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The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi continues to execute a comprehensive vision that places culture and the creative economy at the center of sustainable growth and international competitiveness according to statements issued through the Emirates News Agency. Under-Secretary Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani described how flagship developments such as the Saadiyat Cultural District the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi the Sphere project on Yas Island and a Disney entertainment resort have reached advanced stages of implementation. These efforts extend beyond merely increasing visitor attractions to establishing an integrated ecosystem that supports creativity and long-term economic diversification Al Hosani told WAM.
Al Hosani pointed to the emirate’s selection as host for the 2029 annual meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund as a marker of rising global confidence in its development model. He noted that announcements around the Abu Dhabi Sphere and sustained advancements at the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi further illustrate the strength of proactive planning even amid shifting international conditions. The under-secretary added that the emirate’s government ecosystem has shown resilience by keeping strategic projects on schedule while extending humanitarian support to stranded travelers during periods of disruption.
DCT Abu Dhabi data places visitor numbers at approximately 26.6 million for 2025 with arrivals from key international markets rising 10 percent from the previous period. Hotel revenues reached Dh9.1 billion representing a 19.5 percent increase while the meetings incentives conferences and exhibitions sector drew 2.2 million participants up 40 percent. Attendance at cultural and entertainment events climbed to 4.2 million a 20 percent gain that Al Hosani attributed to the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030 which has driven these outcomes across the board.
The Abu Dhabi Sphere scheduled for completion in 2029 will deliver immersive multi-sensory experiences artist residencies and large-scale international programming with its spherical exterior featuring displays of work by Emirati artists according to the department’s assessment. Al Hosani characterised the project as one of the emirate’s most significant strategic developments that will reshape cultural and entertainment offerings for both residents and global visitors. This forms part of a wider portfolio that includes the House of Art within the Saadiyat Cultural District as the department maintains focus on high-quality investments in creative infrastructure.
Tourism expansion in Al Ain and Al Dhafra remains a central pillar of the emirate’s balanced growth approach with continued rollout of the Al Ain tourism strategy and preparations advancing for a dedicated Al Dhafra plan. The department aims to capitalise on the natural and heritage assets of these regions to promote sustainable visitor flows that benefit local communities without compromising environmental resources. Al Hosani emphasised that such regional development supports the overall objective of distributing economic gains while preserving cultural identity.
Saadiyat Cultural District serves as the physical embodiment of Abu Dhabi’s commitment to culture as a bridge for dialogue knowledge exchange and mutual understanding between peoples a point Al Hosani highlighted in his remarks. The under-secretary stated that investing in these cultural assets amounts to investing in people by fostering more open prosperous and cohesive societies. These combined initiatives and performance indicators demonstrate the emirate’s model of leveraging culture tourism and creativity to enhance quality of life and reinforce its position among leading global destinations.
