Sahel Al Emarat — Riviera of the Emirates

Sahel Al Emarat (Riviera of the Emirates), a new realisation or an untapped and pristine coastline yet to be truly recognised in the UAE?
One could consider the 30 kilometres of scenic seaboard between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, near the Ghantoot area, as the country's very own Sahel Al Emarat. This destination, a treasured land and second-home of the late Sheikh Zayed, has the potential to provide an unparalleled and authentic cultural, living and tourism experience while paying homage to the UAE's rich heritage. Perfectly positioned between two bustling emirates, Sahel Al Emarat encourages locals and visitors alike to call this coastal haven their second residence - and follow in the footsteps of Sheikh Zayed, living as he once did, among the country's flawless nature and picturesque environs.
The attributable characteristics of a 'Sahel' or 'Riviera' are universally renowned. Ask most people about their understanding of the word itself, and they will immediately start describing what's countlessly represented in movies and magazine shoots. Brightly coloured houses cascading down a mountainside to the sea, and fishing villages that appear to be plucked from an older, simpler point in time. Most name a Riviera by its country of origin, such as 'French' or 'Italian'; reinforcing the idea of an exotic tourist locale or a second home destination to residents of neighbouring cities.
Looking at regions around the world, many augment their allure by attaching 'Riviera' to their name, such as Miami Beach and Santa Barbara - both of which tout themselves as the American Riviera. Though some have large ports, the economic focus for most has shifted to tourism as their sun-kissed shores and wealth of amenities keep the attraction growing.
Moreover, with its beautiful long beaches and forests, the East End of the Hamptons has long been the place to escape the hectic city life and scorching summer heat of New York City. From the North Fork, with its fishing villages and quaint towns to the South Fork, where visitors and residents alike will find golf, equestrian tracts, boating and fine dining, there is something for everyone. Once a second-home escape for refuge-seeking urbanites, more school options, an improved infrastructure and the ability to telecommute has made Manhattan residents relocate permanently.
Much is the same with Cape Cod, which back in the 1950s had a permanent population of around 47,000. Now, 58,500 of the area's 160,000 or so homes are used seasonally. A 2017 story in the Cape Cod Times reported that nearly 20 per cent of the almost 1,300 second-home owners studied in a report plan on converting the home to a primary residence, which translates to 11,000 more year-round homes and 20,000 more people on the Cape in the next 20 years.
In addition, whether it is the Mexican Riviera around Acapulco or the Chinese Riviera of Zhuhai, these coastal areas generate income for their local economies from tourism expenditure as well as the export and import of related goods. Taxes derived from tourism employment income along with taxes and duties on goods and services add to the bottom line for those regions, and their value as second home investment destinations remains solid even during times of recession.
The 2008 economic crisis provides a perfect example - while housing prices in France slipped 20-30 per cent, business publication Financial Times reported that 'ultra-prime' real estate on the French Riviera remained stable. In Miami, tourism pumped $23.8 billion (Dh87.4 billion) to the economy in 2015 and employed 145,000 people in 2017, while just 45 minutes north, Fort Lauderdale's beaches are estimated to generate $28 billion in property taxes from second-home residents alone.
Second-home tourism has long been a significant part of many of these regions' economic base. Considering themselves 'semi-residents' rather than tourists, second-home owners have an equal and vested interest in ensuring the surrounding environment is well-maintained and developed in a sustainable manner.
The importance of tourism for the global economy is undeniable. The World Travel & Tourism Council estimates that in 2017, travel and tourism generated 10.4 per cent of the global GDP and 313 million jobs - 9.9 per cent of total employment opportunities in the world.
In addition to offering a first-class getaway, Sahel Al Emarat has the potential to strongly impact the region's economic dynamics through creating multiple jobs, attracting homeowners seeking an exceptional lifestyle, and presenting international investors with an attractive option as a second-home destination.
Meanwhile, planning a sustainable tourism development strategy at an early stage - including water and energy saving measures, waste minimisation and use of eco-friendly materials - will mitigate the environmental impact of tourism on the area to a great extent.
IMKAN's passion for creating sustainability-centred experiences is poised to equip Sahel Al Emarat with all the key elements to become one of the world's premier Riviera destinations.
The seed has been planted. Watch it grow.
Visit: www.SahelAlEmarat.com

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