Latest news with #DCT
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi hotel sector booms with 5.8 million guests in 2024
2 June 2025 00:10 AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi's hotel sector recorded strong performance in 2024, welcoming 5.8 million guests and achieving a 79% occupancy rate, according to the Department of Culture and Tourism's (DCT) latest report. Of the total hotel guests, three million were international visitors, with over 1.3 million arriving from key source markets including China, the UK, India, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the properties — such as four- and five-star hotels and deluxe hotel apartments — were among the key drivers of revenue growth, the DCT said in its 2024 Hotel Performance Report. 'Room revenues accounted for 62% of total revenues and grew by 22%, driven by a 12% rise in ADR (average daily rate) and a 9% increase in occupancy rates,' it added. Apartments also welcomed a higher number guests, it said, with a 7.9% increase in by focused international marketing campaigns, strategic global partnerships, and an expanding range of high-quality hospitality offerings, the emirate's hotel industry grew in terms of both volume and value by the end of the year. Overall, guests stayed about 3.2 nights on average and spent about Dh497 every day (average daily rate), the report said. The number of hotels in the emirate has also increased to 171 establishments with more than 34,000 rooms. 'The increase in high-value (high-spend) tourism is reflected in the growth of both ADR and Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) — a strong indicator of Abu Dhabi's ability to draw visitors that seek exceptional hospitality experiences,' the DCT said. Growth Across Regions Each of Abu Dhabi's three main regions — Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain Region, and Al Dhafra Region — contributed to the sector's Dhabi City continued to lead as the emirate's primary tourism hub, reporting a 6.1% increase in guest arrivals and an 18.5% rise in total Dhafra Region saw a standout performance, driven by strategic rate adjustments and longer guest stays. The region achieved a 27% increase in average length of stay (ALOS) and a 35% surge in occupancy rates, resulting in a 16.6% year-on-year increase in total hotel Al Ain Region, known for its cultural and historical attractions, also recorded a 3.6% increase in guest arrivals and a 9.9% growth in hotel revenues. 'Continued investments in these regions will be essential to further diversity Abu Dhabi's tourism offerings and ensure sustainable growth across the emirate,' the DCT said in the report.
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Al Etihad
Guarding the tribes of Liwa Oasis: A look at the forts that watched over generations
1 June 2025 23:47 RAJEEV CHERIAN (LIWA OASIS, AL DHAFRA REGION)Amid the orange-red desert plains and lush palm groves of the Liwa Oasis lies a series of historical forts and towers, keeping a timeless watch, safeguarding the surrounding settlements, and bearing witness to the lives of on the northern edge of the Rub' al Khali - also known as the Empty Quarter, the world's largest uninterrupted desert - about 250km south of Abu Dhabi, Liwa Oasis is the ancestral home of the revered Bani Yas tribe, the principal tribal confederation of Al Dhafra, comprising 20 region is home to many forts and watchtowers, built by the Bani Yas and Manaseer tribes to safeguard their wells, oasis, livestock and settlements. From these structures, men stood watch over the surrounding landscape. These fortified structures - made of stone, palm trunks and gypsum - also served as a place to store supplies and refuge for people during harsh the 1980s, under the directives of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the forts and towers were restored to preserve the rich architectural heritage of the country. Here is a closer look at Liwa Oasis' fortresses - the monuments that embody the heritage and lives of bygone generations. Al Dhafra Fort Before exploring the historical sites of Liwa, begin your journey at Al Dhafra Fort for an introduction to the region's history, traditions, local communities, and natural in 2017, the fort - which also houses a museum - serves as a cultural gateway to Al Dhafra. It offers rich insights into the region's historic forts and watchtowers, while also preserving a wealth of heritage and cultural knowledge. In addition to its exhibits, the site regularly hosts community and cultural