Category Archives: Govt

Dubai welcomes more than 8.5 million international visitors during the first six months of 2023

“Dubai further consolidated its status as the world’s leading tourist destination in the first half of 2023. We welcomed more than 8.5 million international visitors in the first six months of the year while Dubai Financial Market (DFM)-listed companies recorded a total market value of AED652 billion. Dubai also strengthened its status as one of the world’s top three hubs for wealth owners, and one of the fastest-recovering cities since the COVID-19 pandemic. We are very proud of what we have achieved so far this year, and the confidence that we have inspired in the global community,” His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, said Dubai continues to reinforce its position as a major global economic hub, 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.

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Abu Dhabi Customs & FCA visit Khatm Melaha border facility

Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority’s Khatm Melaha Customs Centre has received an official delegation from the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs and the Federal Customs Authority to exchange experiences and review practices applicable in this land port, which is one of the best and most prominent across the country. His Excellency Mohammed Ibrahim Al Raisi, Director of Ports and Border Points Affairs and Chairman of the Organizational Committee of Ports and Border Points in the Emirate of Sharjah, received the visiting high-level team. The delegation included His Excellency Mubarak Matar Al Mansouri, Executive Director of the Customs Operations Sector at Abu Dhabi Customs; Abdullah Mohammed Al Khumairi, Director of the Policy and Governance Department; and Salem Issa Al Hammadi, Director of Operations Sector Projects, along with a number of officials from both sides. The visiting officials were briefed how the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority has been managing the border crossings in the Emirate, the work mechanism of the Organizational Committee of border crossings and points, leveraging modern technologies in customs operations and customs inspection, in addition to the methodology for qualifying young national resources and preparing leaders. During a visit meeting, Khatm Melaha border crossing’s unit managers and heads of departments gave a presentation for the updates and studies on the development of the port, the work mechanism and the most prominent initiatives, achievements and implemented activities. Afterwards, the delegation had a field trip for examining the separately-built entry and exit paths of vehicles and trucks, in addition to the technical support building equipped with the latest inspection equipment and systems, the operations room of the customs port, and the customer happiness center in …

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Red Sea Global partners with Saudi Airlines Catering Company to create +500 new jobs for talent across the Kingdom

Red Sea Global (RSG) has awarded two major contracts to Saudi Airlines Catering Company (SACC) in order to create over 500 new jobs to design, build and operate a Central Production Unit (CPU) for catering services for employee meals, as well as laundry services for The Red Sea destination including employee uniforms and hotel linen. As a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, RSG is playing a critical role in diversifying the economy and creating opportunities for Saudi nationals to break into the tourism sector. As part of the 70,000 jobs that The Red Sea destination will create once fully operational, this collaboration will offer more than 500 new industry roles for talent within the Kingdom. “We are dedicated to ensuring our partners and employees who live and work at The Red Sea receive seamless services. SACC, with over 40 years of experience in catering and amenities, coupled with a deep understanding of the Saudi market, will provide the high standards we expect,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. “It is equally important to us that the communities around our developments have the opportunity to benefit. SACC shares these values and together we will develop local supply chains by looking to work with neighboring businesses, farmers and artisanal producers wherever possible.” The agreements were signed in Riyadh in the presence of John Pagano, Group CEO of RSG, and Wajdy M. Al-Ghabban, CEO of SACC. A number of senior executives from Red Sea Global as well as SACC’s Chairman of the board of directors and other members of the Board and executives were also in attendance. Mr. Mohammed Al-Sarhan, Chairman of Saudi Airlines Catering Company, expressed his pride alongside …

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Frasers hospitality to expand in ME with Fraser Suites Al Liwan Bahrain

Frasers Hospitality has further expanded its presence in the Middle East with the entry into a new management agreement to operate Fraser Suites Al Liwan Bahrain. This is in partnership with Seef Properties. This development cements Frasers Hospitality’s presence in the Middle East region. The development comes as Frasers Hospitality strengthens its long-standing partnership with Seef Properties through an extension of its existing management agreement of Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain to 2031. The newly anticipated Fraser Suites Al Liwan Bahrain will offer 63 gold-standard serviced apartment units across a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, spread over three floors. This will include nine one-bedroom serviced apartments, 44 two-bedroom serviced apartments and 12 three-bedroom serviced apartments, perfect for those seeking comfort in accommodations fitted with the latest technologies and modern furnishings. Fraser Suites Al Liwan Bahrain forms part of the Al Liwan mixed-use development under Seef Properties which has been designed to embody the essence of the ‘Live, Work and Play’ lifestyle and is nestled within the neighbourhood of Hamala with a direct connection to the Al Liwan Mall in the Kingdom of Bahrain’s primary entertainment district. The development is ideal under the Fraser Suites brand due to its unique ability to cater to the highly-premium lifestyle needs of extended-stay guests. The name, Al Liwan, reflects cohesion, unity, and togetherness, inspired by the culture of the region and speaking to the desires of discerning guests. Alongside Fraser Suites Al Liwan Bahrain, the new district offers numerous dining options, cafés, and leisure opportunities. At the core of the development lies the Central Plaza, a generous open space created for communal gatherings and entertainment, providing a city retreat for both visitors and …

