Category Archives: Govt

Dubai Municipality has launched a new VIP ticket package for guests visiting Frame Dubai, one of the Emirate’s most popular architectural attractions. Holders of the new AED 300 ticket are entitled to several benefits, which include the opportunity to experience a unique tour of Frame Dubai. Ahmed Al Zarouni, Director of the Department of Public Parks and Recreational Facilities, pointed out that the new VIP ticket package comes in line with the Municipality’s efforts to offer attractive and fully integrated amenities and services, allowing residents and tourists to enjoy a holistic recreational experience. This aligns with the Municipality’s mission to drive pioneering services that improve quality of life for residents and tourists alike, as well as continue to improve the Emirate’s appeal as a recreational hub. Al Zarouni said: “The ticket grants visitors access to a variety of amenities and benefits, including reserved parking quick entry through a private gate. Another important feature that we are certain guests would appreciate is a guided tour that covers the most important details and facts about the frame and the area it overlooks.” Frame Dubai, which opened in January 2018, attracted more than 5.5 million visitors and is in the Za ‘abeel area and stands as a cultural landmark that connects the Emirate’s present with its rich history. Inspired by the ‘golden ratio’ of 1.618, the dimensions of the Frame Dubai measure up to 150 metres high and 93 metres wide. More than 9,900 cubic metres of reinforced cement, roughly 2,000 tons of steel, and 2,900 square metres of laminated glass panels were used in the construction of the structure. Additionally, it has circuits modelled after the Expo 2020 logo spread across more …

As the AFC Asian Cup 2023 enters the semi-finals stage, Msheireb Downtown Doha, Qatar has welcomed around 2.5 million football fans and visitors from around the world, with more than 41,000 visitors using the tram, and an average of 14,000 visitors making their way to Msheireb Galleria daily. Dr Hafiz Ali Abdullah, Senior Director of Corporate Communications said: “We are excited to be the go-to destination for visitors and residents during the AFC Asian Cup 2023. Msheireb Downtown Doha continues to proudly showcase Qatari culture with thrilling activations and unique design features.” Throughout the first half of the tournament, Msheireb Downtown Doha was filled with exhilarating activities like the Asian Sikka featuring booths from all 24 participating countries, Football Bowling, Football Golf Target, and Subsoccer games, match screenings at Baraha Msheireb, and finally the open-air ‘Baraha Musical Concert’ in collaboration with the renowned Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition, Msheireb Downtown Doha housed the Media Centre for the entire tournament with over 2,000 media representatives. Msheireb Downtown Doha, located in close proximity to the buzzing Souq Waqif, also offers visitors a unique cultural experience through the city’s interactive Msheireb Museums, various choices of fine dining and international cuisines, as well as stores and children’s edutainment at the four-story Msheireb Galleria.

The Board of Directors of NEOM announced Xaynor, a beachfront private members club, nestled among the rocky landscapes along the pristine coastline of the Gulf of Aqaba. Xaynor is the latest addition to the evolving regional development in northwest Saudi Arabia.  Xaynor’s secluded seafront location offers a discreet destination where club members can unwind on the Gulf of Aqaba’s beautiful unspoiled coastline. With its striking architectural design and thoughtfully curated interior, Xaynor elevates comfort and sophistication, creating an environment primed for leisure, relaxation, entertainment, and conversation. Arriving in Xaynor, guests will be greeted by its breathtaking canopy entrance, blending with the natural landscape and providing a captivating pathway down to the beach. This distinct architectural style effortlessly integrates concealed retreats and expansive open spaces. Guests can choose to indulge in private seclusion or mingle with other members. Capturing the essence of coastal luxury, Xaynor will provide a selection of the best that contemporary luxury has to offer, including private pools, beachside lounges, gourmet dining, a signature entertainment venue, and a world-class spa and wellness center. Complementing these offerings, Xaynor boasts boutique shopping and leisure options, accompanied by members-only experiences personalized in collaboration with internationally renowned brand partners in fashion, art and lifestyle. Positioned as the epitome of ultra-chic beach resort luxury, Xaynor is dedicated to crafting unforgettable moments that redefine exclusivity in a natural setting. Sensitively merging indoor and outdoor spaces, it will stand as an icon of delicate elegance along the Gulf of Aqaba’s shores. Aligned with NEOM’s commitment to conservation and innovation, Xaynor complements its coastal location. This new development follows recent announcements of Leyja, Epicon, Siranna, Utamo, Norlana, Aquellum, and Zardun, which are part of NEOM’s sustainable …

NEOM opened its first U.S. office in New York City which will serve as a base for NEOM’s business across the United States. NEOM’s latest international office at 50 Hudson Yards in Manhattan follows the launch of its London office in November 2023. Honored guest, HRH Ambassador Reema Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the United States, attended the official opening at the invitation of Nadhmi Al-Nasr, CEO of NEOM, who hosted the occasion, and addressed the distinguished guests and strategic partners in attendance. The New York City office will further strengthen existing relationships between NEOM and U.S. entities and present an opportunity to explore new partnerships and sources of investment from the United States. Close collaboration with innovative and world-leading U.S. industries, corporations, and investors, will accelerate NEOM’s efforts to address global challenges by redefining livability, business, and conservation. HRH Ambassador Reema Bandar Al Saud, said: “We are delighted for NEOM to open an office in New York. The potential impact of NEOM extends far beyond Saudi borders. By serving as a catalyst for innovation, sustainable development, and economic diversification, NEOM has the power to inspire similar initiatives around the world – driving positive change and serving as a blueprint for the cities of tomorrow.” Nadhmi Al-Nasr, CEO of NEOM, said: “In order to continue to achieve the vision of NEOM, it is imperative that we work alongside global partners that can accelerate our efforts. We chose New York City as our second international NEOM office due to its position as a global capital for business and finance. NEOM has already established many investments and partnerships with U.S. entities, and through this office, we intend to build our relationships …