events. Dhafeer Fort According to oral history, Dhafeer Fort was built in 1915 by the Bani Yas tribe during the rule of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed bin Khalifa, reads an information board set up by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) at the site.'Historic routes through the Liwa Crescent passed through the settlement, 'mahadhar', of Dhafeer, which in the 1950s consisted of 12 traditional 'arish' houses made of palm fronds and beams,' it to other defensive structures in the region, Dhafeer features a stone watchtower surrounded by a low enclosure wall where animals could be corralled in case of an into ruins in the 1950s, the building was rebuilt in 1996 using mudbrick to distinguish the new construction from its earlier form. Al Meel Al Meel Fort was constructed at the site of an earlier fort built to defend the major 'mahadhar' of Sha and its surrounding palm groves. This is one of the important settlements in the eastern part of Liwa crescent inhabited all year round, according to information displayed at the to oral history recorded in 1955, the earlier fort is thought to have been built by the Bani Yas tribe during the reign of Sheikh Mohammed bin Shakhbut bin Dhiyab between 1816 and original structure did not survive and it was rebuilt in the present form upon the directives of Sheikh Zayed in the 1980s. Yabbana This fort marks the easternmost point of the Liwa Crescent. It was constructed to defend the eastern approaches to the important settlements - or 'mahadhar' - of Thrwanniya and Nashshash, along with their palm groves, according to the information board at the is believed that the earlier fort at the site was built around the end of the 19th century. The remains of an earlier enclosure showed the fort was built of stone quarried from the immediate original structure did not survive, but it was rebuilt in the present form at the direction of Sheikh Zayed between 2000 and FortInhabited all year round, Mezaira'a was one of the major clusters of settlements with palm groves in the central part of the Liwa Crescent, according to the there were no actual remains, the fort was constructed in its present form in recognition of the historic significance of the place at the direction of Sheikh Zayed and with the help of the Liwa Municipality in the 1980s. Qutuf Watchtower According to oral history, the Qutuf Watchtower was built around 1920 by the Bani Yas tribe. It guarded the southern approaches to the important group of settlements inhabited all year round in the central part of the Liwa original structure featured a round tower built from plastered rubble. It also featured a stoned enclosure for holding camels. The tower and courtyard were rebuilt around 1990. Al Marya Al Gharbiya Tower Al Marya Al Gharbiya Tower was part of a network of towers guarding settlements in the western part of Liwa, according to the was built by a Baluchi mason around 1895-1905 by the order of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, who was the Ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1912 and 1922, as per oral original tower is shown in one of the archival photographs of Liwa taken by British explorer and author Wilfred Thesiger in the late featured a watchtower with two tiers of gun loops for the defenders, reads an inscription at the tower was rebuilt and the current enclosure was added in the mid-1990s. Hosn Al Dhafra Hosn Al Dhafra or Hosn Al Sirra is located close to Al Dhafra Fort. The site was seasonally inhabited between 14th-15th centuries and 18th-19th centuries, based on archaeological excavations and surveys.'The site is of unique importance as it dates to before the move of the Bani Yas tribes from Al Dhafra to the coast,' reads an inscprition at Al Dhafra Fort. Umm Hisn Tower Built by the Manaseer tribe between 1883 and 1890, the Umm Hisn Tower served as a defence outpost guarding the western approaches to Liwa. The structure - made of limestone slabs - also features enclosures for animals. Taraq Watch Tower Believed to be built by the end of 19th century, Taraq Tower is four metres in diametre with a full height of five metres. Taraq Tower is an intact authentic structure, according to the DCT. Mougab Tower Built during the reign of Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan (1922-1926), the Mougab Tower guarded Liwa from the west. Fallen into ruins in the 1950s, the tower was restored in 2005. Among the other notable historical landmarks in Liwa Oasis are the Khannour Fort and Al Hayla Tower.
