Abu Dhabi’s west coast set for tourism development

With extensive beach and desert sands that have remained undiscovered by overseas visitors, the region around Jebel Dhanna in the Abu Dhabi emirate is set to become the latest Gulf hotspot for tourism, according to industry figures.

The opening this autumn of the deluxe 109-room Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna is expected to fuel interest in the undiscovered attractions of the west coast of Abu Dhabi, offering a comfortable and appealing base from where both leisure and incentive travellers can explore farther afield than the traditional UAE tours.

Fish, dive and drive safaris are available as well as exclusive tours of the Sir Bani Yas wildlife reserve island, located just 9km off the coast.

According to Manoj Kanwal, general manager of the Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna, Sir Bani Yas will be one of the major attractions for visitors to the area.

“At the resort, we offer all the typical deluxe hotel amenities such as a pristine beach, pool and sports facilities, landscaped gardens, a variety of restaurants and a health and fitness club.

“However, visitors can also benefit from our location, well away from the urban development farther up the coast,” he said, pointing to the opportunities for safaris deep in to the undeveloped sands of the Empty Quarter, as well as Gulf fishing and scuba trips, and exclusive tours of Sir Bani Yas.

The hotel, owned and operated by the National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels (NCT&H), is set to place the corporation firmly in the forefront of UAE tourism development.

“Offering a unique product in a ‘new’ location, the resort will appeal to both local and overseas visitors,” said Kanwal. “It will offer yet another aspect to the attractions of the UAE, as the country continues to diversify its tourism infrastructure.”

Already, the hotel has confirmed bookings from German, Swiss and Austrian tour operators for the forthcoming winter season, underlining the desire of European tourists to explore new, undiscovered, areas of the country.

According to a NCT&H spokesperson, the resort complements the corporation’s existing network of properties in Abu Dhabi emirate, as well as offering top-of-the-range facilities to attract sectors such as the conference and incentive markets to the west coast for the first time.

As well as extensive banqueting, meeting rooms and outside areas catering for up to 1,000 guests, the resort also features a par-36 nine hole sand golf course and a driving range, an additional attraction for incentive and leisure visitors.