Coastal Tourism Sustainability in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Environment, Protected Areas, and Culture

Abstract

Introduction: The globalization of tourism has influenced human activity in coastal environments and consequently increased coastal tourism and tourism-associated activities everywhere, including the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Significance: Since coastal tourism activities usually fall along a continuum from sustainable to unsustainable, assessing the context of coastal tourism in Abu Dhabi is an urgent and unmet need. This thesis explores coastal tourism sustainability in Abu Dhabi across three major coastal characteristics – environment, protected areas, and culture. Methodology: The study employs a mixed-methods research design to develop insights on coastal tourism and delves into processes and stakeholder interactions across social, cultural, political, economic, and environmental factors impacting sustainability. Results: Sustainable coastal tourism in Abu Dhabi is a dynamic interaction between components of culture, environment, society, tourism, and development that support the natural characteristics of the region. This outcome is the result of a strong relationship between regional identity and the natural environment, signifying its heritage and culture as a maritime and coastal Emirate. Despite the robust policies and potential for integrating sustainable tourism practices, there is a lack of awareness on what constitutes environmentally responsible tourism, as well as conflicting stakeholder perspectives which can hinder the efficient management and development of coastal environments. Conclusion: This research provides public sector brokers with recommendations and strategies to incorporate sustainability in the development of coastal tourism characteristics. It also contributes to the evolving body of tourism literature relative to the field of marine and environmental affairs.