Abu Dhabi Government-owned Tourism Development and Investment Co (TDIC) plans to launch resorts projects worth up to 10 billion dirhams ($2.72 billion) this year and next year.

"We plan to start up new resorts from now through to the end of 2009 worth up to 10 billion dirhams," chief executive Lee Tabler told Reuters on the sidelines of a real estate exhibition, adding the company plans to have at least seven new resorts in the emirate.

Abu Dhabi is expected to receive 2 million visitors next year, up from about 1.7 million visitors this year, Tabler said.

TDIC, a company owned by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, expects to provide 20 percent of hotel room capacity for the capital by 2012, he added.

"There is an increased interest in this region especially with the new developments that are taking place and the natural assets, like the good weather," Tabler said. - Reuters