Category Archives: Exhibitions

Retail Abu Dhabi indicates record sales figures of AED 2.4 billion were achieved on Visa cards in participating stores alone during the recent Abu Dhabi Winter Shopping Season. Alongside global partner, Visa, it is reported that total transactions using Visa cards during the campaign grew by 17% compared to last year, engaging 21 malls and over 3,500 participating stores in the emirate. “Following on from Retail Abu Dhabi’s successful 2020 Unbox Amazing summer campaign, which demonstrated the sector’s strong COVID-19 resilience, the emirate’s retail sector has once again shown its maturity and agility with Abu Dhabi Winter Shopping Season,” said HE Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at DCT Abu Dhabi. “As our most effective winter season campaign to date, the winter campaign has consolidated Abu Dhabi’s standing as a leading regional shopping destination, amplified with robust strategic alliances delivering first-in-region consumer experiences. This includes the introduction of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Beauty Week, which underlines Retail Abu Dhabi’s position as a platform for innovation across multiple retail segments. “The legacy of both Abu Dhabi Winter Shopping Season and Abu Dhabi Beauty Week presents a slew of opportunities to expand the emirate’s retail and beauty sectors for future editions and leaves us very optimistic as we continue to navigate this ‘new normal’ together.” Rabih Al Hajri, Acting Executive Director of Abu Dhabi Business Center, Department of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi, praised the strong collaboration: “The Department of Economic Development aims to support the rebound of Abu Dhabi’s business and tourism sectors. In partnership with DCT-Abu Dhabi, the seasonal retail campaigns, including the Abu Dhabi Winter Shopping Season, played an active role in supporting the recovery …

Tourism Malaysia pledged partnership for the second consecutive time at the second edition of the Gulf Travel Show on 31st March and 1st April 2021 as diamond partners. Tourism Malaysia will have its own pavilion with 13 booths consisting of Tourism Malaysia Dubai, Tourism Malaysia Jeddah, Tourism Malaysia India with 3 DMC/Tour Operator partners, and 7 hotels and resorts from different areas in the country. This platform will allow them to share the necessary precautions that they have implemented to ensure the safety of all travellers that will come when the borders open. Manoharan Periasamy, Senior Director of International Promotion Asia & Africa Division – Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board said, “India and Middle East market has been a key source market for us mainly due to the historical and traditional ties we have with them. Summer has always been a key Middle East market driver as we receive many travellers during this period whilst the month of May is the peak for Indian tourists. Over the past year, the pandemic however did hinder the situation, but now we are preparing once again to welcome our friends from India and the Middle East to a safer destination that would provide them what they require in terms of a secure, family-friendly holiday escape. Our partnership for the second consecutive time with the virtual event Gulf Travel Show provides us the opportunity to renew partnerships and seek new connections that will help us when the time is right.” Shahrin Mokhtar, Director of Tourism Malaysia – Dubai shared, “Tourism Malaysia Dubai, Jeddah & India join forces with major tourism partners to spearhead Malaysia promotion in Virtual Gulf Travel Show 2021. Tourism Malaysia has become …

Hotel Show Dubai has launched an initiative for region’s hospitality community from February 18-27, 2021. Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has organised the 10-day event which will see a select group of popular hotels on Sheikh Zayed Road transformed by night into illuminated beacons of hospitality. Each hotel has been partnered with an internationally acclaimed lighting design firm with full creative license to construct a custom exterior façade installation under the theme titled a ‘Celebration of Lighting and Hospitality’. “Following an extremely challenging trading year for the hospitality industry in 2020, and the knock-on effect that the pandemic has had on those industry sectors that support tourism GDP contribution, we wanted to shine a light on the importance of this vital economic backbone,” said Jasmeet Bakshi, Group Event Director at dmg events – the organizer of The Hotel Show Dubai. “Dubai has been a tourism pioneer for decades, from planning and delivering its architecturally iconic skyline to developing an exceptional tourism offering that attracted 16 million tourists in 2019. Illuminate Dubai is a wonderful opportunity for us to highlight our work and the ever-evolving appeal of the emirate’s hospitality sector,” said David McNeil, Director of dpa lighting consultants. For Samer Moukalled, Vice President of headline sponsor Scientechnic Lighting Solutions, “The hospitality industry has long been a backbone to the thriving tourism sector of the UAE, and the idea of using light to reestablish its importance is a major boon for lighting experts like myself. Lighting is often termed the unsung hero and Illuminate Dubai has created a platform to showcase its true power. We are lighting up the city, and what better medium than on the facades …

