Dubai: The New York Times has listed Dubai on its “52 Places to Go in 2014.” The Emirate ranked 23rd.
The entry for Dubai cited the emirate’s winning bid to host World Expo 2020 and noted its plan to attract 20 million tourists by 2020. It also included some developments such as the opening of the first passenger terminal at the Al Maktoum International Airport, and the opening of new hotels, such as the Conrad Dubai and the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, which Guinness World Records recognises as the tallest hotel in the world. It also included information about upcoming attractions such as IMG Worlds of Imagination and Dubai Adventure Studios.
“We are honoured to have been chosen as one of the top destinations to visit in 2014,” said Helal Al Merri, Director-General of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, in a statement released by WAM. “Being listed at number 23 within the top half of the New York Times’ list of 52 places is impressive and well-earned. ... We are pleased that Dubai’s diverse and wide-ranging tourism offering is being communicated and recognised around the world and we look forward to welcoming even more visitors to Dubai in 2014.”
Cape Town, South Africa topped the Times’ list, followed by Christchurch, New Zealand and the North Coast of California. The Albanian Coast was ranked fourth, followed by Downtown Los Angeles.
