Category Archives: Govt

The Kempinski Hotels portfolio is steadily growing in the Middle East: With the signing of a management agreement for a prestigious luxury hotel in Riyadh, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, another milestone in the expansion of the international hotel group has been set. The upcoming five-star Kempinski Al Qeshan Hotel is being built in a prime location in the heart of the Al Olaya business district on the famous King Fahad Road, which is home to banks, elegant restaurants and fine boutiques. The hotel with 150 elegant rooms and suites as well as ten serviced apartments is planned to be built and opened in approximately four years. With this luxury hotel, the owner is not only focusing on technical and structural sustainability, but also has included a full green façade in his plans. While one complete floor of the 35-storey building is reserved for an exclusive ladies’ spa and one for a men’s spa, guests can indulge in culinary delights in two high-class restaurants or admire the skyline of the metropolis from the rooftop lounge and terrace with pool of the luxury hotel. “With Sheikh Abdul Kareem Abdullah Al Qeshan, an extremely successful businessman in the cementitious and construction industry, we have found an ideal partner who, like us, places the highest demands on quality and relies on a prime location,” says Bernold Schroeder, Chief Executive Officer Kempinski Group and Chairman of the Board Kempinski AG. “The country’s financial capital signifies an important step in our growth plans in the Kingdom. Following other projects in our development pipeline in Al Madinah, Makkah and Yanbu, as well as our already successfully operating Kempinski Hotel Al Othman in Al …

Mosques around the Emirate of Sharjah are offering spectators a glimpse into Islamic designs and patterns as they host enchanting light shows during Sharjah Light Festival 2022, organised by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). The festival is set to continue until February 20 and cover various regions of the emirate, transforming Sharjah’s landmarks into a canvas for dazzling shows that reflect the emirate’s history and chart its path for the future. The displays highlight the architectural aesthetics of Sharjah’s mosques, famed for their stunning Islamic designs. The renowned Al Noor Mosque is hosting a show titled ‘Beauty by Contrast’, which recounts how art – and particularly, Islamic art – has been a universal language and a powerful tool for communication throughout history. The display blends geometry, architecture, physics, mathematics, and philosophy to tell the story of art’s influence on the world. The show culminates in a modern and digital interpretation of the universal language, dramatically contrasting shapes and sequences to explore art’s role in the future. Meanwhile, Sharjah Mosque serves as the backdrop for ‘The Harmony of Islamic Motifs’, a show that brings attention to the beauty and harmony of timeless Islamic motifs, underlined with fast digital designs that infuse the show with a contrast of evolution and speed. Act 1 represents the ‘initial vision’ of the emirate with a spiral of light that appears from shifting sands, while Act 2 focuses on the ‘present’ with digital lines, bright colours, and calligraphy representing progress and development. Finally, Act 3 uses simple lines to delineate the platforms of the mosque – an assured, harmonious introduction to the ‘future’. Rounding up the list is the Rashid bin Ahmed Al …

The Philippines brought to life its 4,000-year story in its push for cultural sustainability at Expo 2020 Dubai, which witnessed one of its grandest National Day celebrations to date. From the flag raising ceremony at the Philippines Pavilion and the Al Wasl Plaza, to the magnificent culmination gala presentation at the Jubilee Park, the Philippines added elements of the importance of preserving and retelling the story of their rich cultural history through visual art, immersive music, and impressive artistic performances. With cheerful smiles and upbeat vibes, the Philippines filled the streets of Expo 2020 Dubai with day-long celebrations of colorful, fun-filled cultural festivities witnessed by thousands of Filipinos come came in from all over the UAE, alongside thousands more of Expo 2020’s visitors last February 11, Friday. Philippines Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary for the Trade Promotions Group and PH Expo 2020 Dubai Alternate Commissioner General Rosvi C. Gaetos underscored that not only was the one-day event well-attended and received by Filipino expats, it likewise captured the hearts of Expo 2020’s visitors from all around the world. “It’s always a delight to see our fellow Filipino compatriots who have driven from all seven emirates to converge in Dubai for this momentous occasion that celebrates the pride of our nation. As equally astounding is how Expo 2020 Dubai’s global audiences resonated and responded with smiles and gratitude to all of our events and presentations, and joined in the excitement of our festivities,” said Gaetos. The Philippine flag was raised twice – both in the Philippines Pavilion and in the Al Wasl Dome on Philippines National Day, with many Filipinos singing the Philippine National Anthem with pride at the world’s …

