Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, TCA Abu Dhabi, is presenting a vast range of upcoming initiatives, events and activities to welcome residents of Saudi Arabia to experience the emirate’s unique heritage, culture and traditions throughout the course of 2017.

The campaign underscores Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for regional travellers wanting to experience a diverse selection of assets that provide original and attractive cultural experiences.

According to TCA Abu Dhabi Director-General, Saif Saeed Ghobash, the campaign has been launched in recognition of the fact that the GCC remains one of the key target markets for Abu Dhabi’s thriving tourism sector, with particularly close ties and long-term mutually beneficial relations being held with Saudi Arabia.

"The GCC, and especially the Saudi market, has continuously been one of our key targets, providing encouraging prospects as well as a natural convergence of culture, language, customs and tradition between our communities," Ghobash said.

"Our unique destination ensures that we provide a comprehensive range of concepts for leisure tourism, within which the Emirate of Abu Dhabi promotes high quality family entertainment products with exciting destination attractions such as those on Yas Island, including Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Mall and the Yas Viceroy Hotel."

Abu Dhabi is offering special deals and packages specifically for travellers from the region throughout the year, with discounts, free entrance to theme parks as well as other offers on a vast array of recreational options.

Between August 15th and September 15th, visitors using the border crossing at Ghuwaifat will find a specially designed marquee staffed by TCA Abu Dhabi offering food trucks, children's’ activities, drinks and information to help promote the emirate’s attractions and hotels across the school holidays and Eid.

Throughout 2017, there is an extensive programme of events, including the 2017 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi Food Festival, and the annual Traditional Handicrafts Festival to delight and engage visitors of all backgrounds across Saudi Arabia.

Recently ranked second on the 2017 Ipsos City Index measuring the best cities in the world to live, work and do business, ahead of cities like London and Paris, Abu Dhabi has secured a reputation as being one of the safest and most stable cities in the region, as well as one of the most innovative global destinations, through its inspired assets and ever growing range of business opportunities.

"Abu Dhabi offers unique appeal for international and regional travellers, especially from the KSA market, as an extraordinary destination for short stays and longer holidays alike, providing ample opportunity for a diverse range of tourism attractions and events for visitors of all ages including shopping, dining, theme parks and family-oriented leisure entertainment," said Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, Acting Executive Director of Tourism Sector, TCA Abu Dhabi.

According to the authority's Director-General Ghobash, the campaign has been launched in recognition of the fact that the GCC market remains one of the key target markets for Abu Dhabi’s thriving tourism sector, with particularly close ties and long-term mutually beneficial relations being held with Saudi Arabia.

"The GCC, and especially the Saudi market, has continuously been one of our key target markets, providing encouraging prospects as well as a natural convergence of culture, language, customs and tradition between our communities," he said.