Dubai Business Events (DBE) secured a total of 212 bids throughout 2017, representing its most successful year to date, the city’s official convention bureau announced. As a result of secured bids and proposals in 2017, Dubai is set to welcome an additional 95,000 delegates, delivering an economic impact of approximately AED 715 million. Dubai submitted a total of 354 bids throughout 2017, and among the wins were those for bids submitted before 2017. At the end of the year, 104 bid submissions were still awaiting decision. The bids and proposals secured in 2017 mark an increase of 64% over 2016 when a total of 129 bids were won, further cementing the Emirate’s leading position as a global business events destination. This success also comes as DBE celebrates its 15th anniversary as Dubai’s official convention bureau. Since its establishment in 2003, DBE has been pivotal in shaping the city’s world-class business events offering. Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: “The exponential increase in bids won in 2017 is a direct reflection of Dubai’s rapid growth as a leading business hub. 2017’s success in attracting international business events builds on the steady growth the city has experienced, establishing Dubai as a destination of choice for business events from around the globe. These successes have been made possible due to the close collaboration with our stakeholders and partners, who play a crucial role in realising Dubai’s strategic objectives. International and regional business events not only contribute to the growth in overall visitor numbers to Dubai, they also play an important role in the development of our knowledge economy.” Steen Jakobsen, Director, Dubai Business Events, said, …

Emirates Airline and Airbus have signed a memorandum of understanding to deliver an additional 20 A380 aircraft by 2020. The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the World Government Summit, in the presence of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai and Edouard Philippe, Prime Minister of France, between HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group; and Mikail Houari, President Airbus Africa Middle East. During the event, Sheikh Ahmed and French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe also discussed the strong aviation ties between the UAE and France, and the expansion of air services between both countries. Together with the airline’s 101-strong A380 fleet and its current order backlog for 41 aircraft, this new order brings Emirates’ commitment to the A380 programme to 178 aircraft, worth over US$ 60 billion. Emirates’ A380 fleet operates both Engine Alliance and Rolls-Royce engines, and the airline is evaluating engine options for its latest A380 order. Sheikh Ahmed said: “This agreement underscores our commitment to the A380 programme, providing stability to the A380 production line and supporting tens of thousands of high-value jobs across the aviation supply chain. For Emirates, the A380 has been a successful aircraft for our customers, our operations, and our brand. We look forward to continue working with Airbus to further enhance the aircraft and onboard product.” “We thank Emirates, HH Sheikh Ahmed, Tim Clark and Adel Al-Redha for their continued confidence in the A380, which has so successfully transformed air travel in the 21st century,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President Commercial Aircraft and Chief Operating Officer. “This latest agreement further demonstrates …

Set to transform the virtual reality entertainment landscape, Emaar Entertainment has announced a first-of-its-kind VR Park in Dubai due to open in the first half of 2018 at The Dubai Mall. The attraction will provide an unprecedented breadth of games, rides and experiences to suit all ages. Combining Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and experiential attractions, VR Park is designed to blur the lines between perception and reality through game changing experiences, spanning wholly immersive rides, educational journeys and interactive games. Focusing on the concept of ‘Shared Escapism’, many of the attractions offer a multi-player experience – allowing visitors to interact with one another and live the experience with family and friends. VR Park has been specifically designed with attractions appealing to all interests, across adrenaline, horror, leisure and more.

Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will be the latest addition to flydubai’s network from April 15. The daily flights will operate with an enroute stop in nearby Entebbe and will also be available for booking through the Emirates codeshare agreement. flydubai becomes the first UAE carrier to operate flights to Kinshasa International Airport and provide links from the UAE and the region to a new gateway in Central Africa. Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer, flydubai, said, “Africa is fast emerging as one of the most important markets for the United Arab Emirates. With the proximity to the continent and rising demand to more direct links to Africa, we see this new service to Kinshasa playing an instrumental role in further supporting the growing trade and tourism flows in the coming years.” Passengers travelling to and from Kinshasa will have the option of a Business Class experience, benefitting from priority check-in service, spacious seats and a range of dining options. Passengers travelling in Economy Class will have access to comfortable seating and a convenient way to travel.

Thai Airways International Public Company (THAI) has opened its new branch office under GSA-Majestic Travel & Tours LLC in Abu Dhabi at Al Falah Street. The office was inaugurated by His Excellency Komate Kamalanavin, Ambassador of Thailand along with Chantouch Srinilta, General Manager—UAE & Middle East, Henry Boutros, Area Sales Manager—UAE & Middle East, Kumar Jagadeesan, General Manager, Anta Travel and Vinit Singh, Manager, Majestic Travel & Tours. THAI flies daily from Dubai to Bangkok with smooth connections through its home base Suvarnabhumi International Airport to domestic Thailand destinations and beyond to the Far East, Asia and Australia. As the first contact point in the Kingdom of Thailand, THAI offers passengers a sublime experience and economy cabins amongst the best in the industry, with generous legroom and plush wide seats. Royal silk Business Class cabin inspired by the rich culture and heritage of Thailand offers a personal lounge-office in the clouds with customisable configurations. THAI continues to focus on the importance of consistent product development based on customer satisfaction with state-of-art services that meets customers’ needs.

