Tourism Authority to open six visitor centres in Abu Dhabi next month

The first centre to come on line, in the Arrivals Hall of Abu Dhabi International Airport on October 4th, will be a 'gateway' for visitors arriving in the destination and will be manned round-the-clock.

Four centre - at the Yas Marina Circuit, Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall and Al Wahda Mall - will be open from October 24- November 2 while the final outlet, a one-stop arrivals experience encompassing immigration proceedings, duty free and an information centre will be combined in an 'Arabian tent' structure being commissioned to serve the cruise season at Mina Zayed. They will complement existing visitor information centres at Al Maqta Fort next to Al Maqta Bridge the 'gateway' to the UAE capital and another in the signature Emirates Palace hotel.

"Ease of access to destination information can lift the entire visitor experience particularly during in the lead-up to, during and the immediate post period of an important event,"

explained Saeed Al Dhaheri, Visitor Information Manager, ADTA.

"Visitors to these new facilities will be to pick up complimentary copies of the new Official Visitors Guide available in English and Arabic, city maps for Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and any one of 31 fliers on attractions and cultural traditions which will be available in seven languages."

The Mina Zayed centre will deliver a true Arabian welcome experience to passengers of a growing number of cruise ships calling at Mina Zayed.

"Visitors will be welcomed with Arabic coffee, dates and incense and there will be demonstrations of henna painting, calligraphy and a falcon on hand so that they can gain a better understanding of Abu Dhabi's cultural traditions," explained Al Dhaheri.

Abu Dhabi is eyeing a 59% growth in cruise passenger arrivals in the 2009/2010 season. ADTA forecasts point to some 199,113 arrivals in the season, which will run from November to the beginning of May, compared to a passenger arrivals total of 125,200 last season.The forecast is based on the 100% occupancy level achieved by the cruise ships using Abu Dhabi as a 'port of call' last season. The increase is due to the inclusion of Abu Dhabi in Royal Caribbean International's weekly itinerary for its 'Brilliance of the Seas,' which has a passenger capacity of 2,501 and the fact that Costa Cruises is to boost its service to the UAE capital by introducing larger, brand new vessels with increased passenger capacity.

October will also the see the ADTA commission a further two touch screen information kiosks at Al Bawardi Mall in Al Ain and the Shangri-la Qary'at Al Beri Hotel, bringing the number of kiosks throughout the emirate to 26. A further two kiosks are planned for Yas Island and the Qasr Al Sarab retreat in the Liwa Desert early next year.