Dubai voted best destination in Middle East

Dubai was named the Middle East's leading tourism destination at the region's World Travel Awards ceremony last night (May 5th).

Jumeirah in Dubai picked up the accolade for the Middle East's leading hotel, while Emirates was voted the best economy airline.

Etihad Airways was named the best overall carrier in the Middle East and Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island won the award for the region's leading tourism development project.

Winners outside the United Arab Emirates included the Petra archaeological site in Jordan, which was voted the Middle East's top tourist attraction.

Graham Cooke, founder of the World Travel Awards, said: "I am excited to see that the Middle East's tourism offering is quickly diversifying and new players are taking great interest in being destinations, airlines or hotels of choice.

"It is particularly impressive to note that some of the major award winners tonight are very new companies that have quickly set themselves to be leading players in the travel, tourism and hospitality business."

The next regional ceremony of the World Travel Awards will be held in Durban, South Africa later this month.

Posted by Kate, 06 May 2009 13:29

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• Abu Dhabi
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• Etihad