Over the past year TravTalk has been instrumental in keeping the industry positive with their signature Digital conclaves. As we embark on a new year with a novel line of thought consisting a set of brand new trends, vaccinations and digital passports spreading its hope once again in the industry, we will have a tête-à-tête with stalwarts in the industry about an exclusive update. The first TravTalk digital conclave for 2021 kicks off on 23rd February 2021 with 6 key industry leaders in two sessions back to back. The first session will focus on Vaccination and the second wave of covid; where is travel headed? From 11.30 am to 12.30pm (UAE time) with Mamoun Hmedan – Managing Director  EMEA- Wego, Arijit Munshi- General Manager EMEAI -Tune Protect and Ramsumesh Menon – Chief Executive Officer -Go Gosaibi Travel  – Bahrain. Wellness tourism is an integral part in the Middle East the second session will focus on finding happiness through wellness tourism. The session starts by 1pm (UAE time) until 2pm with Laszlo Puczko -CEO & Co-founder – Health Tourism Worldwide, Linda Abdulla – CEO and Founder – Oryx Healthcare Consultancy and Kathryn Moore – Founder and Managing Director Spa Connectors, Global

Dubai Airshow 2021 will serve as a platform to showcase the role of cutting edge technologies in bolstering the recovery of the aviation, aerospace and defence industries following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on those sectors. The impact of the pandemic has accelerated the use of new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, cybersecurity, touchless solutions, 5G, robotics, and automation. These solutions serve as a means to drive new opportunities within the industry and enhance safety, operations, productivity and profitability. As part of Dubai Airshow 2021, aerospace companies from across the world will launch and exhibit their latest technologies and innovations to promote the sector’s growth in the region and the world. The event will also include conference programmes dedicated to the topics of AI, 5G, and cybersecurity. Commenting on its partnership with VISTA at Dubai Airshow 2021, Elodie Robin-Guillerm from Gothams said, “The start-up ecosystem is thriving not just with ideas, but also with innovative startups and investors looking to help businesses scale up and expand. Dubai Airshow 2021 will be an important, in-person, platform for understanding the role of innovation, cutting-edge solutions and services for the future growth of the aerospace sectors. It will be the only live event of its kind this year and we look forward to collaborating with the wider industry to help showcase the power of technology for its future.”

Second edition of the Singapore Tourism Board Virtual Roadshow to be held on Wednesday February 3, 2021 from 10am to 4pm UAE time. Sentosa Development Corporation will partner with the event and travel trade partners from the Middle East will have the opportunity to meet them one on one. Jacqueline Low, Director of Sales, Business and Channel Development, Sentosa Development Corporation stated that they will update the latest offerings, “ We will be providing updates on Sentosa’s latest offerings to help our partners plan their itineraries for when travel resumes for more markets, and provide assurance that Sentosa is ready to welcome guests, anytime they are ready.” She further reiterated, “Sentosa has an array of personalized and intimate experiences that can appeal to the Middle East travellers. With a steady increase of Middle East travelers to Singapore, this can mean new source market(s) for the island businesses to develop.With travel restrictions still in place, a face to face interaction may not happen so soon. A virtual roadshow allows us to share what Sentosa has to offer. This helps us strengthen the awareness and increase the mindshare of our beautiful island in Middle East while we await earnestly to welcome their visit.”,

Singapore Tourism Board (STB) will conducts its second virtual roadshow on Wednesday February 3, 2021 from 10am to 4pm UAE time. Beverly Au Yong, Area Director, Middle East, Singapore Tourism Board, shared  “Through the virtual trade roadshow, Singapore Tourism Board in Middle East is offering an opportunity to Singapore stakeholders to share reimagined initiatives and offers with the regional trade partners. Singapore Tourism Board will continue engage its travel trade partners to provide support through these challenging times. The virtual roadshow provides an exclusive opportunity for the regional travel trade partners to virtually connect with multiple service providers in Singapore. This platform allows our trade partners to deepen their ties, discuss business opportunity and get updates about the various services, offers and products available in Singapore following the pandemic.”  

