Simply Abu Dhabi II

30 SIMPLY ABU DHABI Award-winning commitment to tourism ADTA works in conjunction with travel-related organisations, such as airlines, hotels and destination management companies to raise Abu Dhabi’s profile as an upmarket destination with excellent attractions, services and facilities for both holiday makers and business travellers. Sheikh Sultan has been instrumental in guiding the growth of the emirate’s tourism infrastructure. Under his guidance, ADTA regulates the industry and its sister concern, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) has worked to expand the range of first-rate accommodation by constructing hotels and resorts. The hard work has certainly paid off both on a national and personal level. In 2010 Sheikh Sultan was honoured with the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference Leadership Award. Selected by the AHIC Advisory Board – comprising over 40 of the most influential names in the Middle East hospitality industry – this award was in recognition of the significant contribution Sheikh Sultan has made to developing Abu Dhabi as one of the region’s leading tourism and cultural destinations. TDIC was founded in 2006 and since then has been instrumental in Abu Dhabi’s cultural and economic growth. In his role as TDIC Chairman, Sheikh Sultan has directed the development of many flagship hotel properties, both TDIC-owned and other joint venture projects. In October 2009, during the toughest real estate slowdown in decades, Abu Dhabi opened Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort – a five star luxury resort designed to deliver genuine Emirati hospitality in keeping with the culture and roots of the UAE. In the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali), the world’s largest stretch of uninterrupted desert, this significant landmark blends beautifully into the natural environment to create a resort providing an authentic experience that is indigenous to the surrounding region. Sheikh Sultan commented: “This is more than just an extraordinary luxury resort; this is a symbol of our highly admired and respected Arabian hospitality and deep-rooted culture”. Global recognition for Abu Dhabi Sheikh Sultan’s dedication to leisure and business related tourism in Abu Dhabi has seen him build relationships with partners in the international travel industry. He is also patron of the Middle East Council of the Urban Land Institute – an international, non-profit research and educational organisation advising professionals in land use and real estate development. As ADTA Chairman, Sheikh Sultan has led the organisation’s expansion into an international award-winning body which was named ‘Best Tourist Board’ in the 2009 and 2010 World Travel Awards. In 2010 Lonely Planet cited Abu Dhabi as one of its ‘Top Ten’ recommended destinations to visit. Sheikh Sultan is also Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage; Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company; Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort; and the Eastern Region Development Committee. Sheikh Sultan’s ongoing devotion to driving forward the emirate’s exciting tourism plans and his commitment to developing the hotel industry has seen the global recognition of Abu Dhabi as a tourist destination rise significantly. With his vision, the future looks bright.