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HH Ruler of Ajman launches Masfout development project to promote cultural tourism

His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, launched the Masfout development project at a high-profile reception held recently. During the launch ceremony, Sheikh Theyab briefed the Ruler of Ajman on the strategic pillars of the Masfout development project, which involves implementing a wide array of innovative development strategies focusing predominantly on cultural tourism, as well as uplifting various facets of society in Masfout. Sheikh Humaid emphasised that the well-being and happiness of Emiratis and their families across the nation, as well as enhancing their living standards, are priorities for the UAE leadership. The Masfout development project is the second venture under the Emirates Villages projects launched by the Emirates Council for Balanced Development. The project seeks to foster a sustainable development model and offer economic and investment opportunities that enhance social stability and the quality of life for community members. The event was attended by Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, along with Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development. Photo credit WAM

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Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi continues sustainable growth to reach 24 million visitors target for 2023

Abu Dhabi’s unique culture is central to plans to increase overall visitation to more than 24 million, from 18 million in 2022. DCT Abu Dhabi’s research reveals that culture was the primary reason for travel for almost half (47 per cent) of international tourists. With the rise of the culture-seeker segment, about 4 million visitors are expected at DCT Abu Dhabi’s cultural sites this year – more than one million additional visitors compared with the previous year. His Excellency Saood Al Hosani, Undersecretary at DCT Abu Dhabi, said the plans to promote and protect the emirate follow a strong 2022 performance that demonstrated innovation, resilience and integration of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors. His Excellency Al Hosani said: “With culture at the heart of everything we do, we have set bold and ambitious targets for 2023 as we promote, protect and progress Abu Dhabi and share it with the world. We are proud to share some of our 2022 results, which powerfully demonstrate how we re-ignited the engine of growth through resilient culture and tourism sectors, with visionary leadership and key partnerships across the different creative industries. “We are progressing Abu Dhabi by creating new job and career opportunities and enabling growth across the culture sector throughout the culture and creative industries (CCI) while enabling business and leisure tourism to thrive. Our purpose is to share Abu Dhabi with the world and enrich lives.” With the promotion and protection of culture central to its mandate, DCT Abu Dhabi is building on the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Founding Father, to strengthen national identity, nurture talent, create better awareness of Emirati heritage and …

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Qatar to host autonomous e-mobility forum in October 2023

The Ministry of Transport of The State of Qatar is the host and strategic partner of the Autonomous e-Mobility Forum. Under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, Qatar’s Minister of Transport, The Ministry of Transport is hosting the first International Forum for Autonomous e-Mobility organized by Just us & Otto Marketing Services during the period of 10-12 October 2023. The event, which will be hosted in Doha over three days, will shed light on latest trends and innovations in sustainable transport solutions. It will also provide a leading platform for exchanging experiences, ideas and enriching discussions on developments in the field of electric transport and self-driving mobility, a topic of local and global importance. The Forum will bring together industry leaders, policy makers, senior officials, expert speakers, and representatives of ministries, government institutions, private sector companies, academic institutions, and the media, as well as hundreds of attendees. It thus establishes a suitable opportunity for concerned international parties to enhance knowledge, explore opportunities for cooperation and partnerships, and formulate recommendations on the future application of electric and autonomous vehicles in real-world settings. On this occasion, Eng. Hamad Issa Abdullah, in charge of the duties of the Assistant Undersecretary for Land Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Transport, said: “For many years, electric transport vehicles have been a main focus in the efforts of governments and the visions of manufacturing companies within the wider context of sustainability and diversification of energy sources. The State of Qatar seeks to bring about transformative movement in the transportation sector by investing in sustainable and smart mobility, and improving energy efficiency to achieve the goals of the Qatar National Vision in …

