Abu Dhabi has seen nearly 5,000 new rooms built this year as it prepares to diversify its product offering.
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority director general Mubarak Al Muhairi said this year 10 new chain hotels have opened in the country, increasing bedstock from 13,000 to 17,700 rooms.
In addition, 2009 has seen the opening of a Arabian-themed resort Qasr Al Sarab (Mirage Palace) as well as a wildlife retreat and eco-lodge hotel on the Sir Bani Yas island this year.
He said: “We are focusing on the high end of the market and cultural visitors. We are also developing more cultural projects.”
This move will be reflected in a range of museums set to open over the next few years, including the Zayed National Museum and the Guggenheim and Louvre.
The first Ferrari theme park is also set to open in 2010, with what will be the highest and longest roller coaster in the world.
“This will help develop the leisure market. We want to increase the leisure market but we need to finish a lot of products on the ground,” he added