Category Archives: Govt

OMRAN Group Celebrates Official Opening of Oman Adventures centre and the Launch of the World’s Longest Zipline Over Water

Within the framework of stimulating and developing the tourism sector, Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) has celebrated the official opening of the dual Zipline project in Khasab, Musandam. The Zipline, spanning over 1,800 metres, has officially broken the Guinness World Record for ‘The world’s longest Zipline over water’. The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of His Excellency Sayyid Ibrahim bin Saeed Al Busaidi, Governor of Musandam. The event was attended by Eng Mohammed Salim Al Busaidi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of OMRAN Group, along with several officials from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, sheikhs, and dignitaries of the region. Representatives from Guinness World Records were also present at the ceremony. The Zipline project is the first activity and a key component of Oman Adventures centre, which will serve as an integrated platform that offers exciting and enjoyable tourism experiences for adventure enthusiasts visiting the Governorate. This project will help enhancing the Governorate’s position as a prime destination for adventure seekers from within and outside Oman. Speaking at the project’s official opening, Daoud Sulaiman Al Rashdi, Director of Product Development and Tourism Experiences at Ministry of Heritage & Tourism said, “We are pleased to officially open Oman Adventures centre. The project has undergone extensive testing by specialised teams to ensure compliance with safety and security regulations specific to the adventure tourism sector. We are confident that the centre will be a valuable addition to Musandam’s tourism offerings and will cater to adventure enthusiasts visiting the Governorate. The entry of the Zipline project into the Guinness World Records today is a notable achievement. However, it is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting …

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Dubai welcomes 4.67 million overnight visitors in the first quarter of 2023

Dubai welcomed 4.67 million international overnight visitors in the first quarter of 2023, compared to 3.97 million tourists during the same period in 2022. This marks a 17 % YoY growth and the city’s best Q1 performance since the pandemic, placing it firmly on track to becoming the most visited international destination, according to the latest data published by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The growth, which sets the city on course to full tourism recovery, contributes to the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai this January, to consolidate Dubai’s status as one of the world’s top three cities. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: “The remarkable growth in international visitation achieved by Dubai in the first quarter of 2023 demonstrates the city’s emergence as one of the key destinations leading the way in the rebound of the global tourism sector. This achievement has been made possible by the far-reaching vision of the leadership to transform Dubai into one of the world’s fastest-growing metropolises and the globe’s pre-eminent hub for travel, talent, entrepreneurship and investment. The Dubai Economic Agenda recently launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, charts an ambitious new path for Dubai to enhance its contributions to shaping the future of the global economy. The tourism sector is not only the strongest pillars of our economy but also a key enabler …

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SITE to redevelop its Arabia Chapter Headquarters in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB) announced the redevelopment of SITE’s Arabia Chapter in Abu Dhabi. Working in partnership with the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), DCT Abu Dhabi will oversee the growth of the Incentive Travel segment in Abu Dhabi and the wider MENA region, allowing ADCEB to raise visibility of Abu Dhabi among key audiences as a premier business events destination, tap into further networking and business opportunities and provide the regional MICE professional network with education and professional development programmes. SITE is one of the most significant MICE associations, catering to industry professionals worldwide. With a mission to drive the growth of the Incentive Travel segment, SITE’s move will benefit local and regional industry stakeholders such as tourist attractions, airlines, Destination and Event Management Companies (DMCs and EMCs), hoteliers and incentive planners. It will do this by allowing members to build their business connections on a global scale through its extensive Membership Directory, gaining access to incentive travel research, trends, and data, expanding a range of skills and experience through education and certification opportunities and enhance careers through online and in-person events. Speaking last week at the Arabian Travel Mart (ATM) 2023, Mubarak AlShamsi , Director of Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau, said: “With SITE’s decision to locate and redevelop their Arabia Chapter in Abu Dhabi, our local and regional incentive travel partners and professionals will benefit from having such a valuable resource at their doorstep. The Arabia Chapter relaunch in our city is a testament that Abu Dhabi is a desirable destination for this segment. We encourage our MENA stakeholders to join the SITE Arabia Chapter, become active members of the Chapter and …

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DEWA and RTA collaborate to enhance the shift towards a green economy

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) signed a sponsorship agreement with the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai (RTA). According to the agreement, RTA will be the Platinum Sponsor of the World Green Economy Summit (WGES), which is organised by the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), DEWA, and the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, for three sessions from 2023 to 2025. This supports the shared vision of DEWA and RTA to support the transition to a green economy and consolidate Dubai’s position as a global platform for sustainability. The agreement was signed by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA and Chairman of the WGEO; and HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA. “The World Green Economy Summit, which is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is part of the UAE’s contributions to the global community’s collective effort to launch sustainable initiatives to help the world transition into a green economy. The Summit plays a fundamental role in supporting the UAE’s outstanding efforts in climate action, as well as supporting its firm commitment to sustainability, unwavering support for energy and climate change issues, and the development of sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. It also reflects the UAE’s effective and influential role in achieving sustainable, low-carbon economic growth and ensuring a better future for humanity. It provides a strategic platform for developing effective and proactive plans to combat climate change, enhance international cooperation and overcome climate change challenges and risks,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of …

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World leaders to shape the future of sustainable tourism at ATM 2023

