Category Archives: Govt

In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, today launched the Dubai Metaverse Strategy that aims to turn Dubai into one the world’s top 10 metaverse economies as well as a global hub for the metaverse community. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed underscored the importance of consolidating Dubai’s status as a hub offering the most advanced ecosystem for the metaverse and as a frontrunner in adopting digital solutions globally, which reflects the ambitious vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for transforming the emirate into a global capital of advanced technologies, primarily artificial intelligence (AI) and Web3. The strategy aims to build on Dubai’s achievement of attracting more than 1,000 companies in the fields of blockchain and metaverse. It also promotes Dubai’s ambitions to support more than 40,000 virtual jobs by 2030. This would further boost Dubai’s economy and support the UAE government’s vision of increasing the number of blockchain companies by five times the present number. HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said that Dubai is making great strides in enhancing its position as a global testbed for metaverse technology while investing judiciously in building capabilities and talent in creating the region’s most robust and largest ecosystem for the metaverse community. His Highness added that adopting new technologies will be a stepping stone in Dubai’s vision to use future technologies to create new work models in vital sectors and increase the metaverse’s impact on regional and …

Saudi Arabia’s best and brightest future hospitality workers have arrived at les Roches Global Hospitality Education on its campus in Marbella, Spain. The cohort is part of a new program announced by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism to equip 100,000 young Saudis with the key hospitality skills needed to pursue careers in the Kingdom’s flourishing tourism industry. Launched by His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia at the 116th session of the World Tourism Organization’s Executive Council in Jeddah last month, ‘Tourism Trailblazers’ will provide in-depth global experience to the tourism industry’s future leaders. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia said: “The program demonstrates our commitment to empowering young people by providing them with right skills, support and opportunities to shape the future of the tourism industry. “It is vital that we invest in our youth now. Creating a skilled workforce with the talent and ambition to support and drive the tourism sector regionally and globally is key to realising the Saudi Vision 2030, a unique and transformative economic and social reform blueprint that is opening Saudi Arabia up to the world.” The program has three main objectives that aim to nurture, develop and support talent in the industry. It seeks to spread a culture of professionalism, help nascent professionals gain the knowledge and qualifications needed to break into the industry, and support their success through refinement of their skills. The program will help trainees to secure jobs within the sector, including seasonal, part-time, or full-time opportunities across the Kingdom. The first cohort of students at les Roches Global Hospitality Education on its campus in Marbella will be equipped with the …

Wego has tied up with Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to invite MNEA travelers to enjoy the best of the country in the new norm. To revive tourism in Thailand, the country launched the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022’ campaign. The campaign under the theme “Amazing New Chapters” which the key messages will highlight the abundance of tourism products and services in Thailand that will fulfil all your travel desires, because from A to Z, Thailand has it all. The country ranks among the top 10 destinations for GCC travelers. It will be promoted across all Wego marketing channels to drive more visitors to the country and spread awareness on the new things to do and explore in the country post COVID-19. Chaiwat Tamtai Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand for Dubai and the Middle East commented: “One of the key travel trends for 2022 is workcation. As a result of this trend, Wego saw a spike in the number of searches on holiday homes 136%, hotel apartments 92% and apartments by 69% in Q1 2022 in comparison to the same period last year. And to make the country travel-friendly for workcations & remote jobs, Thailand is planning to launch a long-term resident visa for retirees, working professionals, specialists, and wealthy foreigners.” The top destinations searching for Thailand from Jan to June 2022, are Saudi which saw 56 % compared to the same period in 2021, followed by Kuwait with 15% increase, UAE with 12%, and Bahrain with 7%. 48% of people searching for holidays in Thailand are solos, followed by 27% couples, and 24% families.   Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and …

The Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC) for the handling and processing of all waste within the Authority’s jurisdiction. The agreement also covers future cooperation between DGDA and SIRC on research, investment opportunities, deployment of solutions, operations, and management. The MoU was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of DGDA, Jerry Inzerillo, and his SIRC counterpart Eng. Ziyad bin Mohammed Al-Shiha. Under the scope of the MoU, DGDA, and SIRC will collaborate on citywide waste management solutions that adhere to world-class Practices for handling, recycling, and disposing of all kinds of waste. This will be done using cutting-edge, efficient technologies, cooperating on technical and investigative studies, and knowledge and skill-sharing workshops. Inzerillo stated that the partnership with SIRC reflects DGDA’s commitment to achieving environmental sustainability, maximizing returns on investment in waste management, and taking all the necessary measures to ensure the quality-of-life standards set in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 meet the satisfaction of Diriyah’s community. He highlighted that this was especially important given the city’s importance as the cradle of the First Saudi State and the Arab Capital of Culture for 2030. Eng. Shiha expressed his pleasure with the signing of the MoU, which sets a framework for collaboration and sharing administrative functions, investment opportunities, and technical expertise between both parties, saying that the agreement would help explore ways to diversify sources of revenue in the recycling sector.

Abu Dhabi holiday home operators are being reminded to register their properties in the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi’s (DCT Abu Dhabi) online system ahead of the final deadline of 1st August, to comply with regulations established to safely manage holiday homes in the local community. Individuals interested in renting out a holiday home should follow a simple online application procedure, which includes providing several documents, including a Licence application form, a photocopy of the passport or Emirates ID of the owner, the unit’s certificate of insurance, the unit’s deed, and any additional documentation requested by DCT Abu Dhabi. Hamad Mohammed Saeed Alsudain, Licensing & Regulatory Compliance Director at DCT Abu Dhabi said: “In line with international best practices, we are reminding  holiday home operators that the deadline to obtain their licence and lawfully take part in the temporary home letting business is 1st August. Our aim is for residents and visitors alike to feel comfortable and safe at holiday homes across the emirate, making Abu Dhabi an even more attractive destination for business and leisure travellers. We thank all operators and members of the community for their cooperation and understanding.” The requirements for operating holiday home rentals in the emirate came into effect last year following a decision by the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The regulations ensure that private accommodation operators maintain a standard of excellence whilst providing a wide variety of safe and secure options. The system also serves to support the increased demand for alternatives to established hotels and hotel apartments. With this, DCT Abu Dhabi is safeguarding high-quality holiday homes by supporting residential communities. Existing holiday homeowners in the …

At a recent interview with Tracy Lanza Group Head of Global Brand Development at The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) shared, “The Red Sea International Airport (RSI) will be operational in 2023, providing a luxury transportation experience where sustainability is considered in every detail. The eco-friendly airport design focuses on using shaded areas and natural ventilation to minimize the reliance on air conditioning. The entire infrastructure of the destination, including the airport and wider transport network, will be powered by 100% renewable energy. This includes our boats and seaplanes.” The Red Sea Project is a luxury regenerative tourism destination situated on Saudi Arabia’s west coast. It spans over 28,000km2 of pristine lands and waters and includes a vast archipelago of more than 90 pristine islands. The project is being developed by The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), a closed joint-stock company wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. It is located 500km north of Jeddah, between the Saudi towns of Al Wajh and Umluj. At the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, 250 million people will be within three hours flying time, and an estimated eight hours flying time for 80% of the world’s population.

Etihad Airways has become the country’s first airline to join the In-Country Value (ICV) Program. The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) is expanding the program’s scope to include new sectors like aviation as part of the national industrial strategy to sustain economic growth and raise the efficiency and competitiveness of the industrial sector. The In-Country Value Program, part of the UAE’s Projects of the 50, is a pillar of the national industrial strategy and benefits certified companies by increasing local demand for their products and services. By joining the ICV program, Etihad Airways will prioritize local suppliers and UAE companies in the procurement process. It will also encourage global suppliers to establish branches in the UAE, attracting more foreign investments to the country. The signing ceremony was witnessed by His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, His Excellency Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology, and His Excellency Mohammed Ali Al Shurafa, Chairman of Board of Directors of Etihad Aviation Group. The MoU was inked on behalf of MoIAT by His Excellency Omar Suwaina Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry and for Etihad Airways, Tony Douglas, Group CEO of Etihad Aviation Group. Etihad Airways joins 18 other leading national institutions and 45 federal entities that have joined the ICV program since it launched on a federal level late last year. The program redirected more than AED 41 billion in 2021 from implementing entities purchases and services expenses, compared to AED 27 billion two years ago. His Excellency Omar Al Suwaidi said: “The In-Country Value Program is one of the pillars of the national strategy for advanced industry …

