Dubai is hoping to attract over half a million tourists from Saudi Arabia by the end of the year, it has been revealed.
The target was confirmed at a joint press conference held by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DDTCM) and the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment at the Four Seasons Hotel, Arab News reported.
"Saudis are still ranked the first among the residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries visiting Dubai. Last year we received 414,000 Saudi tourists and we hope this year to break the barrier of half a million tourists," said DDTCM official Talal Al-Suwaidi.
The press conference was followed by a special workshop in which the two bodies set out the promotions and deals that are being organised to promote Dubai as a summer destination for families.
These include a number of family shows taking place during Dubai Summer Surprises between June 17th and August 7th, Arab News observed.
Meanwhile, research by Ernst & Young revealed this week that Dubai's hotels saw their spa treatment revenues rise by about 70 per cent in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year.