ADVANCES IN CULTURAL TOURISM: TWO EXAMPLES FROM THE EMIRATE OF ABU DHABI (UAE)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is analyzing desert remoteness as a potential competitive advantage for cultural tourism. In the emirate of Abu Dhabi, at least two destinations can capitalize on the perception of insularity, while at the same time offering high levels of comfort and accessibility. This text seeks to provide an overview on the matter, and enters a conceptual dimension about the singularity of remoteness, as a complement rather than an opposition to urban centrality. To do so, the insular condition is applied to an island and an oasis in analogous terms, through a heuristic-guided methodology.

Keywords

• heritage tourism
• remoteness
• aridity
• sustainability
• economic growth