Travel professionals and policymakers from across the globe will explore how the tourism sector is ‘Working Towards Net Zero’ at the 30th edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Monday 1 to Thursday 4 May 2023. The four-day event will feature over 150 speakers across 63 sessions, as policymakers and industry figures from around the world outline how they are working to drive decarbonisation within the sector. Ministers from the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Jamaica and Spain will join a host of senior figures from the private sector to showcase sustainable innovations, share knowledge and best practice, and explore opportunities and challenges along the road to net zero. Exhibitor participation in ATM 2023 will be 27% higher than last year, with growth across all show sectors. These include regional upticks for the Middle East (15.1% larger), Europe (30.9% larger), Asia (18.6% larger) and Africa (44.7% larger), as well as representation from Travel Tech and hotels, which has expanded by 57.9% and 23.5%, respectively. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “We intend to use the 30th edition of ATM to address one of the most significant challenges facing our sector, in line with our theme of ‘Working Towards Net Zero’. Increased participation in this year’s show not only reflects the seriousness with which global tourism professionals and policymakers are taking sustainability, but also rising demand for leisure and business travel across the Middle East and beyond.” ATM 2023 will host an array of regional policymakers, including HE Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy; Hoor Al Khaja, Associate Vice President of International Operations at Dubai’s Department …

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ADCEB sign MOU with ADNEC Group to enhance Abu Dhabi’s position as leading global business events destination

Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with (ADNEC Group, owner and operator of the largest exhibition venue in the Middle East, the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, in a strategic step towards its future business development strategy. The newly formed ADCEB and ADNEC Group Joint Fund is a continuation of ADCEB’s strategy to harness public-private partnerships to drive increased B2B events and incentive travel in the emirate. The fund will provide additional financial incentives and support to corporate meeting planners and incentive houses, while simultaneously reiterating that Abu Dhabi is a safe destination that is fully open for business tourism. The partnership will combine the joint marketing efforts of ADCEB and ADNEC Group to raise awareness of the emirate’s readiness to host large Meetings, Incentives groups. H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “This partnership with ADNEC Group is a tremendous step in further solidifying our position as a leading global destination for business events of all kinds. With ADCEB’s experience and expertise and ADNEC Group’s impressive portfolio of event, tourism and hospitality assets, together we can create the ultimate destination package that showcases the best of the emirate and attracts ever greater numbers of large-scale and high-profile events to Abu Dhabi.” Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director & Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said: “We are pleased to partner with the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau to launch the joint fund for organisers of international corporate meetings and events, who are interested in holding their events at the Abu …

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RAKTDA vision 2030 to attract 3 million visitors

Colliers in their latest research paper shared about Ras Al Khaimah 2023 and beyond, where the emirate is on its way to expanding opportunities and game changers. In the report it is revealed that the 2030 vision of Ras Al Khaimah’s Tourism Development Authority’s (RAKTDA) is to attract over 3 million visitors and increase the overall attractiveness of the emirate, making tourism one of the most important sectors and focus for Ras Al Khaimah’s (RAK) GDP growth. This paper looks at the emirate’s growing hospitality market, its resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and the announcement of the Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort. In order to achieve the emirate’s target of attracting over 3 million visitors by 2030, a number of strategies have been implemented including financial stimulators, multimillion investments in Jebel Jais projects and the introduction of the region’s first integrated resort – Wynn Al Marjan Island. Looking ahead, RAK has already announced approximately 5,000 keys to open in the next 5 years, in addition to the 1,200 keys that will be offered by the Wynn resort following its opening in 2026. The introduction of the Wynn Al Marjan Island is expected to bring multiple benefits including job creation, increased visitation and global image enhancement. The region’s first integrated resort may act as a gateway to further develop the emirate’s alternative tourist segment, inviting more investment in eco-concepts with themes of sustainability and conservation. During the COVID-19 period, RAK was able to shift its focus to domestic tourism, thus minimising the impact of the pandemic on hospitality performance. In 2022, with the return of inbound tourism and growing competition from other destinations, occupancy was impacted and post-COVID-19 performance has yet …

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With the approval of the UAE Federal Supreme Council the UAE president issues a resolution to appoint Mansour bin Zayed as UAE Vice President

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has issued resolutions,  with the approval of the UAE Federal Supreme Council, to appoint His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Minister of Presidential Court, as UAE Vice President, alongside His Highness Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

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His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, has issued an Emiri decree appointing Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, has issued an Emiri decree appointing Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

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Saudi aims to attract 4 million Chinese visitors by 2030, conducts first roadshow in China

Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has successfully concluded its first roadshow in China with 13 partners including DMCs, hoteliers and airline partners in attendance. The roadshow showcased the country’s rich cultural and heritage offerings and why Saudi is the perfect travel destination for Chinese travelers. A series of events, meetings, round table discussions and networking events were hosted, resulting in over twenty strategic partnership announcements. During the multicity roadshow, Saudi Tourism Authority held meetings with over 300 trade partners and travel buyers in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou to promote Saudi as a leisure destination, sharing insights into the emerging trends in MICE tourism. Saudi’s inclusion in the ‘Approved Destination Scheme’, alongside China’s inclusion in Saudi’s e-visa program and 96-hour Stopover Visa – where guests flying onwards on SAUDIA can avail a complimentary one-night hotel stay in Saudi – facilitates seamless group travel. Saudi’s presence in China is an indication of how important the Chinese market is for the Kingdom and its commitment to China as a key source market for Saudi. Saudi has witnessed incredible growth since opening to tourism in 2019 as its post-pandemic tourism recovery outpaced G20 countries with a 121% YoY growth according to UNWTO. As part of Saudi’s ambition to achieve 100 million visits annually by 2030, China represents immense potential as it is expected to be Saudi’s 3rd top source market by then. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board at Saudi Tourism Authority said, “Our first roadshow in China has been a tremendous success and a testament to Saudi’s potential to become the region’s tourism hub and a gateway to the cultural and natural riches of Arabia for Chinese travelers. Supporting us in realising …

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