In its efforts to diversify its oil dependant economy, Abu Dhabi is expected to pump $230bn in tourism projects over the next five years according to a government official. The investments are part of Abu Dhabi's long term plan to expand its non oil sectors. Azhari Issa, an economic researcher at the Department of Economy, said hotel earnings surged to Dhs4.3bn in 2008 from Dhs2.5bn in 2007.