Category Archives: Associations

Sharjah Events has announced the launch of the #SeeSharjah campaign that aims to collate visual content shared on social media depicting the exciting activities, events and attractions held throughout the year in the Emirate. The ‘Sharjah Shines’ campaign stems from Sharjah Events’ vision to forge strong, meaningful and long-term connections with the public. Stunning, impactful photographs and videos will receive attractive prizes, and winners will be able to enjoy immersive experiences at some of Sharjah’s most popular tourist landmarks. Announcing the launch of the campaign, HE Tariq Saeed Allay, Director of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), said, “The objective behind the #SeeSharjah campaign is to utilise the powerful and innovative user-generated content shared on social media to create a sustainable content library that aligns with the vision of Sharjah Events. Compelling images that capture the beauty of the emirate and showcase the excitement and buzz during its year-long events and celebrations at museums, exhibitions, and other locations will find a place on sharjahevents.ae.” He added, “Monitoring user-generated content that creates an excitement about Sharjah’s wide range of events and activities is a unique opportunity to foster a long-term partnership with content creators and is a powerful resource to increase engagement with the public. Studies have revealed that more than 90 per cent of internet users both favour and trust user-generated content on social media platforms.”

FCM customers in the UAE and in several other growing FCM markets now have access to discounted rates for PCR/Serology tests and Nasal Swab/Deep Throat Saliva tests respectively, currently one of the lowest in the market for business travellers. In the UAE, FCM has formed a partnership with Medcare Hospitals & Medical Centres to provide this service to its clients at its Medcare Hospital Al Safa Dubai. “The business travel landscape and the needs of our customers have changed beyond all recognition over the last few months and business travel conditions will continue to evolve and shift as everyone comes out the other side of the global pandemic,” said Ciarán Kelly, Regional Director – Middle East & Africa, FCM Travel Solutions. “It is extremely important to partner with key private and public institutions to form an ecosystem that works together to operationalise cross-border travel. The reality is that many challenges lie ahead of us and the solution may not be straightforward. However, the process is an essential part of this transition into developing a safe and responsible cross-border travel system that works, and FCM is proud to be at the forefront of this initiative.” Dr. Shanila Laiju, CEO of Medcare Hospital Al Safa & Medcare Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital, said, “Medcare Hospitals & Medical Centres is committed to ensuring the wellbeing of our community. As a combined effort of the nation’s initiatives to offer its people a safe environment, it is our priority to facilitate this by creating this secure space for all people travelling into the UAE and those needing to travel out of the country. With borders steadily reopening, we ensure the most trusted and safe access to …

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is inviting visitors to make this season truly unforgettable when they book a stay in the Emirate through its new ‘Funderful’ campaign. Whether looking to enjoy its outstanding hospitality, thrilling adventure attractions or authentic cultural experiences, anyone who books a well-earned break in one of Ras Al Khaimah’sparticipating 4- and 5-star hotels for two nights or more till May 31 will be entered into a series of special draws to win an array of prizes. Guests will also get the chance to tackle the campaign’s delightfully quirky tongue-twister ‘absoluxuchillexcitinfunderful’ via dedicated radio competitions to test how well they can get their tongues round the word that so deftly captures all that the Emirate has to offer as well as winning prizes. Guests looking to put their luck to the test or simply for a change in scenery can choose from a variety of accommodation options to suit every need. The campaign aims to highlight the Emirate’s diverse hospitality offer, following the success of its summer ‘Shortcation’ held last year, which generated more than 15,000 room nights over three months. Through this, Ras Al Khaimah was successfully able to position itself as a must-visit destination within the local tourism space, offering visitors the chance to unleash their adventurous side at the Jais Adventure Peak, explore its culture and heritage through its souks, the Pearl Farm and museums, as well as take to the great outdoors while trekking and hiking.  As a result, the Emirate placed first in the UAE in terms of ADR and RevPAR month and year-to-date, as well as leading RevPAR in the GCC.

