Tag Archives: DCT Abu Dhabi

Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi extends 10% tourism tax exemption for 2024

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has extended the waiver of fees for issuing, distributing, and marketing event tickets in the emirate, to further encourage growth for the tourism sector. Event organisers will be exempt from paying the tourism fee of 10 per cent on tickets sold until 31 December 2024. His Excellency Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi’s year-round line-up of events consistently attracts visitors from around the globe. The extension of the tourism fee waiver until the end of the year is part of our efforts to accelerate our growth and provide continued support to our event partners and organisers, who are integral to the tourism and entertainment ecosystem of the emirate.” Event organisers must continue to obtain event licences through the Abu Dhabi Events Licensing System following specified regulations. Organisers are required to declare revenues generated from their events, submit supporting financial statements, and cooperate with revenue auditors or individuals designated by DCT Abu Dhabi to verify the accuracy of their declarations. The tourism tax waiver is among several recent measures aimed at fostering the expansion of the tourism and events industry in Abu Dhabi. Other incentives include the reduction of tourism and municipality fees for hotels in Abu Dhabi, as well as updates to the holiday homes policy. Within this policy, farmhouse owners can now acquire licences to convert their properties into holiday homes. Landlords and residential unit owners can obtain more than one holiday home license for multiple units.

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Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi at 65% completion :DCT Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral announced 65% completion of the overall development of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. Located within Saadiyat Cultural District, the museum is set to be the largest of its kind in the region, once construction is completed by the end of 2025. Upon completion, the museum will take visitors on a 13.8-billion-year journey through time and space – from the earliest origins of our universe, exploring the abundance of life on Earth today, and looking into the future. Structural works of the 35,000 sqm museum is largely complete with a current focus on the installation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP), building fit-out, and exhibition works. The museum was topped out by H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi and Miral, H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi and Mohamed Abdallah Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, which was followed by a visit of the development to check construction progress. H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will play a key role in advancing science and inspiring environmental stewardship in our children while furthering Abu Dhabi as a global centre for research and collaboration. By cultivating a generation passionate about the natural sciences, we seek to enrich lives through education and scientific discovery, in turn encouraging people to actively care for the planet’s future. Set to inspire visitors of all ages by unlocking billions of years of knowledge about our planet, this progress update is an indication of concrete steps towards curating a thought-provoking …

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Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi Highlights Focus on Excellence through Sustainability Conference and Quality Certification System

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the Department of Economic Development Competitiveness Office of Abu Dhabi held a conference to discuss various themes contributing to tourism excellence to further build capacity in the emirate’s tourism sector,  in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization’s Academy (UNWTO Academy). Aiming to further build capacity in the emirate’s tourism sector, DCT Abu Dhabi and UNWTO Academy also recently introduced the UNWTO.QUEST Certification for quality assurance in the industry, and the UNWTO. TedQual Certification, a programme which aims to enhance the quality of tourism education, training and research programmes in UAE universities. Titled ‘Sustainability and Competitiveness: Tourism Potentials and Challenges’, the conference brought together experts in sustainability and tourism, and helped attendees develop an understanding of the role of diversity, equity, inclusion, sustainability, and strategic leadership in enhancing destination competitiveness. The conference agenda discussed practices and strategies that could be adopted by tourism stakeholders to contribute to the development of more a competitive and responsible tourism destination. Among the attendees were H.E. Hala Khaled Al Ameri, Executive Director of the Competitiveness Office of Abu Dhabi (COAD) at the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development; H.E. Hanan Ahli, Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre; and Mr. Ammar Anwar Sajwani, Director of Tourism Development Department, UAE Ministry of Economy. H.E. Saeed Ali Obaid Al Fazari, Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Through various initiatives, we are enabling industry-wide discussions that contribute to a sustainable tourism future. With a focus on education, we are keen to deliver continued tourism excellence, channelling innovation through a fresh lens. Encouraging these vital discussions is key to creating enduring, …

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Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau and China MICE Advisory Group renew partnership to boost MICE Tourism from China

The Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB) reaffirmed its commitment to further developing the emirate’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector with the renewal of its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China MICE Advisory Group at a signing ceremony recently at Louvre Abu Dhabi. The China MICE Advisory Group, a committee of key Chinese MICE trade partners and media, was established by ADCEB in 2019 to gain insights into MICE and business travel trends unique to the dynamic Chinese market. As the first-ever dedicated advisory committee in China created in partnership with ADCEB, its formation reflects ADCEB’s proactive approach to engaging with the growing outbound MICE sector from China. The China market ranks among Abu Dhabi’s top source markets for tourism and MICE, reflecting a strong bilateral relationship. As the demand for outbound MICE in China increases, approaching levels comparable to the country’s outbound leisure market, a substantial surge in outbound Chinese MICE is expected in 2024. H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi said, “Our thriving partnerships with China and a proven track record of attracting tourists and business travellers to Abu Dhabi underscores the strength of this partnership. This renewal will enable us to continue to share knowledge and strategically plan for our tourism future, in line with our commitment to promoting and preserving the emirate’s heritage, culture and tourism assets. Our continued collaboration empowers our efforts while significantly contributing to the growth of inbound visitors from China, solidifying Abu Dhabi as a destination of choice globally.” As part of Abu Dhabi’s broader efforts to boost international MICE arrivals from China, the partnership aims to incentivise …

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Over 300,000 visitors across GCC and beyond attended the biggest ever Liwa International Festival

The 2023 edition of the annual Liwa International Festival has officially concluded after 24 fun-filled days that welcomed more than 300,000 visitors from across the UAE, GCC, and beyond. Organised by Liwa Sports Club, with the support of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral, each year the festival captivates visitors with its distinctive motorsport thrills, desert experiences, and family-friendly fun, centred around the 300-metre-tall Tal Moreeb dune. The integrated motoring, music and cultural festival brought its famous mix of family fun, variety of F&B options, superb live music, and high-octane motorsports to Al Dhafra. The biggest, best, and most popular festival yet, this year’s event ended with a drone and fireworks display on New Year’s Eve. The unique fusion of the Al Dhafra region’s majestic sand dunes, the perfectly cool winter weather, and an exciting array of activities meant the event once again provided visitors with experiences that are simply unavailable anywhere else in the region or beyond. H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism, the Department of Culture and Tourism—Abu Dhabi, said: “As a prominent highlight on Abu Dhabi’s back-to-back year-round events calendar, the 2023 Liwa International Festival was an exciting, fun-filled celebration for families and motorsport fans. It stood out as one of the biggest and best events to date, showcasing the festival’s continuous growth in size, scale, and popularity each year. Al Dhafra remains the top destination for exceptional entertainment and family-friendly fun in the heart of the desert. I look forward to next year’s edition and even more memorable experiences.” The biggest Liwa Festival ever This year, the festival featured the return of Liwa Village, which …

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DCT Abu Dhabi partners with Le Cordon Bleu to launch its first UAE Institute

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has partnered with Le Cordon Bleu to open the first-ever Le Cordon Bleu Institute in the UAE on the emirate’s Saadiyat Island. Launching in the first quarter of 2025, Le Cordon Bleu Abu Dhabi is set to elevate the epicurean scene in the region and position Abu Dhabi as a centre for culinary talent, innovation, and development. Situated in the heart of Aldar Properties’ The Grove, the state-of-the-art Saadiyat Island campus will attract local and international students aspiring to refine their skills and broaden their horizons within one of the world’s most revered institutions. Notably, Le Cordon Bleu Abu Dhabi will be developing Le Cordon Bleu specialisations in two pioneering fields – maritime sustainability and food security. His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “At DCT Abu Dhabi, we pursue excellence across all our activities by collaborating with world-leading organisations and top talent. This collaboration with the globally renowned Le Cordon Bleu will enable us to redefine culinary education in the region, nurturing creative talent while shaping the future of food to advance the emirate’s status as a hub of diverse gastronomic experiences.” The announcement comes following the launch earlier this year of the AED 360 million Abu Dhabi Culinary Investment Fund, which will introduce leading brands to the UAE capital over five years and accelerate Abu Dhabi’s development as a rapidly growing gastronomical hub. André J. Cointreau, President of Le Cordon Bleu, commented: “Founded in 1895 in Paris, Le Cordon Bleu is recognised worldwide for its excellence in education, with programmes ranging from diploma level up to Bachelor’s, Master’s …

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DCT Abu Dhabi launches inaugural Emirati Hospitality Ambassadors Forum

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) hosted its inaugural Emirati Hospitality Ambassadors Forum, a new platform that empowers and connects UAE nationals working across the emirate’s tourism sector. The event saw the participation of DCT Abu Dhabi leadership and over 80 Emirati tourism professionals from across the sector, representing diverse roles such as tour guides, agents, marketers, and managers, among others. The annual forum was incepted to highlight the pivotal role Emiratis play in delivering authentic experiences for visitors, and to facilitate networking and the exchange of invaluable insights about Abu Dhabi’s rapidly growing tourism and hospitality sector. HE Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “As we continue to grow and elevate Abu Dhabi’s tourism landscape, we must ensure our community of Emirati tourism and hospitality ambassadors are given the tools and resources needed to deliver authentic and unforgettable experiences for all. The Emirati Hospitality Ambassadors Forum will amplify the voices of our Emirati talent, while leveraging their unique perspectives to steer and evolve Abu Dhabi’s hospitality industry.” The Emirati Hospitality Ambassadors Forum aligns with DCT Abu Dhabi’s mission to cultivate a dynamic, diverse and inclusive tourism sector, one that celebrates the rich heritage and warm hospitality that defines Emirati culture.  

