Category Archives: Govt

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority strengthened its commitment to deliver ‘Tourism For All’ by signing the Accessible Tourism Code of Good Conduct,  during its annual UAE World Tourism Day conference. Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority,  said, “Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has strengthened its commitment to deliver Tourism For All by signing the Accessible Tourism Code of Good Conduct. This code was developed by the European Network of Accessible Tourism (ENAT) – represented today by one of our keynote speakers Ivor Ambrose. Over the next three years, we will commence the journey to honour our commitment to this code by establishing accessible tourism products and practices in the emirate.” The half-day UAE World Tourism Day Conference, held at the Al Marjan Island Convention Centre, saw keynote addresses from HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and His Excellency Mohammad Al Muhairi, Undersecretary to UAE Minister of Economy who spoke about the important contribution of tourism to Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE. As well as discussing issues and developments within accessible tourism and matters that strengthen Ras al Khaimah’s and the UAE’s tourism propositions, the conference addressed the key needs of family and elderly travellers, aligning with UNWTO’s World Tourism Day which was marked earlier this week – under the theme ‘Tourism for All – Promoting Universal Accessibility.’ “We are supporting the development of our MICE profile with the creation of an events calendar for the destination which we anticipate will act as a spur to attract additional meetings, convention, incentives and exhibition business,” he concluded.  

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) unveiled a new ‘Invest in Sharjah’ brand at the Sharjah FDI Forum 2016. Shurooq expects the new brand to help position Sharjah in global markets and help foreign investors identify the right opportunities in the emirate. The authority has taken the lead in promoting investment opportunities in the emirate globally via a calendar of international sales and marketing activities including conferences, trade shows, high-level business and government meetings and other strategic initiatives. The authority has also been responsible for bringing ambitious new tourism and heritage projects to life, including the Heart of Sharjah, one of the largest heritage developments in the Arabian Gulf region, and the award-winning Mleiha archaeological and ecotourism project in the emirate’s interior. Shurooq plans to use ‘Invest in Sharjah’ to provide a one-stop-shop for global investors to find out more about investment opportunities in the emirate, have access to key facts and figures and gain a better understanding of the economic and legislative environment. (Source: Shurooq )

Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has launched Jumeirah Central, an urban mixed-use city district expected to become a comprehensive model for future urban planning in Dubai and around the world. The all-season city district will comprise 9 million sq ft of retail space including three malls, 4.5 sqft of outdoor shopping space and supported by more than 44,000 car parking spaces. A unique tourism destination, Jumeriah Central will offer 7,200 hotel rooms; the largest number of hotel rooms centred in one district. The district will be home to 35,000 residents and will host 100,000 people annually. It will be connected by a comprehensive cycling network that spans over 33 parks and open spaces. Commenting on the announcement, H.H. Al Maktoum said: “As our vision for future cities evolves, Dubai will continue to set the benchmark for city development across the globe. Jumeriah Central is a clear milestone in our journey towards building the city of the future and the creation of engaged and happy communities. We will not stop investing in our economy, and these projects are tools to expedite that journey of growth. We are confident in the strength of our economy and are optimistic for the future of our nation. To that end, our vision will continuously evolve and expand.” The Jumeirah Central masterplan is a product of the collaborative work of over 19 government and private agencies, international experts and consultants under the leadership of Dubai Holding over the last two years. Jumeirah Central will have smart world-leading infrastructure that includes a multi-modal transport network, environmentally-friendly transport options and aerial gondolas. The district, …

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) hosted its largest ever group of travel trade professionals from Africa, during a six-day familiarisation trip aimed at positioning Dubai as a leading destination of choice. The familiarisation trip, which ends today, has given over 300 senior management executives from 12 African countries – South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Seychelles, Mauritius, Uganda, Tanzania and Cote D’Ivoire – first-hand insights into the array of unique experiences, attractions and activities that Dubai offers, with the spotlight falling on the city’s upcoming summer calendar, starting with the cultural activities during the holy month of Ramadan, followed by the Eid in Dubai celebrations and the Dubai Summer Surprises. In addition to visiting a number of key attractions across the city, the delegation also attended the  Dubai Tourism Conference and Workshop on 3 June, which provided an overview of Dubai’s tourism offerings and the kind of support that is being offered to the African travel trade to promote Dubai in their continent. Presentations were also made by officials from the different agencies and divisions of Dubai Tourism such as Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE),  the organiser of major festivals in Dubai, digital and marketing communications and Dubai Calendar.

Dubai Holding, through its real estate arm “Dubai Properties Group” unveiled “Marasi Business Bay,” a new waterfront destination, its largest development along the creek within Business Bay. The development embraces the longest promenade in the Emirates, spanning 12 kilometers, water homes, floating restaurants, retail options and five palm tree-lined marinas. Located on the Dubai Canal Project, Marasi Business Bay is set to become a major future landmark in Dubai – an unprecedented unique waterside destination concept in the UAE and the Middle East. Marasi Business Bay features the region’s first purpose-built yachting destination with floating restaurants and cafes, alongside onshore boutique shopping and a range of leisure and entertainment facilities. The development’s residential units, which are to be built on water with boat access, provide unparalleled direct canal views and create a unique new living proposition for the real estate market in Dubai. H.E. Mohammad Abdulla Al Gergawi, Chairman, Dubai Holding, said that the new project will strengthen the historic relationship between Dubai and its creek through the addition a new dimension to the residential, tourism and leisure offerings along the Dubai Creek.

World’s largest annual airport event was opened on Monday morning by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airlines Group. The Middle East’s thriving aviation sector brings together leading industry players from across the world to tap into the tremendous opportunities as they open the 16th edition of the airport show at Dubai World Trade Center. Airport Show, a B2B platform, features over 300 exhibitors from 55 countries with 150 hosted buyers from 30 countries with expectations of over 700 industry professionals to attend the event within the next three days. The airport show reflects the growth of the aviation industry especially in the region.