Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, reviewed strategic plans for culture and tourism projects in Al Ain during a meeting with a delegation led by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
During the meeting, Sheikh Hazza was briefed on development plans and initiatives aimed at advancing the culture and tourism sectors in the Al Ain Region.
He was presented with details of projects and programmes scheduled for implementation in 2026.
DCT Abu Dhabi outlines projects and programmes with focus on heritage sites, oases, leisure destinations
Discussions focused on the role of culture and tourism in supporting investment and sustainable development, with social, economic and cultural benefits for the local community.
The meeting also addressed the delivery of an integrated visitor experience to strengthen the region’s appeal to visitors from within the UAE and abroad.
Sheikh Hazza reviewed updates on projects to develop heritage sites and cultural centres. These included the rehabilitation of Al Ain Museum, measures to enhance the tourism appeal of Al Ain’s oases and UNESCO World Heritage sites, and plans to develop leisure and entertainment destinations such as Hili Fun City, Al Ain Zoo, Al Jimi Mall and Jebel Hafeet.
He said that developing the tourism sector in the region is a pillar of Abu Dhabi’s vision to strengthen its presence on the global tourism map, and that investment in the sector supports integrated and sustainable development, benefits the community, improves quality of life and creates employment.
Festivals to support Al Ain tourism calendar
DCT Abu Dhabi continues efforts to position the region as a cultural tourism destination while preserving heritage, developing environmental assets and investing in leisure and entertainment offerings, in line with the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030.
The department’s initiatives also include annual festivals such as the Traditional Handicrafts Festival, Al Ain Book Festival, Mother of the Nation Festival, Dar Al Zain Festival and Ghaitah Al Ain. These events aim to attract visitors and support the region’s cultural and tourism offering.
The meeting was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi; Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Aldar; and Dr Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Miral.
