Abu Dhabi Plans Stronger Heritage Links with New Tourism Agreement

(Source: Travel Weekly China)

The Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA) and Emirates Heritage Club have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop Abu dhabi as a cultural tourism hub.

The landmark agreement will see the two bodies cooperate to work in the fields of tourism, culture and marketing, with the MoU aiming to promote Abu Dhabi’s heritage and cultural activities to an international audience.

“Our partnership with Emirates Heritage Club seeks to revitalise the emirate’s rich heritage and cultural assets so as to develop tourism and boost investment in this vital sector,” said TCA director general, Saeed Ghobash.

“It also aims to document unique cultural heritage elements by experts, narrators, and academics from both sides.”

The MoU agreement falls in line with Abu Dhabi’s strategic plan to build upon the emirate’s history and enhance its cultural vision for future generations.

In addition to promoting Abu Dhabi’s cultural heritage through marketing and social media networking, the two parties will also work together in organisation of cultural events and activities in areas such as the Sheikh Zayed Museum, the Heritage Village and at the Sweihan Festival.

The UAE in recent years has taken a number of steps to preserve and promote its cultural heritage after in 2011 Unesco dedicated the six Al Ain Oases and the archaeological sites of Bida bint Saud, Hafeet and Hili as World Heritage sites. In October last year, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, crown prince of Abu Dhabi, promised investment into these sites to turn them into viable tourist attractions.