf in Abu Dhabi’ initiative – an umbrella marketing communications, product packaging and distribution platform designed to optimise the emirate’s golfing assets on both the domestic and international fronts.
Unveiled earlier this week at the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) in Turkey, ‘Golf in Abu Dhabi’ - developed in conjunction with the emirate’s golf clubs and other relevant industry stakeholders – is a special-purpose vehicle to execute the emirate’s golf tourism strategy, maximise revenue returns for related stakeholders and position the emirate in the minds of potential customers from primary source markets such as the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Germany, Scandinavia, China, Korea and Japan. With ‘Golf in Abu Dhabi’ actively engaging tour operators and local industry stakeholders to devise attractive, all-inclusive packages that can be marketed at selected international trade shows, a variety of launch packages are already available. Extended ‘Golf Plus’ products that incorporate various leisure and cultural activities in personalised, golf-centric itineraries will come online in coming months.
Accessible marketing collaterals that include exclusive ‘Golf in Abu Dhabi’ rates, as well as product information on the emirate’s diverse facilities will also be produced and circulated through ADTA’s global network of offices. The authority is also exploring options within IAGTO, including specific opportunities for prime brand and product positioning at forthcoming trade shows.
For more information, or to place bookings, visit www.golfinabudhabi.com or email info@golfinabudhabi.com