BPG has secured two more marquee brands from the leisure and tourism sector. Motiongate Dubai and Singapore Tourism Board are BPG’s newest clients, capping off a year that has seen the 40 year-old agency enhance its omnichannel client roster. In 2020, BPG bagged a vibrant cross-sector mix of new clients and projects spanning fintech, retail, technology, media, telecom, life sciences and FMCG. Following a competitive tender, BPG Dubai has been appointed the social media agency in the MENA region for Singapore Tourism Board, the lead development agency for one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. BPG will use its creative and digital media expertise to bring alive Singapore’s ‘Passion Made Possible’ brand promise. The holistic digital remit also includes managing Instagram and Facebook for Visit Singapore ME. BPG Dubai has also won the contract to manage the public relations for Motiongate Dubai, the largest Hollywood-inspired theme park in the Middle East and the flagship theme park in Dubai Parks and Resorts. Avi Bhojani, CEO, BPG, said, “BPG Group has a 40-year legacy and deep understanding of the region. We have had the good fortune of supporting iconic regional destination marketing brands like DSF, DSS, Jumeirah, and more. We have partnered in communicating milestone initiatives, which shaped regional and global perceptions. Armed with our clients’ trust, we look forward to leveraging our extensive experience in destination marketing to support Motiongate™ Dubai and Singapore Tourism Board with our insights, refreshed digital skill sets and innovation.”

International Air Transport Association (IATA) is partnering with Emirates to become one of the first airlines in the world to trial IATA Travel Pass – a mobile app to help passengers easily and securely manage their travel in line with any government requirements for COVID-19 testing or vaccine information. IATA Travel Pass enables Emirates passengers to create a ‘digital passport’ to verify their pre-travel test or vaccination meets the requirements of the destination. They will also be able to share the test and vaccination certificates with authorities and airlines to facilitate travel. The new app will also enable travellers to manage all travel documentation digitally and seamlessly throughout the travel experience. Adel Al Redha Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer said, “While international travel remains as safe as ever, there are new protocols and travel requirements with the current global pandemic. We have worked with IATA on this innovative solution to simplify and digitally transmit the information that is required by countries and governments into our airline systems, in a secure and efficient manner.” Nick Careen, IATA Senior Vice President for Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Security said, “With its global customer base and network traffic, Emirates as a partner will also bring invaluable input and feedback to improve the Travel Pass programme. This is the first step in making international travel during the pandemic as convenient as possible giving people the confidence that they are meeting all COVID-19 entry requirements by governments. As borders re-open, IATA Travel Pass will be further enhanced with more capabilities to meet all governments testing or vaccination verification requirements and Emirates customers will be among the first to have these services.”

General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA–Dubai) and the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) have signed a strategic partnership agreement to enhance cooperation and promote online services and platforms designed to facilitate processes for the issuance of residency permits for various investor programmes and special visas.  These include the Distinguished Guests and the Virtual Working programmes, ‘Golden Visas’ for investors and retirement visa for retirees. H.E. Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General, GDRFA – Dubai, said “We are committed to strengthen and consolidate cooperation between various government and private sectors in the UAE in general and Dubai in particular, as well as exchange experiences in order to facilitate procedures for residency permits for different categories of people. This agreement further enhances the existing strategic relations between GDRFA – Dubai and Dubai Tourism and our efforts to support Dubai’s role regionally and internationally and enhance its image as the preferred tourism and global investment destination.” H.E. Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), commented, “Our agreement with GDRFA-Dubai will boost recently launched development strategies inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to position Dubai as the preferred destination for global travellers and foreigners seeking residency. With a modern lifestyle, world class infrastructure and healthcare system, and a diversity of tourism experiences, Dubai offers the perfect residency option for entrepreneurs, investors and professionals. “As we continuously strive to innovate in showcasing the city as a must-visit destination, spurred on by new trends in global travel and the significant shift …

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has announced the resumption of desert tours and related activities in the emirate with strict implementation of the precautionary measures and guidelines issued for desert tours and Sharjah tour operators. This latest decision comes as part of the efforts to resume the tourism activities in the emirate and bring them to a normal pace by adopting the highest standards in prevention and safety practices, health protocols, and the implementation of government directives on national health and safety of tourists, visitors, employees, citizens, and residents of Sharjah. H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA commented that the decision is a step forward in the process of the gradual return of all tourism activities in Sharjah in accordance with the larger plan and in close coordination with all relevant partners from the government and private sectors. Al Midfa highlighted that adherence to the precautionary measures is key as it provides a foundation to rebuild the momentum of activities in the tourism sector while at the same time ensuring the health of employees and tourists alike, and thereby establishing Sharjah’s position as a safe and preferred tourist destination. Al Midfa added, “We continue to work closely with all concerned entities to intensify our joint efforts to maintain public health and safety as we take new steps to launch and implement various major initiatives aimed at enabling the recovery of the tourism sector from the repercussions of the pandemic and revive growth. We are implementing a strict schedule of inspection of establishments and activities through regular field visits under the supervision of an integrated team of SCTDA inspectors to ensure the issued precautionary measures are being …

