A Closer Look: Future of travel in focus as Gulf aims to attract 130 million tourists

In A Closer Look, The National provides an in-depth take on one of the main stories of the week

Ambitious plans to attract 130 million tourists annually to the Gulf by the end of the decade have been shaping the agenda at this week's Arabian Travel Market.

A major push to bolster aviation infrastructure to prepare for the anticipated visitor surge has proved a focus for discussions and deal-making at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Airlines have opened up on efforts to invest in new planes to serve the region's growing network of airports, while national tourism boards have spoken positively of their intent to fill hotels to meet the appetite to experience the Gulf and wider region.

The resilience of the travel sector has also been highlighted, against the backdrop of the war in Gaza and simmering tensions in the Red Sea.

Here, host Nick Webster speaks to The National's aviation correspondent Deena Kamel to find out how a bold vision for the future is taking flight.

'Too big to fail': Gulf travel sector remains resilient in face of regional unrest

Riyadh Air in talks with Airbus and Boeing over a new order of wide-body jets

Arabian Travel Market – in pictures

The Abu Dhabi stand at Arabian Travel Market, at Dubai World Trade Centre. All pictures: Victor Besa / The National

The 30th annual ATM started on Monday and runs until Thursday

This year’s event focuses on efforts to cut carbon emissions

How Big Data can benefit the tourism sector was up for discussion

This year’s event attracted more than 2,000 exhibitors from 150 countries

Saudi Arabia also had a stand at the event

About 34,000 visitors were expected over the four days

How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries

• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.

• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.

• In order to borrow books, visitors must join the service by providing a passport photograph, Emirates ID and a refundable deposit of Dh400. Members can borrow five books for three weeks, all of which are renewable up to two times online.

• If users do not wish to pay the fee, they can still use the library’s electronic resources for free by simply registering on the website. Once registered, a username and password is provided, allowing remote access.

• For more information visit the library network's website.

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