Category Archives: Govt

Saudi Arabia expands visitor e-visa to eight additional countries

Saudi Arabia will grant visitor e-visas to travellers from eight newly-eligible countries: Albania, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, South Africa, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan for leisure, business and religious (Umrah only) travel. Nationals of these countries can apply for a Saudi visitor visa ahead of their journey via the official e-visa portal at visitsaudi.com/en/travel-regulations Saudi is reimaging the tourism experience, with the famously warm and generous Saudi welcome – known as Hafawah – at the heart of its plans. The visitor e-visa is valid for an entire year, grants multiple entries and permits a stay of up to 90 days. And Visit Saudi offers an online trip planner for visitors to create custom itineraries with ease. From visiting Saudi’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, snorkeling and diving in Saudi’s Red Sea – one of the world’s most spectacular undiscovered diving spots, wandering Taif’s world-famous Rose Gardens, shopping like a local in Riyadh’s Deira Souq, chartering the unknown on land in the lush, green Asir region and tasting Saudi’s diverse and delicious culinary scene from fragrant Arabic dishes to internationally-renowned fine dining restaurants, there is something for everyone. Since launching the e-visa program in 2019, Saudi welcomed 93.5 million visits in 2022, a 93% increase compared to 2021, resulting in a tourism spend of SAR185 billion (USD49 billion). This rapid tourism growth is due to expanding visa initiatives, which now include 57 nations and two special administrative regions, compared to the initial 49 countries at the program’s launch. In 2022, Saudi extended regulations to provide a visitor e-visa to holders of valid Schengen, United Kingdom and United States of America visas that have been used to enter those countries before arriving in Saudi …

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Royal Commission of AlUla partners with IUCN to streamline global accountability

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has partnered with IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) to launch an innovative new conservation assessment tool that will boost the ability of nature reserve managers to benchmark their efforts against global standards and enhance the long-term accountability and success of environmental protection and conservation programs. The new IBEX V1.0 tool is a comprehensive yet easy to use system for the evaluation and review of protected areas, with ongoing conservation work checked and measured for its alignment with critical standards laid out by the IUCN’s Green List certification. Recognised as the global best practice for the comprehensive, fair, and effective protection of threatened flora and fauna, IUCN’s Green List standard provides expert guidance to help environmental and conservation programs achieve sustained, and sustainable, results in diverse protected areas. By following the measures required by IUCN’s Green List, protected ecosystems are given the best chance of being able to thrive and contribute value to surrounding landscapes and communities. Any biodiversity conservation site can join IUCN’s Green List and work its way towards achieving verified success by maintaining the high standards needed, which includes demonstrating: Respect: for the local community through fair and meaningful engagement of rights-holders and stakeholders Design: planning that identifies the need to secure the important values of the area Effective management: monitoring of the status of these important values Successful conservation results: for nature and for people Clear contribution: to climate change responsibilities, health and wellbeing and other challenges The new tool allows managers to submit detailed information for self-assessment, with criteria applied across the 50 core areas that need to be met in accordance with best IUCN’s practices, including  governance, …

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Red Sea Global on track to plant 50 million mangrove trees by 2030 with launch of dedicated nursery

Red Sea Global (RSG) successfully opened its first mangrove nursery. The project will support the delivery of RSG’s aim to plant 50 million mangrove trees by 2030. The initiative closely aligns with the national objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and RSG’s commitment to conserving and revitalizing the Kingdom’s Red Sea coast, underpinned by an overarching ambition to deliver a 30 percent net conservation benefit by 2040. “We hold the utmost respect for the environment in which we operate and recognize it as our most valuable asset. It is our shared obligation to not only safeguard it, but also proactively enhance it wherever possible. The successful opening of our Mangrove Nursery is a testament to that unyielding dedication to the preservation and rejuvenation of the Red Sea coastline,” said John Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea Global. “While we will continue to explore novel approaches, embrace cutting-edge methodologies, and utilize innovate technology, often nature already provides the greatest solutions. The power of mangrove forests to store carbon, to manage flooding and stabilize coastlines, and to provide shelter for fish and other organisms, makes them one of nature’s super ecosystems. Our Mangrove Nursery will increase numbers of mangroves and boost biodiversity, ensuring we reach the environmental ambitions we have set ourselves.” The seedlings will be cared for in the nursery for approximately eight months until they grow to 80cm, at which point they will be carefully transplanted in designated mangrove parks within the destination. RSG’s experts chose to cultivate native mangrove species to increase the chances of survival, such as the Rhizophora Mucronate (red mangrove) and the Avicenna Marina (gray mangrove). Raed Albasseet, Group Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer at RSG, …

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Red Sea Global launches third batch of Red Sea vocational training program

