TOURISM EXPERIENCE - DUBAI

 Travel and tourism sector became the largest industry in many countries around the  globe not only generating infrastructure, income, employment and livelihood to the people but also provides both revenue and foreign exchange to the hostcountry. Income is generated mainly through the  sale of goods and services like accommodation transportation and attractions of heritage and culture which in turn boost both economic growth and multiplier effects in tourism sector and associated industries .The Arab - Israeli conflict of the early 1970s witnessed the forging and use of oil weapon through manifold increase in prices of petroleum products by petroleum Exporting Countries resulting in massive inflow of petro dollars to their coffers. While developed countries could offset the negative impact by hiking the prices of  goods and services they exported to Gulf countries, to developing It took much time to cope with the challenge and a solution emerged through rapid increase of export of manpowe  to the capital rich labour short economies  of this region mainly- Gulf Cooperation Council members of United Arab Emirates (UAE),Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman,Qatar .The massive development works undertaken in UAE's 7 Emirates of AbhuDhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman,Umm Al Quwain,Ras AL Khaimah and Fujairah .Within India major beneficiaries of UAE emigrants  were people from South namely Kerala, Tamil Nadu, AP,Karnataka, and Maharashtra. However currently emigration from Northern states like UP, Bihar etc.gathered momentum along with  already existing people from other Arab countries  and  Pakistan, Srilanka, Bangladesh, Philippines and so on.It may be noted here that as investment in massive infrastructure development projects increased instead of depending on Arab workers GCC countries preferred work force from India, Pakistan Srilanka,Bangladesh, Philippines ,Thailand etc due to their relative  efficiency and adaptability. Back home individual countries recieved inward remittances which alleviated poverty, improved living standards of emigrant households resulted in higher savings and investments. Similarly remittances through official channels bolstered their foreign exchange reserves position.

Meantime rapid changes also occurred in the economy of emigrant countries in terms of diversification of activities.Compared to other GCC countries UAE especially Dubai Emirate became the most diversified economy .According to World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Dubai has ranked first among the cities with the highest spending of international tourists with $ 29.4 billion, overtaking both Qatar and London. While AbhuDhabi and other Emirates have remained relatively conservative towards diversification, Dubai which has relatively smaller oil reserves strategically diversified to trade, tourism  manufacturing and considerably reduced reliance on hydrocarbon exports to create a more balanced and resilient economy. Vision 33 aims to double the size of Dubai's economy by 2033 to reach one of the top 3 global cities for living, investing and working. To achieve this Dubai will accelerate investment in human capital, advanced technology and infrastructure. Huge investments were made to build world- class iconic tourism attractions like Burj Khalifa and  Palm Jumeirah. In recent years UAE particularly Dubai witnessed  massive inflows of  international tourists thriving good numbers of resorts ,hotels,  Shopping Malls and entertainment  facilities contributing to both economic growth and employment generation. 

We started our journey to Dubai on 19-1-24 5.05 a m under a dependable  and economical tour operator namely "Destination Captures" Kochi by Air Arabia flight and reached newly constructed AbhuDhabi Airport. After finishing breakfast directly we started our tour schedule from AbhuDhabi Grand Mosque.Within four days we have covered most of  important destinations including Burj Khalifa,Creak Tower,Falcon City of wonders, International City Dubai Mall,Gold Souk market Miracle Garden ,Cruise Dining and Desert safari. Destination Captures had an excellent team consisting of its Director Sujith and Guide Vinod in the field who were very much competent in their respective roles. In fact both of them seems to be a real asset to the Organisation. Moreover Indians particularly Keraliites were  found in different locations we visited engaged  in different jobs.Since ours was an ideal group of 32 numbers and we whole heartedly followed and enjoyed the rules of the game,  in turn we received rich dividend by way of highly competitive, food, accommodation and transportation facilities. It may be noted here that unlike in many other countries In all public places where we have visited plenty of well maintained wash rooms were available free of charge in UAE. . Mr. Vinod has been explaining the history and contemporary relevance of different destinations , heritages ,cuisine and cultural products .We felt that his knowledge and experience makes him more than an historian.However at times one or two members  from our group still remained captives of their past memories of Bureaucratic hegemonic mindset,  unwilling to listen to the Guide .On the whole it was a very thrilling, soothing inspiring pleasant and great experience to all of us. Hope such wonderful memories will be cherished for a long time.