Tourism Breaking News
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is participating in ITB Berlin 2025 showcasing Abu Dhabi’s dynamic tourism landscape, DCT Abu Dhabi leads the delegation of 40 partners and stakeholders at the Experience Abu Dhabi stand, including Yas Island, Air Arabia, Ethara, ITL, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Orient Tours, Saadiyat Island, Al Dhafra Hotel, teamLab Phenomena and many more. DCT Abu Dhabi will also share expert insights on the MICE sector, with Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations, delivering a keynote and participating in a panel discussion on industry trends at 4:00 PM on 4 March at Hall 7.1b Green Stage. Located within Hall 2.2, at Stands 200 and 200A, DCT Abu Dhabi will make key announcements during the event, reinforcing its commitment to building a robust, future-focused tourism and cultural ecosystem.
Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Our presence at ITB Berlin reflects DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to promote, protect, and progress the emirate on a global stage, fostering key partnerships that bring tangible benefits to residents and visitors, as well as long-term opportunities within the industry. Each conversation and connection is an opportunity to highlight Abu Dhabi as a premier tourism and cultural hub, while paving the way for future collaborations that drive sustainable growth for our stakeholders.”
One of DCT Abu Dhabi’s key launches is the Welcome Pass, delivered in collaboration with Alike, a social travel marketplace. Provided at Abu Dhabi airport on arrival, this fully digital, seamless booking and redemption solution will enable travellers to explore Abu Dhabi’s unique range of cultural sites and entertainment attractions and with greater ease and convenience.
DCT Abu Dhabi is also launching Al Dhafra Resort, Vignette Collection, an IHG hotel, that is set to enhance the emirate’s hospitality offering. Blending Arabian heritage with modern elegance, the resort will feature 105 rooms and suites and offer activities including camel rides, falcon shows, Arabic Qahwa tastings, sand artistry, and wellness sessions.
Additionally, to enhance Abu Dhabi’s year-round innovative marketing efforts, Experience Abu Dhabi’s Easter 2025 campaign films will be premiered. Inviting key markets to uncover holiday experiences in the emirate, the campaigns will run across the UK, France, Italy, and Germany under the theme ‘Make Abu Dhabi Your Easter Surprise’.
The Experience Abu Dhabi stand at ITB Berlin draws inspiration from the emirate’s rich heritage, both on land and at sea, offering immersive experiences that showcase its hospitality and culture. Honouring the region’s deep-rooted maritime traditions, visitors can craft artisanal ropes and weave Gargoor (fishing nets). Guests can also explore Bedouin handicrafts or try their hand at perfume making. For a moment of relaxation, they can enjoy a coffee, from either Bait Al Gahwa, highlighting the heritage of traditional Arabic coffee, or from the modern homegrown UAE concept, Aptitude Cafe.
As the world’s leading travel trade show, ITB Berlin provides a strategic platform for DCT Abu Dhabi to foster global collaborations, launch new initiatives, and engage with key industry stakeholders. ITB Berlin is one of many key international trade shows that DCT Abu Dhabi actively participates in, supporting the goals of Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to attract 39.3 million visitors by 2030, create 178,000 new tourism jobs, and contribute AED 90 billion to the emirate’s GDP.
By strengthening relationships with international markets and investing in industry-leading events, DCT Abu Dhabi continues to develop a fast-growing year-round destination, blending rich heritage and world-class hospitality, underpinned by a culture of welcoming Emirati hospitality.
