Muslim Friendly Tourism (MFT):
Understanding the Supply and Demand Sides
In the OIC Member Countries
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“The Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre (DIEDC) was established in 2013 by Dubai Law
13 of 2013 and under the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid
Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, to develop and promote Dubai as the global capital of
Islamic economy.
The global tourism industry has begun to recognize the growing opportunities of the family
tourism market, and Islamic tourism in particular. Local economists consider the family tourism
sector to be among the most promising ones for future travelers. “
Shopping experience is a key strength of Dubai. The Dubai Shopping Festival is a month-long
festival held during month of January each year. During the festival the entire emirate becomes
one massive shopping mall.
Emirates like Abu Dhabi, Ajman and Fujairah have slowly been increasing their share of
international arrivals year-on-year, though apart from Abu Dhabi, these other Emirates
continue to currently account for a negligible proportion of international arrivals in 2014.
Majority of arrivals are to Dubai. The challenge is to develop the other emirates in attracting
more tourists. Qatar is also gaining prominence in the tourism map. United Arab Emirates also
faces competition from less expensive destinations such as Lebanon and Egypt.