Like many of us, Taj Burrow had little experience with the Middle East before its waves became a talking point. “I’d only ever passed through Dubai airport,” TB told Stab. “So arriving and seeing these man-made cities, islands, and landscapes was surreal. It felt like stepping into the future, but on another planet.”
In recent years, the Middle East has been unapologetically ambitious in its quest to attract global visitors. Central to this effort is the Tourism Strategy 2030, unveiled by the Department of Culture and Tourism in April 2024. With a $10 billion investment plan, the region is reshaping its tourism infrastructure, focusing heavily on world-class sports facilities and hosting high-profile events.