The Courier
4 days ago
- The Courier
Stirling Sheriff Court round-up — Women's prison sexual assault
An inmate at Stirling's women's prison has admitted sexually assaulting a prison officer. , who is also known as Lee Susan Canavan, grabbed the woman during a cell visit. The 42-year-old caused the woman to stumble, narrowly avoiding falling to the ground. Fiscal depute Lindsay Brooks told the city's sheriff court: 'The witnesses… had attended at the accused's cell at 5.20pm for a meal and medication to be provided. 'The accused was told to stand in the 'surrender position'. '(The prisoner officer) took hold of the accused and provided medication. 'The accused moved a hand towards her crotch, causing her to step back and almost fall to the ground. As a result the accused was taken to the ground. 'The complainer was shaken but not injured.' Grant, of Livingston, admitted sexually assaulting the woman by grabbing her groin at HMP Stirling on November 7 last year. Sentence was deferred for reports. Grant is currently serving an eight-month prison sentence for an analogous offence, which also resulted in being placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years. Staff at a Stirling nursery foiled a bid by a intoxicated woman to take a pre-school child from the premises without authority. , 39, used a false name when trying to collect the three-year-old – whom she knew but was not permitted to collect. She fled when staff made investigations and was later found, collapsed, a short distance away. Read the full story here. A man caught with hundreds of pounds of illegal drugs during a police stop in Stirling has walked free after his sentence of imprisonment was backdated. was banned from driving for 18 months and handed a four-month custodial sentence but had already spent the equivalent on remand. The 30-year-old was found with three joints on his car dashboard and a further £1,400 of the drug in ready-made bags. He was also driving with more than four-and-a-half times the legal limit of cannabis in his system. Solicitor Alastair Ross, defending, previously told the court Hysa had been staying in London with his pregnant wife but the cost of living in the capital had led to them living in a tent. Hysa, of no fixed abode, was brought north by the promise of work in Glasgow. He admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis on Bannockburn Road on November 10 last year and having excess cannabis substance DCT (9.1mics/ 2) in his system. A man who subjected two young children to degrading sexual abuse in the late-80s and early-90s has been jailed for four years. targeted the children at an address in Perthshire and stood trial in Stirling. Read more here. A Stirling man who 'bombarded' his ex-partner with emails following their break up has been placed on a supervision order. sent the woman 78 messages over 44 days. The 47-year-old also sent a package containing personalised Christmas decorations to the woman's business address as he pleaded with the woman to rekindle their relationship. The first message was sent the month after they broke up in the summer of 2024. At one point Thomson contacted the police himself, claiming the woman had possessions belonging to him, including a cookbook, and was ignoring requests to return them. Solicitor Alistair Ross, defending, said Thomson acknowledged he 'went too far', adding 'He's moved on and put this relationship behind him'. Thomson, of Hulston Road, Stirling admitted engaging in a course of conduct was abusive of his ex partner at addresses in Fallin, Edinburgh and Stirling between June and August last year. He further admitted breaching bail at an address in Dunblane in December by leaving a package there for the woman. Sheriff Paul Ralph placed him on a supervision order for 12 months and imposed a two-year non-harassment order banning him from contacting the woman. Almost two dozen jobs would have been at risk if Stirling woman , who smoked cannabis in her car lost her driving licence, a court was told. She admitted being in charge of a car while under the influence of the drug but said she only lit up after she had parked and finished driving. Find out if here defence succeeded here. A motorist caught at almost five times the drink drive limit in Stirling has been banned from the roads. , 26, had ridden his motorbike to a pub but abandoned his plan to leave the bike there. Fiscal depute Lindsay Brooks said: 'At around 9.30 pm police received a call to a minor road traffic traffic accident at the locus. 'The vehicles were at a service station and the accused, who is the driver of a motorbike, was still there.' Kikke's defence agent said he had gone out on the motorbike to clear his head. 'Mr Kikke had been at home and had an argument with his partner. He left on his motorbike to calm down. 'He attended the Allan Park hotel and his intention was to leave it there. Alcohol mitigated against that common sense plan.' Kikke, of Kersegreen Road, Clackmannan, admitted driving with excess alcohol (100mics/ 22) at Craig's Roundabout, Kerse Road on May 2. He was banned Kikke for 15 months and fined £400.
