Category Archives: Govt

Ministry of Economy (MoE) launched the ‘International Advisory Council on the New Economy’, a first of its kind initiative, with the participation of international experts, advisors and economic policy makers, as well as influential national figures involved in the formulation and development of many of the UAE’s economic development programs. H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq AlMarri, UAE Minister of Economy, said: “The Council is a new initiative that the UAE is developing, through which we will work to develop ideas, proposals and formulate new economic policies.” The Council will undertake a set of tasks related to the structure of the new economy, including the development of ideas and proposals; providing advice to decision-makers in new economic fields, development of research papers and studies; and development of new models for regional and international partnerships in the fields of the future economy. In addition, the Council will contribute to coordination efforts with research centres and academic institutions, with the aim of strengthening the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovative ideas and sharing the UAE economy’s experience with external partners. H.E. Bin Touq added that the changes the world is currently witnessing as a result of the pandemic are being reflected across all aspects of life, ranging from our daily lives to travel, trade and other vital economic sectors. However, the current circumstances do not limit the UAE’s aspirations. Instead, they motivate us to convert challenges into opportunities and employ them in the service of long-term development goals and objectives, he said. Bin Touq continued, “The government of the UAE was the most prepared one to deal with most of the challenges that emerged as a result of COVID-19 and was also …

There is huge potential for the UAE and Vietnam to expand ties in renewable energy, trade, investment, logistics, maritime transportation, medical tourism and aviation, according to government officials and trade experts who spoke at the first Global Partnership Series event. The virtual forum, organised by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, was attended by 80 participants from the UAE and Vietnam, including government officials, industry experts and business leaders. “I expect that the efforts from two sides will create the favourable conditions and further enhance the economic, trade, industry and investment relationship between Vietnam and UAE,” said H.E. Nguyen Manh Tuan, who outlined several recommendations for boosting bilateral ties including promoting cooperation between free zones, increasing business and knowledge exchange, and driving participation of businesses in the seminars, workshop, exhibitions and trade fairs organised in Vietnam and Dubai. Addressing participants, H.E. Majid Saif Al Ghurair elaborated on the state of UAE-Vietnam trade ties, which he said have expanded rapidly following the mutual opening of embassies many years ago, strategic cooperation agreements and the establishment of direct flights between the two countries. The UAE is Vietnam’s top trading partner in the Middle East and North Africa, and Dubai serves as a gateway for the re-exporting Vietnamese goods and products. Yet, he noted that there is still plenty of scope to expand Dubai-Vietnam non-oil trade beyond the $7.4 billion accounted for in 2019, adding that the virtual forum supports Dubai Chamber’s efforts to explore untapped economic potential in Vietnam and other emerging markets around the world.

Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) has launched inspection campaign across the emirate’s tourist establishments to ensure compliance with ‘BV’ certification to protect guests, visitors and hospitality employees in Ajman, in line with the strengthening of precautionary measures taken by the UAE. Bureau Veritas (BV) includes a comprehensive checklist to confirm compliance with good hygiene practices, social distancing, and all other recommendations to maintain the highest levels of safety. It also includes field audits to check that the expected protective measures are implemented efficiently. Sultan Ali Al Nuaimi, Director of Licensing & Tourism Standards Department at Ajman Tourism, said, “This campaign comes as part of our efforts to ensure that all tourist establishments are following the best preventive measures as the emirate continues to consolidate its position as a favourable destination for the UAE residents and tourists. We continue to work closely with our partners in the hospitality sector to preserve the safety and health of the guests of the Emirate of Ajman.”

Ministry of Economy, UAE and Dubai Chamber, which is the key local partner for Google’s ‘Grow Stronger with Google’ programme, discussed digital transformation in the sector Small and medium enterprise, during a webinar in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises. His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Abdullah Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises, spoke about the need to continue investing in modern technologies to enhance the effectiveness of responding to the repercussions of the pandemic. He stressed on the vital role of technology in accelerating the pace of economic recovery and restoring momentum in various sectors, especially retail sales, tourism and hospitality services. During the panel discussion, His Excellency further added that “The challenges that the world faces today have proven that investing in technology, innovation and digital transformation is no longer an option, but rather has become an imperative to ensure the continuity of competitiveness. There is no doubt that the post-Covid-19 scene will not be like earlier times and the speed of adapting to the new reality will be a key factor in accelerating the pace of recovery of economies globally and returning to the path of growth. He also remarked on how Governments, and the private sector provide virtual channels of coordination and communication at a time when direct communication is difficult due to the preventive measures in place. “In this context, we would like to commend the partnerships between government agencies in the UAE and global technology leaders such as Google, as these partnerships and initiatives contribute to increasing the resilience of the …

Interim Committee responsible for the coordination and follow up with regard to the implementation of the flexible package and the general plan consisting of 33 initiatives to support the economic sectors, held a virtual meeting. The Committee approved the initiative’s implementation plan, which is divided into three main phases. The first phase aims to provide immediate support for business sectors and the economy through 15 major initiatives, while the second phase is to launch complementary support for sectors to enable rapid economic recovery. The third phase will provide integrated support to vital sectors and will open up a sustainable and flexible development path for the economy and future. The Committee approved six main work streams to implement the initiatives packages which include: empowering the new economy and developing priority sectors; opening new markets locally and internationally; providing financing support and facilitating lending; tourism promotion; attracting and retaining talent; and stimulating innovation. H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri said, “In light of the unlimited support and the guidance from our wise leadership, since the spread of the COVID- 19 pandemic until today, we have come a long way in driving forward economic recovery efforts, working on business continuity in many vital sectors in the country and supporting the private sector and stimulating trade and investment by following up the implementation of the first phase of the package of initiatives, led by a vision to work in a way that balances public health and economy. Bin Touq added, “Through the Interim Committee, we continue to implement the 33 initiatives packages designed to enhance the growth, sustainability and competitiveness of the country’s economic sectors.” Following up on the implementation of initiatives, the Committee …

Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) is ramping up its marketing efforts worldwide through a brand new global campaign, ‘Live Your Story’ designed to highlight the unique ways in which travellers can create their own special holiday experiences across the city. The ‘Live Your Story’ campaign was launched as a digital activation on Emirates’ popular inflight entertainment system, and will be gradually rolled out this month in 20 languages and via multiple platforms in key source markets that have reopened amid the pandemic. The campaign encourages visitors to enjoy much more than the world famous landmarks and attractions that are synonymous with Dubai’s tourism offering. It underscores the many exciting choices that await travellers and invites them to customise exceptional and ‘Only in Dubai’ experiences to suit their tastes, as well as bond with and benefit from the diversity of cultures that are intrinsic to the social fabric of this global metropolis. Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said, “As Dubai continues to welcome international tourists, we are also constantly looking at innovative ways to sustain global interest and consideration for the city as the first choice destination for travellers. With an ever-evolving destination proposition, Dubai is renowned for its array of offerings that visitors can enjoy, whether they are first timers or repeat visitors. However, as we make the transition to the new normal, people will be seeking unique and personalised travel experiences, and this campaign highlights our readiness to cater to such preferences. ‘Live Your Story’ shows a transformative shift in the way we position Dubai from a city of iconic skyscrapers and landmarks to a destination that celebrates …

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and RAK Hospital announce a partnership to provide free PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) testing to international visitors staying in and departing from Ras Al Khaimah until 31 December, 2020. Subsidised by RAKTDA, the free PCR test is available for international visitors to avail either at RAK Hospital, one of the UAE’s most renowned private hospitals or RAK Medical Centre in Al Hamra Mall. The partnership marks the Emirate as the first global destination to provide PCR testing free of charge for its international guests and visitors. Earlier in the year, Ras Al Khaimah became the first city in the world to be certified as safe by Bureau Veritas, the global leader in testing, inspection and certification and the first Emirate to receive the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels Stamp, due to extensive hygiene and security measures in place at its hotels and attractions. This recognition was quickly followed by free COVID-19 PCR testing for hospitality staff across the Emirate’s hotels. All these efforts align with the Emirate’s recovery plans, including far reaching support initiatives aimed at hospitality partners and stringent safety measures implemented to safeguard guests and residents, which in turn, have led to green shoots of recovery for its tourism industry. “As travel corridors begin to open up, we will continue to incorporate and implement global best practices into our efforts to safeguard against the spread of the pandemic. This initiative comes at a perfect time as we move towards the cooler months of the year into the ‘Winter sun’ season, encouraging all visitors to experience all that the destination has to offer, from the striking Jebal Jais mountain …

UAE affirmed its commitment to support international efforts to encourage and facilitate the recovery of the tourism sector and enhance the safety of travel experiences while adhering to global recommendations on the COVID-19 response, during its participation in a virtual G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting. The meeting took place under the chairmanship of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), with H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs, representing the UAE. During the meeting, the G20 ministers discuss ways to capitalise on growth opportunities in the post pandemic phase and increase the sector’s contribution to comprehensive and sustainable development. In addition, it reviewed the progress made by the Tourism Group during KSA’s G20 Presidency, including the commitments made in response to COVID-19. These include enhanced focus on the role of tourism in driving comprehensive community development and efforts to enhance safety and convenience in order to improve the travellers’ experiences. H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi said that in light of the unprecedented circumstances that the world is currently navigating, there are many transformations and changes that have occurred not only within the tourism sector, but across various aspects of daily lives and behaviours of billions of people around the world. H.E. added, “We, in the UAE, believe that there is an opportunity generated along with every challenge, and that the exposure to shocks makes us stronger and resilient in the face of future crises. Therefore, we are confident that the tourism sector, although it is the most affected by the pandemic, will emerge stronger, faster and more resilient.”

Etihad Airways is offering federal government employees up to 15% off flights with the launch of its UAE Government Employee Travel Programme. Travellers who enrol into the programme for free will be able to check in at Abu Dhabi International Airport using a dedicated counter and will receive 15kg additional baggage allowance. When travelling to the USA or Canada, travellers can bring an extra bag weighing up to 23kg in Economy and up to 32kg in Business and First class. Duncan Bureau, Senior Vice President Sales and Distribution, Etihad Airways said, “We are delighted to partner with the UAE Government to offer its employees exclusive travel discounts, benefits and rewards. Whether booking for business or leisure, we hope this new travel programme will encourage more residents to start flying again.”

Ian Phillips CEO – Sharjah National Hotels speaking at the session stated that “There are almost 1100 people from Dubai regularly drove over the months from mid- June to July and August to Khorfakkan. These were people who brought their bicycles and came over to be fit in an area where there was less crowd. So the new trend he stated that they can see is exercising which is quite important to those who want some space and be active. He also mentioned that the drive to Khorfakkan due to infrastructure has really become better than before and spend less time on the drive and more time to enjoy and relax in the destination.”