Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a delegation from the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi led by Chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak on February 3 2026 according to the Emirates News Agency. The meeting focused on a series of initiatives designed to strengthen Al Ain’s appeal as a destination for culture wellness and adventure. The delegation outlined updates on ongoing projects and future programmes scheduled for implementation throughout 2026 that seek to integrate heritage sites with enhanced visitor services.
Plans presented during the session included rehabilitation of the Al Ain Museum improvements to access and facilities at the historic oases that form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and development of family leisure destinations such as Hili Fun City and Al Ain Zoo. Upgrades at Al Jimi Mall and tourism infrastructure at Jebel Hafeet also featured in the briefing. The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi has positioned these efforts as part of its transformation of the region into a living oasis with linked cultural and modern attractions.
Data published by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi places the number of hotel guests in the Al Ain Region at 473077 for 2025 reflecting a 9 percent increase over the prior year. Revenue per available room climbed 17 percent to AED 204 while occupancy rates reached 66 percent also up by 9 percent. These results form part of the emirate’s Tourism Strategy 2030 which targets growth in overall visitor arrivals from 24 million in 2023 to 39.3 million by the end of the decade.
The Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism selected the Al Ain Region as Arab Capital of Tourism for 2026 following its designation as GCC Capital of Tourism for 2025. A programme of cultural events festivals and promotional activities is set to run throughout the year to elevate the area’s profile. Visitor numbers at key sites showed strong gains in the first half of 2025 with Al Ain Oasis recording a 40 percent increase Qasr Al Muwaiji a 49 percent rise and Al Qattara Arts Centre a 42 percent advance according to department figures.
The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi has expanded the Abu Dhabi Stopover programme to include Al Ain experiences for international travellers with more than 310000 visitors having used the initiative since its 2024 launch. Over 60000 participants engaged with the programme in the first eight months of 2026 alone. Al Ain’s inclusion offers heritage nature and wellness options alongside its status as the birthplace of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
A Hotel Refurbishment Scheme introduced by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi provides capital expenditure rebates of up to 12 percent for eligible properties in the region with additional premiums available for branding or heritage upgrades. The measure supports hospitality standards as demand grows. Al Ain maintains its role within the UAE’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing oases forts and archaeological areas that span more than 8000 years of history.
