The Arab Ministerial Council of Tourism has chosen Al Ain Region as the Arab Capital of Tourism 2026, contributing to its popularity among the key regional destinations and further promoting its success as GCC Capital of Tourism 2025.
It is the first destination that has been granted the titles Gulf Cooperation Council and Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism in consecutive years.
To reinforce the recognition, the Department of Culture and Tourism -Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) will work with partners to roll out a twelve-month schedule in 2026 that provides cultural events, festivals, community activities, and special promotional campaigns to increase the profile of the Al Ain Region and strengthen its leadership in tourism in the region.
The winning nomination brief by DCT Abu Dhabi focused on the strengths of the Al Ain Region in terms of modern and sustainable infrastructure, digital preparedness, integrated mobility solutions, accessibility to People of Determination, environmental stewardship, and its distinctive blend of heritage, cultural, nature-based, and family-based attractions.
The mission of DCT Abu Dhabi is correlated with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030 to promote tourism and cultural services of the whole emirate.
DCT Abu Dhabi has been propelling the change of the Al Ain Region as a tourist destination, strengthening its brand as a living oasis and a top travel destination in terms of culture, wellness, and adventure.
Investment in the growth and development of the tourism, hospitality, and cultural resources in the Al Ain Region is strategic in ensuring that the rich history, stunning natural scenery, and distinct heritage of the region are made available to more people, creating an appreciation of the region and enhancing the standard of living of the residents in the Region.
The fact that Al Ain Region is increasingly becoming attractive as a tourist destination is evidenced by its first-half hotel visitation, which has increased by 12 percent year-on-year to 228,000 guests.
Within the particular attractions, Al Ain Oasis has increased visitations by 40 percent in the first half, the historic fort Qasr Al Muwaiji by 49 percent, and Al Qattara Arts Centre by 42 percent. Additionally, due to the attraction of the destination, DCT Abu Dhabi reopened the Al Ain Museum in October after a huge renovation.
Thus, it is worth noting that Al Ain Region succeeded Manama, Bahrain, as the annual tourism capital of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the successor of Baghdad, Iraq, as the capital appointed by the Arab Ministerial Council of Tourism.