VFS Global  has entered an agreement with the Ministry of Commerce, Saudi Arabia, to provide visa application services through a centre operated within the premises of the Ministry of Commerce headquarters in Riyadh. Through this partnership, VFS Global will cater to about 8000 employees and delegates, as well as personnel of subsidiary government institutions under the Ministry. In keeping with its commitment to making people’s cross border mobility simple and convenient through highly secure, reliable, efficient, and innovative technology solutions, applicants can also opt for the Visa At Your Doorstep* service to have trained professionals visit a location of choice to complete the visa application process. The agreement was signed in the presence of Eng. Mohammed A. Al. Alwaily, Deputy Minister for Shared Services, Ministry of Commerce.  Mr. Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO, VFS Global said, “It is an honour to have entered this strategic partnership with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Commerce. We are very pleased to offer this dedicated Visa Application Centre service to the employees and associates of the Ministry, to further enhance their visa application experience in a seamless, convenient and secure manner. This partnership further strengthens our commitment to this great nation.” This partnership adds to VFS Global’s expansive network of collaborations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which includes agreements with Aramco, Neom, and Chambers of Commerce across the country, cementing its position as the trusted partner to client governments, with an extensive global net-work and reach.  

In January 2024, Qatar recorded the reception of 702,800 visitors, marking the highest monthly level of visitor entries ever. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries took the lead in terms of the total number of visitors, accounting for 53% of the overall visitor count. These numbers coincide with the significant event at the beginning of the year, the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™️. Qatar presents a diverse tourism scene that blends cultural heritage with modernity and development. The country offers visitors various experiences catering to all tastes, from cultural exploration to sports and adventure, as well as artistic exhibitions and educational conferences.

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), announced today the launch of “Alat”: a PIF company, to create a national champion that will contribute to the aim of making Saudi Arabia a global hub for sustainable technology manufacturing that focuses on advanced technologies and electronics. Alat will focus on manufacturing products that serve local and international markets within seven key strategic business units: advanced industries and semiconductors, as well as smart appliances, smart health, smart devices and smart buildings, in addition to next generation infrastructure. The company, chaired by HRH Crown Prince, aims to enhance the capabilities of the Saudi technology sector, increase its contribution to local content – benefiting from the rapid development of this sector – increasing the nation’s attractiveness and its ability to create investment opportunities. Alat will also enable the private sector through its strategic partnerships with leading international players in manufacturing and technology, which will enhance the economic ecosystem locally and regionally. The company will build partnerships to enable the transformation of the industrial sector globally, by providing sustainable industrial solutions based on clean energy sources. These partnerships will help meet commercial demand, keep pace with the needs of the next generation of manufacturing, enhance the strength of local supply chains and contribute to making Saudi Arabia a global center for advanced technological manufacturing. Alat will manufacture more than 30 product categories that will serve vital sectors. These include robotic systems, communication systems, advanced computers and digital entertainment products, as well as advanced heavy machinery used in construction, building and mining. The company aims …

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 …

Sharjah Light Village opens to visitors from 1st February 1st 2024 ahead of the Sharjah Light Festival which begins from 7th to 18th February 2024. Last year Sharjah Light Village attracted over 180,000 visitors from across the globe. Speaking at the event, HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority shared, “this year there are so many new immersive experiences and new small and medium enterprises joining us, almost 55 companies here located in the University City Hall in the Light Village and there are 12 locations in the Sharjah Light Festival in total across the emirate of Sharjah, the main city, Al Hamriyah and Khorfakkan and Kalba. Each location will give a different experience and different memory for our visitors from here and abroad and inshallah it will be forever. 15 international artistes participating in making these amazing installations and amazing artwork and video mapping in our iconic buildings in Sharjah and hope that our guests from everywhere from UAE and abroad enjoy their time during this month. ”  Personifying the rich heritage and culture of Sharjah to visitors and residents, Sharjah light festival will kick off in 12 iconic locations across the emirate. Year on year this event has become a key highlight which attracts tourists from across the globe. Various artists from different parts of the world participate and display their skills and they contribute immensely in terms of bringing out the rich heritage of the cultural emirate of Sharjah. Sharjah Light Festival continues on its journey of excellence and innovation, continuously updating its visions and ideas, developing the technologies it relies on, and adapting to new developments, in order to ensure sustainable, …

His Excellency Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC, and members of ADNOC’s executive leadership team, joined Etihad Rail’s first rail journey that connects the cities of Abu Dhabi and Al Dhannah. Once operational, the rail service, which is currently under development, will enable ADNOC’s staff and contractors to travel between the two destinations. Following the milestone rail journey, His Excellency Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber toured ADNOC’s world-scale downstream and petrochemicals hub in Al Ruwais Industrial City, during which he was updated on strategic growth projects at Borouge 4, ADNOC Refining and the Ruwais LNG project. His Excellency Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said: “ADNOC’s partnership with Etihad Rail is fully aligned with our strategic priorities to successfully implement transport solutions that contribute to the UAE’s development and future prosperity. In line with our leadership’s visionary directives and under the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Head of the Office of Development Affairs and Martyrs’ Families at the Presidential Court, and Chairman of Etihad Rail, the development of passenger rail services between Abu Dhabi City and Al Dhannah City aims to connect the UAE’s main centres of trade, industry, manufacturing, production, logistics and population. The Etihad Rail project is more than just a rail network, it will serve as a vital artery for economic growth and infrastructure development while driving decarbonisation, for the benefit of the UAE and its people. “I am proud of our world-class facilities in Al Ruwais Industrial City and the commitment and dedication of our staff, who are passionate to showcase our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. …