Fujairah city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently been declared a sustainable tourism hub by the UN tourism body. The city is the seventh-largest in the UAE and the capital of the Fujairah emirate. The only Emirati capital city on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates is Fujairah City, which is situated on the Gulf of Oman.
“Mountain Emirate” is the moniker given to Fujairah. It is the only Emirate that is nearly entirely covered with mountains. Fujairah is home to broad sandy beaches, oases, waterfalls, valleys, and steep mountains. Numerous mineral, hot, and cold springs are also located there.
Fujairah’s easterly location contributes to its more temperate climate than that of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Because Fujairah receives more rainfall annually than the UAE as a whole, farmers can plant one crop per year there.
The coast of Fujairah stretches from the city of Fujairah in the south to Dibba in the north, where it borders Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. Fujairah’s position makes the port perfect for maritime trade.
The Accreditation
With the granting of a membership certification to the Fujairah Adventures Centre, which validates its status as an Affiliate Member of the UNWTO, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has formally recognised Fujairah as a sustainable tourism destination.
At the 25th UNWTO meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where the park represented Fujairah, submitted the accreditation portfolio, and exhibited adventure and sustainable tourism-related locations and projects, the Fujairah Adventures Centre was given the certificate.
“This accreditation by the UNWTO underlines the tremendous efforts and dedication of the Emirate of Fujairah, which consistently strives to position itself as a leading destination across all sectors, guided by the vision and directives of its wise leadership,” stated Amr Zein Eddin, director of Fujairah Adventures Centre. Zein Eddin continued, “The emirate has traditionally prioritised the tourism industry, with a strong focus on guaranteeing its sustainability.”
“Being a part of the UNWTO Affiliate Members exclusive ranks, our team at the Fujairah Adventures Centre is proud to be contributing to the emirate’s global promotion,” the official noted.
The accreditation acknowledges Fujairah Adventures Centre’s accomplishments in carrying out the specified duties and responsibilities of an Affiliate Member as well as its dedication to honouring, adhering to, and supporting the UNWTO’s goals, principles, and policies.
Over 500 businesses, academic and research institutions, travel destinations, and non-governmental organisations are UNWTO Affiliate Members. They offer a forum for members to converse, exchange information, and collaborate to advance key stakeholder knowledge exchange and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Crown Prince of Fujairah, Shaikh Muhammad bin Hamad Alsharqi, established the Fujairah Adventures Centre by royal decree, which serves as a regulator and catalyst for adventure tourism in the emirate of Fujairah.
Emirati Villages
In the United Arab Emirates, there is a burial site from the Wadi Suq period (2,000–1,300 BC) known as Qidfa Oasis.
Numerous artefacts discovered during archaeological excavations near the oasis are currently on display at the Fujairah Museum. This covers coinage, ceramics, and weapons.
Among these discoveries, the most intriguing is a bowl that was fashioned from an ostrich egg and dates back over 2,000 years.
Making The Most Of The Potential
The Qidfa Region Development Project wants to boost the area’s tourism potential and highlight its unique qualities in the media to draw 100,000 visitors a year.
Together with training 200 young people in all fields, the plan calls for the start of 50 youth development initiatives for the area’s youth in partnership with key partners.
The area has several economic benefits, which will raise its profile as a vital part of the nation and as a place with pioneering settlements. In addition, it boasts a USD 2.7 billion power plant that can supply around 380,000 homes with electricity.
The “Emirates Villages” initiative, which introduces a sustainable development model that considers all regions of the nation while utilising the people’s potential and natural resources, marks a significant step toward realising the goal of the UAE leadership.
It seeks to advance the sustainable development paradigm by fostering collaboration between the federal and local governments, as well as to increase the involvement of the business sector and local communities.
By utilising a special development model built on collaborations between local communities, the corporate sector, and the government, the Emirates Council for Balanced Development seeks to promote sustainable growth for all regions.
Conclusion
Fujairah’s recognition as a sustainable tourism hub by the UNWTO and the accreditation of the Fujairah Adventures Centre as an Affiliate Member of the organisation highlights the emirate’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism.
Its unique features, such as being nearly entirely covered with mountains, broad sandy beaches, oases, waterfalls, and valleys, make it an ideal destination for adventure tourism.
Also, projects like the Qidfa Region Development Project and the Emirates Villages try to encourage long-term growth by making the most of each region’s natural resources and people’s potential, while also making it easier for the federal and local governments, businesses, and communities to work together.