Destination Description
Shaikh Zayed Mosque is a major tourist destination in the United Arab Emirates. The mosque is located in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan initiated the mosque. This structure depicts the best Islamic architecture in the UAE. Many people from different parts of the globe visit this mosque (Words from His Highness, the Minister of Presidential Affairs, 2014). The mosque offers new opportunities for discovery and learning.
My Sense of Shaikh Zayed Mosque
This mosque is one of my best structures in the United Arab Emirates (Cooke, 2014). The majestic structure is a good example of fashionable Islamic architectural design. The columns, carpets, and enormous chandeliers give the mosque the best image (Hammond, 2012). The mosque gives the best experience to every individual who wants to appreciate its magnificence and artistic splendor.
Direct Competitors
The mosque is a leading tourist destination in the UAE. The mosque faces direct competition from other structures such as the Burj Khalifa. The competition also comes from Al-Bidyah Mosque (Kolb, 2006). The mosque is an archaeological destination thus making it a leading competitor. The Sharjah Arts Museum is one of the best places to study Islamic art. This destination offers diverse objects and art collections in the UAE.
The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization (SMIC) displays some of the best religious documents and manuscripts (Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, 2014). This destination attracts visitors who want to focus on the region’s Islamic culture and history. The Bastakia Quarter is also a magnificent heritage site. The competition also comes from various mosques such as Al Tajir, Al Habtoor, Abu Hail, Port Saeed, and Al Noor.
SWOT Analysis
Destination Branding
The destination uses every opportunity to inform the people about its features. The mosque advertises every exhibition and activity. The practices at the mosque always attract more visitors. The mosque communicates to more visitors using its website. The features in the mosque, such as chandeliers, carpet, and lighting systems make the mosque a spectacular destination (Planet, 2012).
Target Group
The mosque attracts every person interested in the people’s culture and tradition. The visitors should have “a positive attitude about the culture of the United Arab Emirates” (Davidson, 2012, p. 43). This explains why the destination attracts every Muslim from different parts of the globe. Most of the visitors are aged between 18 and 55.
Summarized Analysis of the Destination
The above strengths make the mosque one of the best tourist destinations in the region. The mosque provides new opportunities for discovery and learning. The visitor programs at the mosque continue to attract more people (Thomas, 2009). The SWOT Analysis explains why this mosque is one of the best tourist destinations in the UAE. Every visitor enjoys the splendor and tranquility of the mosque.
Improving the Destination
The country can improve this destination by informing more people about its programs. Improving security at the mosque will also attract more visitors. The mosque can also include new programs to attract more people. The mosque can examine the strengths of its direct competitors and make the best adjustments. This practice will eventually make the mosque one of the best destinations in the region.
Reference List
Cooke, M. (2014). Tribal Modern: Branding New Nations in the Arab Gulf. Berkeley: University of California Press.
Davidson, C. (2012). After the Sheikhs: The Coming Collapse of the Gulf Monarchies. New York: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd.
Hammond, A. (2012). The Islamic Utopia: The Illusion of Reform in Saudi Arabia. New York: Pluto Press.
Kolb, B. (2006). Tourism Marketing for Cities and Towns: Using Branding and Events to Attract Tourists. New York: Routledge.
Planet, L. (2012). Lonely Planet Pocket Dubai (Travel Guide). New York: Planet Publishers.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center. (2014). Web.
Thomas, G. (2009). Frommer’s Dubai and Abu Dhabi Day by Day. New York: John Wiley and Sons.
Words from His Highness, the Minister of Presidential Affairs. (2014). Web.