5 April 2012

Tent Tours, created by 31-year-old Emirati Mohamed Al-Ameri, can be found in the show’s Abu Dhabi pavilion. The company is targeting clients who want a get a real feel for Abu Dhabi and experience tours with a distinct ‘local’ flavour. Mohammed’s passion for tourism was first sparked by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority’s Ambassador initiative and later when he qualified as a licenced tour guide through the authority’s training programme, the company offers tailor-made tours which take visitors to the heart of Emirati culture. Having first qualified as an electrical engineer and then worked in the government for eight years, Mohamed opted to go-it-alone with his own tourism business “because this business is just me, and I love it,” he says. Tent Tours – with its strapline ‘Taste The Hospitality’ – has seven mainline tours in its portfolio one of which ‘Be Emirati’ is aimed a VIP clientele and include a visit to Mohamed’s own home. “It’s aimed at visitors experiencing living life Emirati style,” said Mohamed. “They get the chance to know more about our culture and heritage by tasting local food, wearing the clothes and joining in our leisure activities. It’s all built around the understanding that the rich culture will bring joy to every tourist’s heart and increase their knowledge of Emiratis and their country.” Other Tent Tours products include visitors to attractions in the emirate’s heritage heartland of Al Ain or joining in a 360 Degrees tour around Abu Dhabi Island, enjoying the skyline of the UAE capital, passing by many natural islands and mangrove forests and taking time out at Mohamed’s favourite coffee shops for great food and ambience and networking with his friends.