People travelling through Dubai International (DXB) now have access to a new customer contact centre that provides always-on access to DXB customer service professionals anytime, anywhere, at their convenience on their channel of choice. The new contact centre blends live and technology-enabled services for travellers to access support via phone, email, live chat, social media on @DXB and @DubaiAirports platforms, as well as WhatsApp for business, which is coming soon. Dubai Airports began testing the new integrated DXB service earlier this year to ensure seamless operations and guest support. The contact centre includes 24/7 bilingual support as well as the most updated and consistent information across all channels, including automated flight status check without having to speak to an agent. When needed, automated routing is available to key DXB partners including Emirates, dnata, the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), Dubai Customs and the Road Transport Authority. “The new DXB contact centre exemplifies how Dubai Airports is making significant enhancements to the guest experience at every customer touchpoint. It is our commitment to deliver a best-in-class guest experience with every conversation while creating a safe, smooth, fast, and enjoyable journey,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. “The investment in customer service excellence at DXB supports the vision of the Dubai government to deliver innovative and integrated customer service. Our customers can now enjoy timely and efficient support across all contact centre channels in real time and on their channel of choice.” Dubai Airports is partnering with Teleperformance, a leading provider of integrated business services, to deliver this best practice omni-channel solution by combining an integrated blend of human and digital tools to support guests quickly and easily …

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), announced the launch of the Dubai Metaverse Assembly, a global event bringing together regional and international experts in Dubai to shape the future of the metaverse and explore its promise and potential applications. The Dubai Metaverse Assembly, to be organised by the DFF on 28 and 29 September 2022 at the Museum of the Future and Emirates Towers, will explore how the revolutionary technology can be deployed across vital sectors to create a better future and quality of life for humanity. The assembly will host more than 300 global experts, policymakers, thought leaders, and decision-makers from more than 40 organisations. Delegates will participate in sessions and workshops to take a deep dive into the metaverse, understand its impact on humanity, discuss the potential of humanising its applications, and identify the best ways to leverage opportunities across strategic sectors of countries, governments, and companies. Estimates of the value of the metaverse market globally vary between $10 trillion and $30 trillion within 15 years, underscoring the massive potential of the new platform. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said: “The metaverse is a promising digital world. We aim to harness this technology to enhance the quality of life in the UAE and across the globe.” His Highness Sheikh Hamdan highlighted that the Dubai Metaverse Assembly embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for Dubai to become a global hub for innovation …

According to the Jeddah Communique a joint statement between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was shared after the visit of US President Joseph R. Biden conducted an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. It states that following the meeting with King Salman, President Biden and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held an official meeting, attended by senior officials from both sides. The two sides reviewed in detail the many shared priorities that contribute to the partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States. At the end of this meeting, the two sides issued this communique outlining the strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States over the coming decades with the aim of advancing their mutual interests and advancing a common vision for a more peaceful, secure, prosperous, and stable Middle East. The two sides noted the historic ties between the peoples of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Stated. They welcomed, in this regard, extending the validity of business and tourism visas to 10 years to facilitate closer people-to-people ties and economic cooperation. The U.S. side commended the Saudi Green Initiative and Middle East Green Initiative, and welcomed Saudi Arabia’s participation at the recent Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, joining of the Global Methane Pledge, its status as a founding member of the Net-Zero Producers Forum, and the Kingdom’s announcement to meet fifty percent of its electricity generation from renewables by 2030. The two sides welcomed the finalization of a Partnership Framework for Advancing …