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Europeans in particular are attracted to the Gulf region by its culture and the winter sun, with half of the visitors originating from Germany and the next two biggest groups coming from Italy and the UK.
A survey conducted by the Abu Dhabi Ports this year on the activities of cruise tourists when they are in the emirate revealed that more than 61,000 visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and 70,028 chose to go shopping at the malls. A further 43,700 explored the Heritage Village while others took Big Bus tours, visits to Al Ain or trips to the Arabian Nights Village.
Capt Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, said: "Increasing tourism is a key objective of the UAE's leaderships' plans to diversify the economy. Our work to build and enhance this valuable industry, in conjunction with the Tourism and Culture Authority Abu Dhabi and our partners in Cruise Arabia, is clearly delivering solid and impressive results."
Construction is now well underway on the new permanent cruise terminal building, and work has started on the facilities to develop Sir Bani Yas Island into the regions first island stopover destination.
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Abu Dhabi International Airport - 41°F
