Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) said despite the global economic uncertainty, all previously-announced tourism projects will be delivered according to plan this year.

These include Qasr Al Sarab, the project developed by Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) and managed by Thai hospitality operator Anantara Resorts and Spas, which is due to open this October.

The ADTA said the emirate's accommodation space will increase by more than 3,000 rooms this year in time for November's Etihad 2009 Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Seven hotels on Yas Island are being progressed by Aldar, one of the emirate's leading developers and will be ready in time to welcome Grand Prix visitors.

And later this year the emirate will also witness the opening of the Middle East's first aloft property - and with 480 rooms the world's largest - which is being built at the Capital Centre complex of Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

'Besides hotels, Abu Dhabi has launched many new exciting new events this year,' said ADTA tourism standards director Nasser Al Reyami during the authorities participation in ITB Berlin, one of the world's major travel shows.

'The inaugural Abu Dhabi Yacht Show, which runs this weekend has already been well received by the global yachting industry.

'The successful Gourmet Abu Dhabi has just taken place and brought with a Michelin star-studded cast and has quickly joined the ranks of the world's leading gourmet festivals.'

'The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is our newest event and will appeal to motorsport fans.'

The airline industry is also demonstrating its confidence in the destination's future, he added.-TradeArabia News Service