Tag Archives: Ali Hassan Al Shaiba

Abu Dhabi Ports inks deal with MSC Cruises

Abu Dhabi Ports has announced a long-term agreement with MSC Cruises, giving them berthing rights at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal and Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach. The deal, signed by Director of Cruise Business at Abu Dhabi Ports, Noura Rashid Al Dhaheri and MSC Cruise CEO, Gianni Onorato, at MSC’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier destination on the international cruise map. Most importantly, the deal will bring 1.3 million visitors to the capital over the tenure of the agreement. Abu Dhabi’s Cruise Terminal has reported significant growth over the last 12 months, posting a 47 per cent rise in passenger numbers and a 45 per cent rise in vessel calls. The terminal’s bumper year was due in part to MSC Cruises’ commitment earlier this season to include 17 new calls at Zayed Port. Noura Rashid Al Dhaheri, Director – Cruise Business, Abu Dhabi Ports, said, “Our success in substantially boosting passenger volumes year-on-year demonstrates our commitment to develop a world-class cruise destination. With investment in infrastructure, and enhanced operations and services to serve the cruise liners arriving in Abu Dhabi, we have cemented our position as the leading destination in the Gulf region.” Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, added, “Abu Dhabi is a very important embarkation port and popular destination for ashore visits during winter cruises and we are currently serving the city and Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach with both MSC Bellissima, the most modern and one of the most environmentally-advanced cruise ships to sail in the Arabian Gulf, and MSC Lirica.” Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Acting Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu …

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DCT – Abu Dhabi & Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau exchange knowledge

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT – Abu Dhabi) welcomed the Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau to the UAE capital, where the Bureau was hosting the ‘Abu Dhabi Overseas Promotion Conference of Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau’. During their visit, members of the Bureau were given the opportunity to tour DCT Abu Dhabi’s offices to learn more about the city’s tourism strategies and upcoming plans for 2020. “Both Beijing and Abu Dhabi boast a rich and unique history and culture – a key factor for attracting tourists,” said Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Acting Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing Sector, DCT – Abu Dhabi “Our countries share common values and a shared drive to be at the forefront of success, which has been founded on a solid and long-lasting relationship between the UAE and China, something we are immensely proud of. This enlightening visit provided both parties with key knowledge and an exchange of industry experience, which will undoubtedly help both DCT Abu Dhabi and Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau to achieve our goals and enhance the tourism sector in both cities.” “We are pleased to strengthen the cooperation with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, which promotes the overseas partnership programme and continues to play the role of a bridge between our two cities in the culture and tourism areas,” said Wang Qing, Director at Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau.

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Abu Dhabi shines as a premium tourism destination at WTM 2019

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has unveiled the exhibit that showcases Abu Dhabi’s best offerings to visitors at World Travel Market (WTM) participation in London. The show saw a hive of activity that took place on the DCT Abu Dhabi stand, including a visit from His Excellency Mansoor Abulhoul, UAE Ambassador to the United Kingdom, as well as numerous stakeholder meetings occurring throughout the day. In the evening, DCT Abu Dhabi representatives and a number of stakeholders attended the inaugural UAE Ambassadors dinner at the Bulgari Hotel London, to forge closer relationship amongst the emirates. The annual DCT Abu Dhabi on-stand breakfast was also held on Tuesday morning, with many trade and media representatives in attendance. The exhibition involves 36 of DCT Abu Dhabi’s key partners, such as Etihad Airways and Experience Hub, showcasing the diverse portfolio of attractions the city has to offer across the culture, entertainment and luxury sectors. Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at DCT Abu Dhabi said, “WTM is a great opportunity for us to promote Abu Dhabi as a premium tourism destination to travel trade stakeholders across the globe.” Abu Dhabi stakeholders participating in the event includes Etihad Airways, Experience Hub, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Qasr Al Watan, Qasr Al Hosn, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts, Park Hyatt, The Ritz Carlton, Rotana Hotels and Resorts, The Westin Abu Dhabi and Yas Marina Circuit.

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Abu Dhabi tourism’s showdown week

Superstar rock group Red Hot Chili Peppers will make their debut in the UAE with a spectacular concert to celebrate Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, a seven-day series of events set to run alongside UFC 242. Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the inaugural Abu Dhabi Showdown Week will run from September 1-7, and feature city-wide events and activations including pool and beach parties, retail promotions and F&B deals at beach clubs, nightclubs, hotels and malls, with the famous Californian rockers providing an awesome highlight on September 4. Taking place at The Arena, a new indoor venue being constructed on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, the Chili Peppers’ concert will be followed on September 5 by another world-class concert, with the mystery act yet to be announced. The two concerts, along with the other city-wide activations and the main event on September 7, will reinforce Abu Dhabi’s growing status as an entertainment capital, strengthening the emirate’s standing as an internationally renowned leisure destination and a hub for major, globally significant events. “The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ concert elevates the entire Abu Dhabi Showdown Week proposition and ensures our week-long programme will appeal to as many fans as possible,” said Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Acting Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at DCT Abu Dhabi. UFC fans and the general public will also be able to experience the inner workings of the UFC during the week through numerous gym activations, open workouts, weigh-ins, autograph signings and meet-and-greet sessions with UFC stars while an activity-packed UFC Fan Experience Zone will be created next to The Arena on Yas Island.  

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