Turkey’s tourism landscape is expanding beyond popular spots like Istanbul and Cappadocia, with new attractions such as Artvin and Göbeklitepe enhancing its allure, according to a top diplomat.
Onur Saylan, Turkey’s Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, stated that tourism is a core element of the longstanding relationship between Turkey and the UAE.
“Turkey is a preferred destination for our Emirati friends. However, they mainly visit cities like Istanbul, Trabzon, Yalova, and Bursa. We are striving to diversify by introducing alternatives like Artvin and new narratives such as Göbeklitepe,” Saylan mentioned in an interview with Khaleej Times during an event celebrating Turkey’s 102nd National Day in Dubai.
Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, attended as the chief guest, while Ambassador Lütfullah Göktaş and Saylan welcomed diplomats, businessmen, and the Turkish community in Dubai.
In his address, the Consul General emphasized the strong friendship between the UAE and Turkey and praised the leadership of both nations for the enhanced trade, economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties. “The 102nd anniversary of our Republic was celebrated in Turkey and globally. Our compatriots, friends, and family across the world, including Dubai, joined us,” he remarked.
Emerging Tourist Destinations
Saylan highlighted that new tourist attractions complement Turkey’s deep history, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes, offering travelers a unique mix of experiences. The future of Turkish tourism is set to be diverse, authentic, and exploratory.
“From ancient marvels to untouched natural beauty, Turkey is cementing its status as a global tourism leader, inviting visitors to discover its famous landmarks along with hidden gems,” the Consul General added.
Turkey aims to attract 65 million tourists by 2025, building on past successes and expanding market reach, including the UAE. It is a top destination for Emiratis and GCC nationals, known for its blend of history, nature, shopping, and health tourism.
“We are also reaching out to other expatriate groups in the UAE, as the trend of returning to one’s home country is shifting. Our goal is to draw them to diverse regions of Turkey,” Saylan explained.
The Consul General praised the role of Turkish Airlines in promoting tourism, noting the significant contribution of travelers from the GCC region to Turkey’s tourism sector.
“Turkish Airlines is our main partner in this effort. We organize fam-trips and alternative tourism packages in collaboration with our national carrier,” he noted.
Turkish Airlines continues to grow its presence in the UAE, serving both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. As it marks 44 years in the UAE, it is doubling its Abu Dhabi flights to enhance Gulf connectivity, focusing on reliability and growth in one of the most competitive aviation markets.
“A rich element of our culture is Turkish cuisine. This year, we launched the ‘7 Regions and 7 Cuisines Culinary Series,’ showcasing the diverse cuisines and cultures of Turkey’s seven regions. By bringing chefs and ingredients from each region, we introduce their food, culture, and people to the local audience,” the Consul General said.
Onur Saylan greeting a guest at the reception as Lütfullah Göktaş observes.
Exploring Business Opportunities
Saylan noted that Dubai continues to be a favored destination for Turkish people, particularly businessmen and investors exploring UAE opportunities.
“Dubai has long attracted the Turkish business community, and we’ve seen a noticeable increase in this trend over the past three years. More Turkish entrepreneurs from various sectors are coming to the Emirates daily,” he observed.
Historically focused on trade, Turkish manufacturers now seek production opportunities in the Emirates to distribute their products globally.
“We prioritize this trend and support our business community in investing in the UAE. Free zones and investment parks play a crucial role, with strong support from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and the newly established Ministry of Investment,” the Consul General stated.
“We are maximizing the ‘fair and exhibition ecosystem’ of the Northern Emirates, as thousands of Turkish manufacturers, traders, and artisans visit Dubai and other Emirates annually to showcase their products and connect with peers,” he continued.
Saylan praised Dubai’s robust financial and business infrastructure, highlighting its business-friendly environment, advanced banking, and easy capital access that attract global investors.
“Together with our Financial Attaché, we host events to create connections between our business community and UAE’s local and international banks. We encourage local banks to offer tailored solutions for our entrepreneurs,” he said.
“Ultimately, the more Turkish businesses in Dubai thrive, the stronger the ties between our countries become. Since the signing of Cepa in 2021, we’ve been setting records in trade volume, with Turkey now the UAE’s fourth-largest trading partner,” he noted.
The Consul General credited this success to the visionary leadership of both countries and expressed a desire to strengthen relations further in the coming years.
“There is much more we can achieve together to deepen bilateral relations and enhance our strategic partnership,” Saylan concluded.
