To highlight major tourist destinations in the UAE as part of ‘The Most Beautiful Winter in the World’ campaign

Minister of Economy visits Khorfakkan tourist attractions

• The visit covered significant sites on the city’s tourist map - including Khorfakkan Market, Salem al-Mutawah Mosque and Khorfakkan Amphitheatre.
• The country's tourist industry contributes more than 177 billion to the GDP.
• In terms of hotel occupancy rate, the UAE ranks among the highest in the world with 72.8 per cent.

 His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, visited several tourist attractions in the city of Khorfakkan, in the Emirate of Sharjah, to highlight the country's top tourist attractions in line with the third edition of the "The Most Beautiful Winter in the World" campaign, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The campaign embodies a major part of the domestic tourism strategy of the UAE.

His Excellency said: “The UAE’s tourism sector has witnessed remarkable strides, in terms of the infrastructure, legislation and initiative, which have further reinforced the country’s position in the global tourism map. The UAE tourism Strategy 2031, which is the latest in a swathe of initiatives devised by the country, aims to consolidate its position as one of the best tourist destinations in the world and foster its competitiveness by attracting AED 100 billion in terms of additional tourism investments. The initiative also aims at doubling the number of tourists to 40 million with an anticipated total GDP contribution of AED 450 billion by 2031.”

Furthermore, His Excellency commented that Khorfakkan offers pristine nature, clean air, mountains, as well as a number of historical and archaeological sites that echoes the serenity and uniqueness of the tourist destination. In addition, the innovative and pioneering tourism projects launched under the directives and support of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, also fortifies the status of the coastal city as a sustainable tourist and leisure destination, both locally and globally.

Khorfakkan Market

The Minister visited the old Khorfakkan market, one of the most important heritage and tourist destinations in the city, which includes many ancient heritage elements, along with its distinctive architectural design. Recently, the place underwent major restoration and rehabilitation works, which has now made it one of the most important tourist attractions in the city.

Khorfakkan Amphitheatre

The Minister also explored the Khorfakkan Amphitheatre, which features a renowned artistic painting and a magnificent cultural landmark in the Emirate of Sharjah. The amphitheatre, which is the largest development project in the city, was built on a total area of 190,000 square feet in the heart of Jabal Al-Sayyidah and overlooks the beach of Khorfakkan. The ideal geographic location of the theatre allows visitors to enjoy the picturesque nature of the city. In addition, it is also remarked as a prominent tourist and cultural destination that hosts many events and artistic performances.

Salem Al-Mutawa Mosque

The Minister also visited the ‘Salem Al-Mutawa’ Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the city, which adorns the five-dirham banknote of the UAE. The mosque is deemed as one of the prominent historical locations in the city, owing to its ancient architectural designs, including its wooden ceiling, and its gate inspired from the original Arab style with inscriptions testifying to the region's antiquity, its small niche, and its minaret.

The tourism sector of the UAE has been flourishing over the past years, contributing over AED 177 billion to the country’s GDP. The UAE has one of the highest hotel occupancy rates in the world at 72.8 per cent while the number of visitors increased by 42 per cent, reaching 12 million in the first half of 2022.