Boosting Domestic Tourism: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of the UAE

Abstract

Tourism is a critical economic driver for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), significantly contributing to economic growth, cultural exchange, and sustainable development. This dissertation investigates the enhancement of domestic tourism within UAE, particularly in the less-visited emirates, by evaluating current tourism policies and benchmarking best practices from Zambia, Fiji, and Canada. The research employs a qualitative methodology, utilizing benchmarking and SWOT analyses to assess UAE's practices against international standards. The study is guided by two sub-questions: (1) What specific policy measures can the UAE implement to effectively promote domestic tourism in its less-visited emirates? (2) How does the UAE's current domestic tourism policy framework align with sustainable tourism practices advocated by international bodies such as the UNWTO? Key findings indicate that while the UAE has made significant progress in international tourism, there is substantial potential for domestic tourism development. The study identifies critical factors for enhancing domestic tourism, including infrastructure development, destination enhancement, targeted marketing campaigns, and capacity-building initiatives. Additionally, the UAE's efforts in preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism align with international best practices, but further improvements are needed to optimize domestic tourism. The research concludes with several policy recommendations for the UAE. These include investing in transportation and digital infrastructure, promoting cultural and heritage tourism, launching targeted marketing campaigns, and enhancing workforce training. Emphasizing sustainability, these strategies aim to preserve cultural heritage and natural resources while fostering economic growth and social cohesion. This dissertation provides a comprehensive framework for policymakers to enhance domestic tourism in the UAE sustainably. By balancing international and domestic tourism efforts, the UAE can ensure a resilient and diversified tourism sector, contributing to its broader strategic goals of economic diversification and sustainable development.