Abu Dhabi brought largest-ever delegation to UK for Experience Abu Dhabi Roadshow 2026

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) successfully concluded its Experience Abu Dhabi UK Roadshow 2026, which took place across London on 10 August, Chester on 12 August and, for the first time, Glasgow on 13 August.

Representing the largest Abu Dhabi trade delegation ever to visit the UK, the roadshow brought together more than 30 hoteliers, attractions, destination management companies, airlines and tourism partners for a series of engagements with the UK travel trade.

The programme reflected Abu Dhabi’s continued commitment to one of its most important international source markets and provided a valuable platform to strengthen relationships with travel advisors, tour operators and industry stakeholders across the country.

Designed to keep partners informed and connected, the roadshow shared the latest updates on Abu Dhabi’s evolving tourism landscape, including new attractions, hotel openings, cultural experiences and major developments continuing to enhance the visitor experience.

Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The UK remains one of Abu Dhabi’s most important international source markets, and this year’s roadshow marked our largest-ever engagement with the UK travel trade. The programme provided an important opportunity to strengthen those relationships, share the latest developments across the emirate and ensure our partners have the knowledge and support needed to confidently position Abu Dhabi to their clients.

“As our destination continues to grow, with new attractions, cultural institutions, hospitality offerings and major events, we remain focused on working closely with our partners to unlock new opportunities and sustain long-term growth. It was a pleasure to engage with the travel trade across the UK and showcase what makes Abu Dhabi such a compelling destination for travellers today.”
Attendees gained insight into a destination continuing to evolve through significant investment in culture, entertainment and leisure. Future additions to Abu Dhabi’s tourism offering highlighted during the roadshow included Topgolf Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Abu Dhabi, Disneyland Abu Dhabi and Sphere Abu Dhabi, alongside a growing portfolio of attractions, events and hospitality experiences designed to appeal to a broad range of travellers.

The UK remains one of Abu Dhabi’s strongest-performing international markets, with continued demand for the emirate’s blend of culture, luxury, family experiences, outdoor adventure and year-round events. Through the roadshow, DCT Abu Dhabi equipped trade partners with the latest destination knowledge and practical tools to support future growth and drive greater consideration among UK travellers.

The in-person programme was complemented by a Virtual Roadshow, which ran from 29 June to 13 July on the Hablo platform. The initiative featured daily video presentations, destination updates and interactive content, enabling travel professionals across the UK to engage with Abu Dhabi partners and build their destination knowledge ahead of the live events.

The roadshow was sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Al Ain, Etihad Airways and Miral Destinations. Participating partners included Louvre Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi, Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi National Hotels and a range of leading tourism and hospitality organisations from across the emirate.

Travel professionals can become a certified Experience Abu Dhabi Expert through the official partner training site. For more information, visit Abu Dhabi Experts.

Experience Abu Dhabi UK Roadshow 2026 itinerary

Monday, 10 August: The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
Wednesday, 12 August: Chester Racecourse, ‘The Final Furlong’
Thursday, 13 August: The Corinthian Club, Glasgow

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture, creative and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. DCT Abu Dhabi works to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit dctabudhabi.ae and visitabudhabi.ae