Fujairah Elevates Its Tourism Success... and 4 Factors Reshaping the Industry
In recent years, the Emirate of Fujairah has solidified its position on the tourism map of the United Arab Emirates and the region, benefiting from numerous factors and developments in its overall growth. This progress has been guided by the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, a member of the Supreme Council and the ruler of Fujairah, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah.
The number of nights spent in the emirate's hotels surged to 1.9 million in 2022, with the hotel guest count rising from 574,000 in 2020 to 733,000 in 2022. European tourists topped the list for average stays in the emirate by nationality, with visitors from the Americas coming in second.
Hotel guest numbers have maintained their levels in the first half of the current year, recording 349,000 guests, and forecasts indicate further growth in the second half of the year as the peak tourism season approaches.
Several key factors have contributed to enhancing the status and efficiency of the tourism sector in the emirate. The most crucial factor has been the increase in the number of hotels and resorts, leading to a growth in the number of hotel rooms, especially in the 4 and 5-star categories in recent years. Additionally, there has been significant infrastructure development on international and domestic routes, an upsurge in the tourism, entertainment, and shopping sectors, and a revamp of tourist attractions to enhance their quality and capacity to receive tourists.
Saeed Al Samahi, Director of the Department of Tourism and Antiquities in Fujairah, confirmed that the rise in tourism sector indicators in the emirate is linked to the expansion of the hotel sector and the continuous increase in the number of hotels in the emirate. Fujairah now boasts 4,183 hotel rooms of various classifications, contributing to longer stays.
On the other hand, Al-Samahi emphasized that the emirate, under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Sharqi, has witnessed multiple facets of development, including advancements in trade, facilities, entertainment centers, and the enhancement of international and local routes' efficiency. This has strengthened the emirate's position on the list of preferred destinations in the country and the region.
He stated, "The number of shopping centers in the emirate has clearly risen, along with increased entertainment facilities, and many restaurants have opened branches in Fujairah, bolstering the emirate's appeal." He highlighted the opening of Umbrella Beach, with its international restaurants, cafes, and high-quality entertainment venues, which, alongside the pristine beaches overlooked by the project, have become significant tourist attractions and a destination for many visitors and tourists.
Al-Samahi also added that the development of the external road network connecting the emirate to other emirates has contributed to the growth of domestic tourism, especially considering the climate that the emirate enjoys from time to time.
He emphasized that the increase in air traffic through Fujairah Airport and the operation of direct and indirect flights will be a significant factor in elevating tourism rates and indicators in the emirate to new record levels in the years to come.