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UAE participates in G20 Tourism Ministers’ meeting, reiterating commitment to advancing sustainable tourism growth

His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Head of the Emirates Tourism Council, emphasised the UAE’s commitment, under the guidance and vision of its wise leadership, to actively support global endeavors in promoting sustainable tourism. HE further highlighted the UAE’s dedication to contributing to initiatives that foster the formulation of sustainable tourism policies, facilitating the growth of international tourism. HE Bin Touq made these remarks during his participation in the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting 2023, which was attended by over 20 decision-makers in the global tourism industry recently in Goa, India. HE asserted the significance of collaborative endeavors and proactive measures to propel the regional and global tourism sector in a way that supports achieving comprehensive economic and social development in line with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. The G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting discussed several tourism topics and agendas related to tourism. One significant focus was on promoting sustainability in the tourism industry and harnessing the possibilities presented by digital transformation and smart applications, especially in the realm of tourism services. Additionally, the meeting addressed strategies for enhancing the tourism sector and making it appealing to global talent, especially through the development of innovative tourism products. The participants emphasised the necessity of fostering a supportive environment that embraces small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the tourism sector. In his speech at the meeting, HE Bin Touq said: “In the present era, the development of the tourism sector heavily relies on sustainability, given the prevailing environmental and social circumstances. It has become crucial to raise awareness about the significance of sustainable tourism through the implementation of legislation and policies that safeguard natural resources, cultural heritage, and …

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Almosafer and Klook launch Almosafer activities platform under joint venture

Almosafer, and Klook have together launched the first ever holistic tours and activities platform for the KSA market, Almosafer activities. The launch follows the signing of an agreement between the two travel industry powerhouses in early 2022 to establish the joint venture with the purpose of creating a holistic B2B marketplace for activities in the Kingdom, addressing a gap in the market which has thus far largely seen fragmented options for bookable ‘things to do’. Almosafer Activities is a one-stop digital platform with end-to-end content and inventory management solutions that supports tourism and leisure activity merchants in Saudi Arabia, as well as distributors across the globe, to provide an unprecedented choice of product offering for travellers to, from, and within the Kingdom. The platform, which will go live for distributors in Q3 2023, will leverage Klook’s position as a leading global distributor of experiences and services and enable domestic and international tourists to book activities with ease. Almosafer Activities will provide seamless booking experiences, connecting Saudi Arabia travellers to global platforms, starting with Klook. The launch of Almosafer Activities supports the tourism agenda of Saudi Vision 2030 by boosting inbound and domestic tourism. The platform will also support small and medium-sized merchants by providing them with a platform and exposure to more distribution channels. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board at Saudi Tourism Authority, said: “Saudi is setting the pace for global tourism development. We are currently undergoing a remarkable transformation and experiencing unprecedented growth, positioning ourselves as the world’s largest investor in tourism – this presents an exciting opportunity for both our existing and new partners. “The launch of Almosafer Activities represents another significant stride towards establishing …

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“Enhanced air connectivity with China a key opportunity for Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry” – ACP CEO

As part of an ongoing effort to deepen ties between China and Arab partners, Riyadh and Beijing are stepping up efforts to improve air connectivity between these fast-developing economies. At the recently held Arab-China Business Conference in Riyadh, attendees from China and the Arab world explored new avenues for collaboration to unlock the potential of shared business between these exciting markets, particularly also in air connectivity. Celebrating its 10th year, the conference brought together leading government officials, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and investors. Establishing stronger air links to foster tourism growth and unlock new opportunities was a hot-button topic at the event, with ACP’s booth forming part of the Ministry of Tourism’s efforts to draw attraction to the high-potential travel and tourism industries in the Kingdom. “In line with Vision 2030 and the ambitions of the National Tourism Strategy, ACP is bridging the stakeholder ecosystem to establish Saudi Arabia as a leading global tourism destination. Chinese visitors will, indeed, play a key role in achieving this ambition,” said Ali Rajab CEO of ACP. He added, “By ensuring that our customer service and operational readiness meet the high standards that Chinese visitors expect, ACP is creating a seamless travel experience between China and the Kingdom. For these travelers, like all others to Saudi Arabia, we prioritize cultural understanding and the highest levels of quality assurance.” Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism leaders, including stakeholders such as ACP, are actively working to turn the Kingdom into a sought-after air connectivity destination. In the past year, the Kingdom saw 23 new routes connected to Saudi Arabia from three continents, resulting in an expansion of seat capacity by 700,000. Likewise, several partnerships have been established with government …

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