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DCT Abu Dhabi and Microsoft sign MoU on Generative AI, Cloud Technologies

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Microsoft have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at GITEX Global 2023. The alliance enables innovation in key areas such as generative artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing and brings together both organisations’ capabilities and resources to enhance the tourist and cultural experience in Abu Dhabi. This engagement with Microsoft aligns with DCT Abu Dhabi’s objectives to drive digital transformation within the organisation, redefining the landscape of the culture and tourism industry in the emirate to positively impact visitors and residents. Activities under the MoU will also drive growth, foster innovation and enhance knowledge among DCT Abu Dhabi employees. The MoU spans across the optimisation, automation, and modernisation of IT and security infrastructure and will be enabled by Microsoft’s cloud computing platform Azure and cutting-edge security. The combination of the Microsoft Azure Intelligent Data Platform and Azure OpenAI Service will significantly improve operational insights, and the use of AI-powered Microsoft 365 tools will streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and elevate the overall service quality provided by DCT Abu Dhabi. HE Adnan Al Awadi, Support Services Executive Director at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Through our collaboration with Microsoft, we reaffirm our commitment to excellence through digital transformation as together we shape the future of work. In line with UAE Digital Government Strategy 2025, these efforts will contribute to elevating Abu Dhabi’s tourism and culture offerings and help meet the diverse needs of millions of tourists who visit from around the world each year. We are embarking on a journey to create a comprehensive digital ecosystem that connects and streamlines our network.” Naim Yazbeck, General Manager of Microsoft UAE, said: …

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DCT Abu Dhabi signs partnership with Mubadala Foundation initiating AED 50 million cultural industry investment

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Mubadala Foundation signed a partnership agreement, where the latter will contribute AED 50 million to the emirate’s cultural industry over the next five years in a first-of-its-kind agreement. The partnership marks a significant step forward in their shared mission to transform and elevate the emirate’s vast cultural landscape, with Mubadala Foundation also being appointed as an ‘Education & Community Partner’ of DCT Abu Dhabi’s across the culture sector, including the Saadiyat Cultural District and other similar sites. The close cooperation between DCT Abu Dhabi and Mubadala Foundation presents an important commitment to fostering cultural programmes and initiatives, including projects with the renowned Louvre Abu Dhabi and the highly anticipated Zayed National Museum. His Excellency Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “At DCT Abu Dhabi, we have cultivated compelling partnerships that are central to community development and fuel economic progress that aid Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. Our commitment to this is reinforced by the signing of this partnership with Mubadala Foundation, underscoring our promise to transform the emirate into a global centre for culture and creativity. Through this stakeholder collaboration, we are poised to deliver unparalleled experiences to visitors from around the globe and enable the creation of a dynamic cultural ecosystem that invites exploration and engagement.”  

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DCT Abu Dhabi kicks off Abu Dhabi travel and tourism week

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi kicked off Abu Dhabi Travel & Tourism Week (25-30 September), a platform which brings together the emirate’s travel and tourism industry to foster growth and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s status as a global tourism hub. The initiative aligns with the emirate’s broader vision to welcome over 24 million visitors this year and further enhance the business and leisure tourism industries, driving economic impact to the UAE capital and beyond. The week starts with the first City Tourism Briefing event and supports the roll-out of Abu Dhabi Business Events Forum, Abu Dhabi Wedding Show and the Future Hospitality Summit, leveraging the collective power of many tourism stakeholders from diverse industries all contributing their expertise and insights to drive progress. HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “The Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 drives our ambitions to build a strong foundation of strategic partnerships that facilitate the establishment of the emirate as a thriving global hub for business, investment, and leisure travel.  The Abu Dhabi Travel & Tourism Week is set to unlock new opportunities that reaffirm our commitment to positioning Abu Dhabi as a dynamic and sustainable hub for tourism.  We look forward to fostering growth in the sector by accelerating high-potential industries such as gastronomy, aviation, and business events and welcome all of our partners and future collaborators to join us in our journey.” Abu Dhabi Travel & Tourism Week will advance the emirate’s tourism industry across a range of sectors, such as Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) events, hospitality, destination marketing, weddings, tourism strategy, and more.

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