What's On
27-05-2025
- Business
- What's On
DCT Abu Dhabi to honour local businesses in fourth Urban Treasures initiative
Sponsored: Recognising the best in the business… Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) is back with Urban Treasures, for the fourth edition of this hugely successful initiative in the UAE capital which will be held on May 27. Launched with the intention of recognising the UAE capital's landmark homegrown businesses that've stood the test of time for over two decades or more, the list typically all the beloved homegrown businesses that have become a household name in the community, and even some that have contributed longstanding value to the Abu Dhabi economy as hidden gems. Images: supplied The DCT's Urban Treasures Initiative strives to bestow a special status upon retail establishments and other long-serving businesses in the capital, with the aim of highlighting, preserving and promoting these businesses. Notable establishments that will be honoured include those such as restaurants, bakeries, tailors, fabric stores, perfumeries, jewelleries, pharmacies, photography studios and more. The recognition of these urban treasures is part of Abu Dhabi's sustained enedavours aimed at celebrating and safeguarding homegrown, family-owned brands that help the capital's economy thrive. They will be recognised in a special ceremony on May 27, as the unsung heroes that have woven the social and cultural fabric of the city before it evolved into the bustling example of change it is today. It bolsters the DCT's aim, and the UAE capital's image as a cultural centre in the country, known for its extensive strides in protecting, preserving and recognising leading brands and providers of goods and services to the Abu Dhabi public. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Al Etihad
26-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE tourism set for landmark year with projected Dh267.5b GDP contribution
27 May 2025 00:30 KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)The UAE is poised to achieve a landmark year in tourism, with the sector projected to contribute Dh267.5 billion to the national economy in 2025, representing nearly 13% of GDP, according to new data from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).This milestone comes alongside record-breaking international visitor spend, which is forecast to reach Dh228.5 billion, 37% above pre-pandemic levels. Domestic tourism is also surging, with Dh60 billion in spending expected this year - 47% higher than in 2019, underscoring the strength of the local travel market."The UAE continues to lead the way in global travel and tourism. From cutting-edge smart cities to exceptional hospitality and seamless visa systems, the country is a model of how strategic vision drives economic growth," Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO, said in a statement."With initiatives like the Tourism Strategy 2031 and the National Tourism Charter, the UAE is building a future-ready sector rooted in sustainability and innovation. With strong leadership and public-private alignment, 2025 is set to mark yet another chapter in the UAE's remarkable tourism success story." Abu Dhabi Sees Robust Growth in Q1Complementing the national outlook, Abu Dhabi's tourism sector is tracking exceptional growth. According to the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), the emirate welcomed 1.4 million overnight visitors in Q1 2025, building momentum toward its target of Dh62 billion in tourism GDP contribution this year, a 13% increase over sector performance has mirrored this visitor growth. The first quarter of the year saw Dh2.3 billion in hotel revenues in the capital, marking an 18% year-on-year increase, while revenue per available room jumped 25% to Dh484. Occupancy rates averaged 79%, including during the holy month of Ramadan."Our strategic approach to elevating Abu Dhabi as a cultural and tourism destination is delivering tangible results," said Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi."Sustained investment into data-led destination marketing, diversified programming, a culture-first ethos, and ever-improving visitor experience touchpoints have driven robust growth in Q1 2025, building on a strong 2024."DCT highlighted the importance of cultural identity towards Abu Dhabi's tourism strategy. This has largely centred around the Saadiyat Cultural District, already home to the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi and the newly opened teamLab Phenomena, which will soon be joined by the Zayed National Museum, and the Guggenheim Abu to WTTC forecasts, the UAE's travel and tourism sector is expected to continue its upward trajectory over the next decade, contributing nearly Dh287.8 billion to the economy by 2035. Employment in the sector is also projected to exceed 1 million jobs, further embedding tourism into the country's economic fabric. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
