UAE named as one of the world`s top tourist destinations

Dubai, December 19, SPA -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has
remained as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world
according to an independent global study, gaining solid ground on the
strength of its superior variety of accommodation options.

FutureBrand's Country Brand Index (CBI) 2008 study ranks the UAE as
one of the 'rising stars' among the world's top tourist destinations,
while putting the country once again on top in the "Resort and
Lodging Options" category in which the UAE placed well ahead of
countries such as the United States of America, the Maldives and
Australia.

Now in its fourth straight year, the CBI is a comprehensive study of
over 2,700 international business and leisure travelers from nine
countries conducted by FutureBrand, a leading global brand
consultancy and part of the Interpublic Group of Companies, according
to a report of the UAE news agency "WAM".

CBI 2008 includes rankings and trends and takes into consideration
various travel motivations, challenges and opportunities within the
worlds of travel, tourism and country branding.

--SPA