Visit Maldives has started a radio promotion with Al Khaleejiya for the Middle Eastern region. The purpose of this two-week campaign is to promote the destination and the unique experiences available in Maldives. In this regard, this campaign also aims to inform prospective travellers from the Middle East about the safety measures that are imposed in the Maldives and ensure them that Maldives is a safe haven. With the reopening of major Middle Eastern borders, tourists are able to visit Maldives more frequently now. Thus, marketing efforts in the Middle Eastern market have increased in order to regain the market share, and increase tourist arrivals from the GCC and the KSA region. This is carried forward by utilizing campaigns such as the joint campaign with DNATA Travel and promotions with Emirates Woman, targeting potential segments. Under the Rediscover Maldives campaign, a series of webinars were also conducted for the travel trade of the Middle East market and other key markets. The airlines operating from the Middle Eastern region include Emirate Airlines, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways. In addition to this, FlyDubai has started its operations to the Maldives on October 27, 2020. While tourist arrivals from the Middle East to the Maldives showed a 15.1% increase, with a record of 60,003 arrivals in 2019, current arrival trends since the reopening positions the UAE market 3rd in terms of arrival from the date of border opening. Visit Maldives is currently conducting major marketing activities in key markets such as Global campaign with CNN, integrated webinar sessions in china, and the recent participation in World Travel Mart (WTM) Virtual 2020 in the UK. Furthermore, Visit Maldives has successfully concluded the Rediscover Maldives …

Dubai Association Centre (DAC) is poised to see a strong uplift in new licensed associations through the rest of 2020, having supported its registered associations through the global Covid-19 pandemic. And with the challenges faced globally putting a renewed spotlight on the need for knowledge sharing and collaboration, DAC’s ability to bolster the contribution being made by associations in key professions and sectors to the development of the city’s knowledge economy is set to be more important than ever before. Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said, “We would like to take this opportunity to welcome our newly licensed associations and look forward to seeing them benefit from and contribute to the numerous opportunities Dubai has to offer as a global knowledge and business events hub. We look forward to building relationships with more associations – both from around the world and those already with a presence in Dubai – and to give them a better understanding of the benefits of registering with DAC.” Kazim added, “The ability of the Dubai Association Centre to grow its membership during difficult circumstances is a testament to Dubai’s reputation as a preferred hub for international and professional associations. We are closely watching economic developments and their impact on the emirate’s association sector and exploring new ways that we can support DAC members and help them prepare for a post-Covid-recovery.” Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President, Venue Services Management, Dubai World Trade Centre, said, “The opening of DAC’s new headquarters in DWTC’s One Central development at the end of 2019 was another important step in fostering a strong association community in the city, providing registered associations with an …

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is pleased to announce the success of its ‘Shortcation’ staycation campaign which ran from 7 June – 31 August. Together with its hospitality partners, RAKTDA created a special summer package inviting UAE residents to take a well-earned break and enjoy the Emirate’s exceptional beaches, outstanding hospitality, thrilling adventure attractions and authentic cultural experiences for the ultimate ‘Shortcation’. Guests staying for three or more nights at any of Ras Al Khaimah’s participating 4 & 5 star hotels enjoyed a series of value-adds for a unique and memorable stay, including the Suwaidi Pearls farm, the iconic ‘Jais Adventure Peak’ with the Jebel Jais Flight, the world’s longest zipline; the Jais Sky Tour featuring seven ziplines and a 15m sky bridge; and the Jais Sky Maze, a suspended obstacle course of rope swings, wobbly bridges and swinging loops. 15,000 room nights were generated during the first 12 weeks of the ‘Shortcation’ campaign.Grand Summer Raffle – all ‘Shortcation’ guests automatically entered a weekly raffle hosted by RAKTDA, to win a number of high value prizes, including the grand prize of a brand-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2020 automobile, courtesy of Gargash Enterprises.Despite the regional effects of the pandemic, Ras Al Khaimah leads in RevPAR in the UAE and is second in the GCC, after Riyadh. Ras Al Khaimah became the first city in the world to be certified as safe by Bureau Veritas and the first Emirate to receive the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels Stamp. RAKTDA partners with the National Crisis & Emergency Management Authority and Ras Al Khaimah Preventive Medicine Department provide free COVID-19 PCR testing for all hospitality staff in the Emirate. All …