Shaza Hotels has signed its third Mysk project in the Middle East, Mysk by Shaza, in Palm Jumeirah. The hotel marks a new milestone for Shaza with the entry of the group into the ever-growing Dubai market that has one of the best performing hospitality sectors in the world. The hotel aims to add a new flavour to the Dubai hotel scene, bringing an intimate and personalised experience for both the corporate market and leisure market. Commenting on the project, Simon Coombs, President and CEO, Shaza Hotels said, “Since the recent launch of Mysk by Shaza, we have been actively looking at signing a project here since the need for upscale hotels in Dubai was one of the reasons that encouraged us to create the Mysk brand. I am very happy that the first Mysk in Dubai will be located in such a prestigious location, and I am grateful for Aqua Properties for having entrusted us with their asset.”

‘Visit UAE’, the Ministry of Economy’s recent roadshow in India across three major cities featured the participation of tourism departments and authorities from the Emirates, other local government entities concerned with the tourism sector and a group of tourism institutions and companies, including aviation, major attractions, hotels and tour and travel agencies in the country. The roadshow initially took place in Bangalore, then moved to Ahmedabad and concluded in Mumbai. H.E. Mohammed Khamis Al Mheiri, Advisor to the Minister of Economy for Tourism Affairs, shared that the MOE’s efforts fall in line with the goal of UAE Vision 2021 to position the UAE among the best sustainable tourism destinations in the world. Al Mheiri added that India is one of the UAE’s leading strategic economic partners and the second largest trading partner in 2016. The country also represents a vital tourist market—highlighted by the large number of recorded Indian visitors and tourists that come to visit various UAE emirates and tourist attractions. Visitors from India represent 10 per cent of the total number of visitors recorded in 2016. The figures consolidate the position of the Indian market as an important destination of tourism promotion and cooperation with the UAE.

Organised by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), the Sharjah Light Festival (SLF) 2018 highlights the identity of Sharjah as a guiding light for intellectual, cultural and scientific inspiration, and boosts its position on the international tourism map. The event kick-started at the Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi Centre under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and H.H Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. The festival was launched amidst a spectacular display of light that celebrate the role of science, knowledge and culture in building generations and future pioneers. Running from February 7-17, the event is being held in 18 locations inside and outside the emirate of Sharjah. Beautiful light panels were produced using the latest technology to blend light and music, reflecting the emirate’s identity by embodying the heritage of its architectural buildings to form exquisite works of art. The exhibition also varied between history, originality and modernity, and an account of the history of the ancient emirate, with rare paintings of the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, on the occasion of the year of Zayed.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the opening of Crowne Plaza Riyadh–RDC Hotel and Convention Center. The newly opened hotel will be the seventh IHG hotel in Riyadh and the 31st in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The 326-room hotel is strategically located in the Al Ra’idah Digital City (RDC), a mixed use district expected to accommodate over 20,000 employees and up to 10,000 residents. Crowne Plaza Riyadh–RDC Hotel is in close proximity to the new financial district, the Riyadh CBD, King Saud University, Diplomatic Quarter and lies within 25 minutes of King Khalid International Airport, making it an ideal choice for business travellers. The hotel also offers a comprehensive range of facilities to meet the needs of corporate and MICE guests travelling to and within the Kingdom. The hotel features over 12000 m2 of exhibition and conference space including a three-level circular conference centre, a ballroom, large pre-function areas and 12 meeting rooms equipped with modern digital technology. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s large outdoor swimming pool or re-energise with a game of tennis at the outdoor court. An on-site business centre is equipped with the latest technology to keep guests connected to their business and their families back home.

Dubai’s Gevora Hotel, with 75 floors standing tall at a height of 356 metres, has claimed the title for the tallest hotel in the world by Guinness World Records. Located on the Sheikh Zayed Road adjacent to the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), Gevora was built by Majid Al Attar. With 528 keys consisting of 232 Deluxe Rooms, 265 one-bed room deluxe and 31 two-bedroom suites, the four-star luxury city hotel will now even wear the crown as the tallest hotel from its predecessor JW Marriott Marquis. The opening ceremony of the property was presided over by owners Majid Al Attar, Khalid Al Attar, Ahmed Abdul Rahim Al Attar, Salah Ameen, Mana Al Attar and Mohammed Al Attar. The hotel has been launched at a time when Dubai prepares for the influx of tourists for Expo 2020. The state-of-the-art meeting room facilities in the property will be a key driver for the business clientele in the area who require smaller board room type of facilities. The rooms are fully equipped with a kitchen especially designed for the GCC clientele.