Manama: More than 8,000 people from Qatar are expected to attend the six-week Summer in Abu Dhabi festival, a senior official of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) has said.
"Qatar is a very important market for us and we have seen a steady increase of the tourist flow from Qatar in the first quarter of 2010," said Faisal Abdullah Al Shaikh, ADTA event management section head.
Qataris and Qatar residents made up around one quarter of the 26,685 Gulf Cooperation Council-based tourists who visited the UAE in the first quarter of 2010.
"Qatar comes in third after Saudi Arabia and Oman in tourist arrivals to Abu Dhabi," Al Shaikh said. "The proximity of Qatar to the UAE and the excellent air links between the two countries make the state a prime market on our doorstep," he was quoted by Qatar Tribune as saying on Wednesday.
Festival organisers said that Summer in Abu Dhabi this year will be the biggest summer event in Abu Dhabi.
"It will be a strong pitch to families within the GCC to spend time in the emirate where they will be guaranteed fantastic value and entertainment."
The festival, from June 24 to August 5, will feature three major international acts including the New York's award-winning Big Apple Circus.
Other attractions are the theatrical Lord of the Dance, the world's highest grossing dance show.
A host of deals will be offered by facilities and service providers across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
"To add even greater value to the 'Summer in Abu Dhabi' experience, ADTA will offer complimentary cultural tours for visitors, daily tours from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain and free admissions to selected attractions," Al Shaikh said.
Ati Al Dhaheri, ADTA domestic promotions section head, said at the Doha press conference to promote the summer festival that "Abu Dhabi's tourism proposition has grown hugely since last year with new attractions, new operators, new hotels and resorts which make it a great family leisure destination."