Red Sea Global (RSG) signed an agreement to launch the third batch of its Red Sea vocational training program, in partnership with the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) and King Abdulaziz University (KAU) under the vision of His Highness Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, Governor of Jeddah. The program, launched on July 25, 2023, will consist of three tracks that will serve Red Sea Global’s destinations: Hospitality, Tourism Security and Information Technology. Admission is open to all Saudis who meet the requirements via RSG’s website. Successful graduates will be employed at either Red Sea Global or one of its partners. “Through this partnership, we will be creating a substantial pool of qualified professionals with the skills and resources needed to establish a new and successful tourism industry in the Kingdom,” said RSG Group CEO John Pagano. RSG’s vocational training programs are a demonstration of its commitment to supporting young Saudis to participate in the growth of the Kingdom’s promising tourism sector and positioning the country on the global tourism map. Last Wednesday at King Abdulaziz University, RSG and HRDF celebrated the graduation of the first batch of the Red Sea Vocational Training Program students, giving them the title of ‘Tourism Generation’. The ceremony was attended by His Highness Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi and a number of top officials, in addition to the graduates and their parents.

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DET launches ‘Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp’

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has announced the launch of the ‘Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp’, a new sustainability initiative that seeks to recognise hotels with the highest adherence to DET’s 19 ‘Sustainability Requirements’. The initiative, launched in line with the UAE Year of Sustainability, is part of DET’s commitment to strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading sustainable tourism destination. Developed in collaboration with Dubai’s hospitality sector, the new stamp is designed to accelerate efforts towards empowering the tourism sector to achieve its sustainability goals and support the UAE’s NetZero 2050 initiative. As Dubai continually strives to achieve the objectives outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, the initiative will contribute to further consolidating the city’s status as one of the top three global destinations. The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp will serve as a validation of the hotel’s dedication to sustainability and showcase its sustainable practices. To obtain the stamp, hotels of all classifications must meet the highest standards of DET’s 19 Sustainability requirements, which include criteria such as energy and water efficiency, waste management programmes, and staff education and engagement initiatives. The accreditation process will be overseen by a committee of senior industry professionals to ensure integrity and independence, with the initiative designed based on global best practices. The stamp will feature a three-tier scheme with categories ranging from Gold, Silver and Bronze. Nominations for hotel establishments to obtain the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp will begin on 3 August, 2023 and end on 31 August, 2023. Yousuf Lootah, Acting CEO of Corporate Strategy and Performance sector, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism stated: “As part of our efforts to transform Dubai into a leading sustainable tourism destination in …

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NEOM partners employment forum, aims to unlock 1500 job opportunities for local talent

NEOM partners forum will see more than 1,500 job openings for local young talent from the NEOM and Tabuk regions who have successfully completed the registration process based on an evaluation to match their skills and backgrounds with available opportunities. Aiming to attract young people with potential who can take part in building the new future and contribute to NEOM’s development, the event has been established to provide prospective employees with the opportunity to apply for positions offered by leading local and international companies involved with NEOM. The job seekers will be able to submit their applications directly at the forum, as well as engage in networking activities and meet employers through in-person interviews. The second edition of “NEOM Partners Employment Forum” gets underway at Tabuk University, with the two-day event bringing together 20 major local and international companies from NEOM’s top partners involved in its various projects and sectors Attendees at the job fair will also benefit from sessions offering tips and guidance on developing professional resumes, excelling in job interviews and seamlessly landing career opportunities at the right place and time. In line with NEOM’s environmental sustainability efforts, all applications and submissions will be processed digitally to reduce the use of paper and preserve natural resources. Consistent with NEOM CSR strategy’s ‘Enhancing Quality of Life’ track, NEOM is organizing the forum to strengthen its ties with the local community, offer them exceptional livability standards, and develop for them a sustainable and thriving business environment that fosters innovation and supports ambition. Through its social responsibility strategy and development programs, NEOM continues to empower students, graduates and job seekers, supporting them to achieve their aspirations and unlock their full potential. …

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Dubai Chambers unveil Dubai Business Forum to be held in November this year