According to research conducted as well as commissioned by Reed Travel Exhibitions, the organiser of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), many travel experts are expecting a surge in workations in 2021 and beyond, a trend that was apparent in 2019, but one which now has such pent-up demand due to the coronavirus travel restrictions. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, which will take place live at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) May 16-19, 2021, said, “The hotel industry in the Middle East has gradually started to recover, especially in places such as Dubai. Staycations created the initial demand after lockdown, the next step has been the continued growth of workations, which are also referred to as bleisure stays, which tend to bring in more visitors from overseas. Longer term, the ‘on the go’ executive will be a far more common sight in hotels, whether it’s Gen Z singletons, millennial professionals, or freelancers who can earn a living from a laptop,” added Curtis. “And on that point, as an example, Dubai has introduced a remote visa programme that would entitle visitors to stay for up to 12 months, with access to co-working spaces and government support services,” said Curtis. “Covid-19 has completely disrupted the traditional office culture and the hospitality sector has been quick to offer alternative solutions for those looking to combine working from home with leisure time. The introduction of the workation concept is not just a novel idea, it’s about making adjustments to meet the new market demands, allowing those who are not currently working from their office to enjoy a luxury hospitality experience whilst continuing their work commitments,” said Mark Kirby, COO of Emaar Hospitality. …

Residents and visitors can enjoy sensational winter sun getaways with an exclusive selection of hotel deals and promotions on offer this Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF). Running until 30 January, there’s still plenty of time to check-in to some of the city’s best five-star properties, beachfront getaways and neighbourhood retreats. Wintertime in Dubai is when the city really comes to life, with the wonderful combination of picture-perfect weather, blue skies and amazing offers and entertainment available as part of DSF’s superb lineup of activities, promotions and much more. Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), organisers of DSF, has highlighted some of the best deals available so residents and visitors can enjoy days filled with sun-soaked shopping experiences and cool evenings relaxing with friends and family at a hotel of their choice. After a hard day’s shopping at the DSF sales, guests staying at the Rixos the Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites can unwind in a luxurious rejuvenation treatment available as part of the property’s indulgent self-care holiday offer. The promotion includes 25 per cent off all-inclusive stay rates, a complimentary 30-minute body massage per person, once per stay, and 20 per cent off massages and hammam treatments throughout the stay. Located on the banks of the historic Dubai Creek and a short stroll from some of the city’s oldest and most eclectic neighbourhoods, the Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef hotel is the perfect choice for residents and visitors looking to discover the Dubai Shopping Festival Market at Al Seef Presented by Al Foah as well as historic old Dubai. This DSF, the hotel is offering a great deal for foodies looking to indulge in traditional Mediterranean-style seafood and international dishes …

Al Barakah International Investment revealed the latest progress of Abu Dhabi’s much-anticipated waterfront social dining and entertainment destination. Commenting on the progress of Al Qana and the market situation, Fouad Mashal, CEO of Al Barakah International Investment, developer of Al Qana said, “Al Qana is our ultimate touristic project that will provide a very unique experience we all envision for the Entertainment and Tourism sectors in the UAE. As the tourism sector recovers from the travel restrictions due to the pandemic, Al Qana would be ready to receive visitors in 2021. We are almost there, and it will be worth the wait! 2021 is the year we and the UAE celebrate the country’s 50th anniversary.“Our top priority is to adapt to the new social norms in place to ensure the safety of visitors coming to this special social destination. Our team is working on new protocols and procedures with the relevant authorities to ensure the required guidelines are applied fully at our premises. There are exciting times ahead of us and Al Qana will be a unique contribution to this.” Stuart Gissing, General Manager of Al Qana said: “There are high expectations for Al Qana, a cornerstone development for the future of the UAE. It’s the realization of a seven-year vision from Al Barakah International Investment that will positively enhance Abu Dhabi’s reputation. We are committed to bring to the market a new way of experiencing entertainment. We are not a mall but a vibrant lifestyle destination of entertainment for all age brackets.”