ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism has selected Al Ain Region as Arab Capital of Tourism 2026, adding to its renown as a premier regional destination and building on its success as GCC Capital of Tourism 2025. This is the first time a destination has earned the Gulf Cooperation Council and Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism titles in consecutive years.
In support of the recognition, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) will collaborate with partners to deliver a year-long programme in 2026 with cultural events, festivals, community initiatives, and targeted promotional campaigns designed to elevate Al Ain Region’s visibility and reinforce its regional tourism leadership.
The winning nomination prepared by DCT Abu Dhabi emphasised Al Ain Region’s strengths in modern and sustainable infrastructure, digital readiness, integrated mobility systems, accessibility for People of Determination, environmental stewardship, and its unique mix of heritage, cultural, nature-based, and family-oriented attractions.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s mission aligns with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030 to enhance the entire emirate’s tourism and cultural offerings. DCT Abu Dhabi has been driving transformation of Al Ain Region as a tourism destination, reinforcing its identity as a living oasis and a leading travel location for culture, wellness, and adventure.
Strategic investment in the enhancement and expansion of the area’s tourism, hospitality and cultural assets is ensuring that Al Ain Region’s rich history, breathtaking natural landscapes, and unique heritage are shared with a wider audience, fostering a deeper appreciation of its identity while elevating the quality of life for residents.
Al Ain Region’s rising appeal as a tourist destination is shown by its first-half figure for hotel visitation, which rose 12 per cent year-on-year to 228,000 guests. Among specific attractions, Al Ain Oasis recorded a 40 per cent increase in visits during the first half, the historic fort Qasr Al Muwaiji gained 49 per cent, and Al Qattara Arts Centre was up 42 per cent.
Further adding to the appeal of the destination, DCT Abu Dhabi reopened the Al Ain Museum in October after an extensive renovation.
Al Ain Region followed Manama, Bahrain, as the Gulf Cooperation Council’s annual tourism capital, and follows Baghdad, Iraq, as the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism’s appointed capital.
Full details of the programming and events set to celebrate Al Ain Region as Arab Capital of Tourism 2026 will be announced in due course.