The prestigious event will be hosted at the city’s Madinat Jumeirah from 1–2 November 2023 under the theme ‘Shifting Economic Power: Dubai and the Future of Global Trade.’ Powered by Dubai Chambers, the transformational two-day forum will bring together key public and private sector stakeholders from across the globe to forge partnerships, cultivate international networks, and unlock a world of opportunities. It is set to bring together leaders from sectors including technology, retail, finance, travel and hospitality, real estate, and healthcare to participate in insightful discussions on transforming business for the future. Previously known as the Global Business Forum (GBF), the Dubai Business Forum is set to play an instrumental role in achieving the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). Announced in January 2023 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, D33’s ambitious blueprint features 100 projects aimed at doubling the size of Dubai’s economy over the coming decade and consolidating the emirate’s position among the top three global cities worldwide. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Chambers has announced the launch of the Dubai Business Forum. With Dubai leading the world across a wide range of industries, and particularly in future-facing sectors, the forum will gather visionary Heads of State, government officials, global business leaders, and major international investors to redefine the rules of success. Commenting on the launch of the forum, His Excellency Abdul Aziz Abdulla Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, said: “Shaping the future requires concerted efforts, and we remain fully dedicated …

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Dubai registers 44% growth in business event bid wins in H1 2023

Dubai’s stature as a global meetings incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) destination continues to soar with the city registering a strong year-on-year growth of 44% in business event bid wins in the first half of 2023. The outstanding growth in the number of global events being hosted by the city contributes further to its economic growth in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau and part of the Department of Economy and Tourism, worked with partners and stakeholders to win 143 conferences, congresses, meetings and incentives in the first six months of 2023. These events – which will take place over the coming years – are expected to bring over 94,000 additional visitors to the city, including global experts and leaders in their respective fields. The surge in event wins serves as a testament to the dynamic momentum of growth witnessed not only within Dubai’s business events sector but also across its broader economy in recent years. The events captured include 24 association conferences, congresses and meetings, which are set to contribute to driving Dubai’s knowledge economy forward. Renewed growth from China alongside ongoing momentum from India contributed to 84 incentives won by the city. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said: “Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, our focus on capturing business events that bring value to the city continues to deliver strong results. Dubai’s robust proposition, built not only on world-class business events infrastructure and …

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Dubai Aviation City corporation and Dubai South sign agreement with Dubai insurance to launch employee protection insurance programme

Dubai Aviation City Corporation through its affiliated corporation Dubai South, the largest single-urban master development focusing on aviation, logistics and real estate, announced the signing of an agreement with Dubai Insurance Co. PSC (DIN) to initiate a comprehensive Employee Protection Insurance programme for the employees of all Dubai South licensees registered under the Dubai Aviation City Corporation. This will come into effect starting August 2023. The agreement, which took place at Dubai South HQ, was signed by HE Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, and Abdellatif Abuqurah, CEO of Dubai Insurance, in the presence of senior executives from both entities. Dubai Aviation City Corporation as the licensing and the regulatory body of Dubai South Free Zone aims to create a protected environment for employees working within Dubai South. As such, this programme is designed to provide a safety net for employees in instances where Dubai South licensees may not meet their obligations, covering aspects such as unpaid salaries and end-of-service gratuities, repatriation costs of return for its employees or their mortal remains, and unreimbursed expenses. The programme will also be mandatory on all new employment visas and work permits, whereby employers must adopt this scheme to protect their employees. In contrast, for existing visas, this scheme will be mandatory during the renewal of residence visas. HE Khalifa Al Zaffin said: “This partnership aligns with the UAE’s strategic vision for employee rights and corporate governance. The implementation of the Employee Protection Insurance programme will significantly boost the confidence of our licensees, showcasing our unwavering dedication to fostering an exceptional working environment and reaffirming our commitment to upholding Dubai’s competitive position on the global stage.” …

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Dubai Chambers launches Service Excellence Programme

Dubai Chambers has announced the launch of the Service Excellence Programme, a new initiative aimed at promoting an exceptional customer service culture, encouraging best practices within the private sector, and elevating customer service performance across the emirate. The programme is designed to evaluate the quality of customer experience delivered by private sector companies through mystery shopper reports. The initiative marks another significant milestone that advances the chambers’ role in supporting Dubai’s drive to achieve excellence in customer service and ensure the implementation of global best practices within the emirate’s business community. The Service Excellence Programme recognises the outstanding contributions of companies that embody Dubai’s vision for the future by delivering value-added services for their customers. The evaluation process includes a brand performance service category and a branch performance service category. Companies registered in the programme will receive surprise visits from mystery shoppers, with the results shared as part of a comprehensive report on a quarterly basis. His Excellency Abdul Aziz Abdulla Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, commented: “The Service Excellence Programme represents a quantum leap in our efforts to foster excellence in customer service within the private sector and develop standards that align with Dubai’s vision for the future of business. The mystery shopper visits aim to drive a culture of continuous improvement and empower companies to excel in serving their customers, ultimately enhancing their brand reputations and ability to retain customers. In today’s business landscape, world-class customer service is a key pillar of success and a prerequisite for companies looking to boost their competitiveness in the market.” His Excellency added: “Our programme is a unique initiative that combines personal mystery shopper visits to the branches and headquarters of …

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