"We have developed a strategic plan for the region to develop it as a desert and island tourism destination with distinctive feature that combine the bedouin lifestyle and comfortable modern amenities."
WRDC Director General Mohammed bin Azzan Al Mazrouei
Al Gharbia offers untapped potential for tourism and investment and is poised to become a stunning desert and island destination. More than $3bn of private and public money has already been channelled into an elaborate and sustainable plan by the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) in order to capitalise on the area’s outstanding beauty. Plans are afoot to provide the region with an airport linking the with the rest of the country A dedicated air-shuttle service is planned to carry visitors to new resorts under development in the region.
Al Gharbia offers virtually unlimited potential for the tourism industry. Covering a staggering 60,000 square kilometres, it is comprised of seven main cities; Madinat Zayed, Mirfa, Liwa, Ghayathi, Sila, Ruwais and Dalma Island, and is close to the borders of Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Tourism opportunities are already unfolding in Mirfa, Liwa, Dalma Island and Sir Bani Yas.
Mirfa is known for its natural harbour, where dolphins, turtles, fish and other marine life can be found. Liwa is home to some of the tallest sand dunes in the world and is the base camp for the annual UAE Desert Challenge. Dalma Island is one of the premier historical islands for tourism in the country with its rich history of pearl diving and Sir Bani Yas, feature a nature reserve, serene escapes, and an Arabian Wildlife Park.
Some of the most exclusive hotels in the country will be built in the northern coastal region of Al Gharbia. At a cost of Dh11.5 billion (US$3.1bn), the Sir Bani Yas, Dalma and Desert islands developments are all expected to be completed by 2010 and will offer a variety of facilities, including seven-star hotel facilities, secluded island breaks and the opportunity to see some of the country’s rarest animals in the wild.
