Abu Dhabi announces massive funding for events and entertainment

July 30, 2019

Abu Dhabi has announced an AED 600 million (US$163 million) ‘megafund’ as part of an initiative to develop major entertainment and business activities and festivals.

The specialised fund was launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi, whose Under-Secretary, Saif Saeed Ghobash, said the initiative provides the capital of the United Arab Emirates with a“new strategic momentum to enhance its local and regional presence”.

He explained “this initiative will work to attract the best entertainment and business event organisers from across the world to consider Abu Dhabi as a place to invest their time and efforts.

“The support provided by the government for tourism, whether in the field of entertainment or business, shows the confidence of the emirate’s wise leadership in DCT Abu Dhabi, both in its projects and plans.

“The support and constant growth of the tourism sector further bolster the UAE capital’s potential to advance its standing and ability to continue to attract investment in the field.”

The initiative is part of the ‘Ghadan 21’ program, which works to increase Abu Dhabi’s offering, and the ‘Advantage Abu Dhabi’ initiative.

It will provide multi-purpose financing, innovating existing events in the UAE and encouraging global entertainment companies to present entertainment content in Abu Dhabi.

It will also encourage local and global companies to consider Abu Dhabi as a location for events and help support innovation in the event sector.

The projects are expected to increase numbers of overseas visitors to Abu Dhabi, with an expected economic impact of approximately AED 1.6 billion (US$475 billion).

It has also been announced that the National Aquarium at Al Qana in Abu Dhabi is set to open in 2020, while Emaar Entertainment has announced the opening of KidZania Abu Dhabi in Yas Mall.

Louvre Abu Dhabi has welcomed more than one million visitors since it opened last year, with more than 60% coming from outside the UAE.

Images: Laservision's display at Abu Dhabi's Reem Island (top) and the Louvre Abu Dhabi (below).

26th July 2019 - US$41 million expansion underway at UAE’s Al Ain Zoo

13th May 2019 - ‘Perfect’ desert wellness retreat opens in Abu Dhabi

30th April 2019 - Yas Island attractions secure multiple wins at World Travel Awards

30th April 2019 - UFC agrees long-term deal for fight events to return to Abu Dhabi

26th April 2019 - Delayed Guggenheim Abu Dhabi project now set for 2022 opening

15th March 2019 - Special Olympics World Games open in Abu Dhabi

7th January 2019 - Seaside wellness getaway opens in Abu Dhabi

18th December 2018 - Laservision creates immersive experience on Abu Dhabi’s Reem Island

26th October 2018 - Miral partners with Microsoft to transform Yas Island visitor experience

5th August 2018 - New $1 billion Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi attraction opens

26th June 2018 - Abu Dhabi developers look for Yas Island to become top global leisure destination

11th April 2018 - Abu Dhabi reveals new city wide ticketing system

23rd February 2018 - 30-week refurbishment complete at UAE’s largest stadium

3rd September 2018 - Dubai Safari to reopen under Meraas management

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.