Abu Dhabi, UAE, 4th July 2025: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has concluded its highly successful Experience Abu Dhabi 2025 UK Roadshow, held from 23 to 25 June across Manchester, Birmingham, and London. The roadshow provided a vital platform for DCT Abu Dhabi to connect directly with key travel industry professionals and showcase the latest developments, events, and offerings of Abu Dhabi as a premier travel destination.

The roadshow attracted a significant turnout, warmly welcoming travel agents, tour operators, and industry partners attending events across the three cities. Attendees were given exclusive insights into Abu Dhabi's diverse attractions, including its luxury resorts and pristine beaches, and its rich heritage and culture, showcasing its appeal as a year-round destination for family-friendly activities, cultural immersion, and unforgettable adventures.

Each event featured networking opportunities with DCT Abu Dhabi representatives and key tourism partners, allowing attendees to deepen their understanding of the emirate's unparalleled offerings. Comprehensive toolkits and resources were also provided to equip travel professionals with the knowledge and materials needed to effectively promote Abu Dhabi to their clients.

The UK is a key market for Abu Dhabi, and one of its fastest growing, showing a 46% year-on-year increase in 2024 guest numbers (219k in total) vs 2023, and an average length of stay (ALOS) of 4.2 days. With a 16% increase in flights (2.1k) to Abu Dhabi from the UK in 2024, the UK ranks as the emirate's third largest international source market by volume, and one of the highest in terms of ALOS and revenue.

This significant growth can be attributed to the many attractions and cultural experiences in the emirate for families, friends and couples to enjoy at their own pace.

Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations, DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The UK remains a crucial market for Abu Dhabi, and this roadshow has allowed us to strengthen our relationships with key partners and showcase the exciting developments that await visitors in the coming year. This is only the beginning - with an increased presence in-market, we are confident that the connections made, and the knowledge shared during the roadshow will translate into increased bookings and a deeper appreciation for all that Abu Dhabi has to offer.”

To solidify this growth  momentum, DCT Abu Dhabi has recently established a dedicated UK-based team with a wealth of existing trade contacts, headed by Country Manager Richard Smith, previously with Booking Group for five years and Virgin Holidays for 10 years in the UAE. The team is completed with Trade Account Manager Rosie Garside, who joins from Air Mauritius, with previous experience with IHG Group, and based in the UAE for 20 years. The UK office aims to underpin DCT Abu Dhabi's long-term commitment to the country's travel trade and deepen awareness of the emirate across the UK via a series of events, enhanced industry relations and partnerships.

UK travel agents are a crucial part of Abu Dhabi's growth story, offering today's travellers a range of authentic and exciting experiences at various price points—balancing a limitless sense of discovery with all the safety and familiar comforts that UK visitors are seeking.

Travel professionals can become a certified Experience Abu Dhabi Expert through a partner training site, which introduces all the information needed to offer one-of-a-kind experiences to clients. For more information, head to Abu Dhabi Experts here.

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About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi's culture and tourism sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi's wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate's position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate's potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture, creative and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi's vision is defined by the emirate's people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi's status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dctabudhabi.ae and visitabudhabi.ae