National tourism agency VisitBritain launched a new multi-million-pound global campaign to drive inbound tourism, as Britain gears up for a year of landmark events. The £10 million international GREAT Britain marketing campaign ‘Welcome to Another Side of Britain’ was formally launched by The Rt Hon Nadine Dorries MP, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) at a VisitBritain reception on 9 February in Dubai, UAE. The event, hosted by Dame Judith Macgregor, chair of the British Tourist Authority and Tricia Warwick, VisitBritain Director for Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA), was in support of the wider programme for UK National Day at Expo Dubai. Also in attendance was the British Ambassador to the UAE Patrick Moody, the Leader of Birmingham City Council Councillor Ian Ward, as well as top tourism industry and travel trade executives from India, the GCC, the West Midlands in England and international media. VisitBritain’s ‘Welcome to Another Side of Britain’ campaign is putting the spotlight on Britain’s cities, hit hard by the absence of international visitors, as well as on messages of welcome and reassurance. It is also capturing the major events this year, set to be global tourism draws, including HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and ‘Unboxed,’ the UK-wide celebration of creativity, to drive tourism to Britain. UK Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nadine Dorries said: “This brilliant campaign will highlight the best of the UK to the world and show that we are open and ready to welcome back international visitors.” “2022 is a fantastic time to visit thanks to major events including Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the Birmingham …

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has officially inaugurated the 11th Sharjah Light Festival – themed ‘Echoes of the Future’ – which includes a series of activities and shows, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, until February 20, 2022. The event was held tonight at University City Hall and included the Festival opening act, attended by representatives of local and international media in the UAE, as well as an enthusiastic crowd. Speaking at the event, SCTDA Chairman His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa said that the Festival, now in its 11th edition, is “one of the hallmarks of the success and originality of our emirate’s tourism sector, organised every year by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. This event is an extension of years of hard work and dedication to charting a bright future for the Emirate of Sharjah – a future that cements its name and praiseworthy reputation as an unparalleled tourist destination teeming with culture, art, and authentic heritage, all the while being up to speed with visitors’ needs and requirements, and on a par with the world’s leading destinations.” “We are immensely proud of the accomplishments the tourism sector is making each year, guided by the forward-thinking vision and boundless support of our wise leadership, represented by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah,” H.E. Al Midfa added. “Over the course of the past 50 years, this vision has served as the foundation for Sharjah’s development and progress. And today, …

Leaders of transport in the MENA region discussed a host of vital topics relating to transport during the sessions of the 4th MENA Transport Congress 2022 held at the World Trade Centre, Dubai. Among events that took place in the Congress was a session entitled (Transport Leaders in the MENA Region) moderated by His Excellency Khalid Al Hogail, President of UITP, CEO & MD of SAPTCO (KSA). His Excellency DR. Rumaih Al Rumaih, President, Transport General Authority (KSA), and His Excellency Dr. Yousef Al Shawarbeh, Mayor of Amman, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, took part in the discussions. Al-Hogail kicked off the session by pointing out that the MENA region is witnessing vibrant activities and racing against time to undertake a portfolio of giant transportation projects costing more than US$100 billion. He added that those in charge of these projects had access to generous support from governments of the region. Al-Rumaih started by thanking and greeting the organisers of the congress and paid tribute to the outstanding achievements made by Dubai highlighted by transport and infrastructure projects undertaken by RTA. He reviewed the transport sector of the region from inception up to the phenomenal growth currently in progress, thanks to the astonishing improvements associated with the use of high technology, which accelerated during the coronavirus pandemic. “We, at SAPTCO, have set out a clear vision aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to guide us to the global destinations that had preceded us in this field. We have also charted out several plans targeting improved living standards, logistical services and services for pilgrims. We have also identified clear goals such as increasing the share of mass transit from 1% to 15% by …

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) announced the 11th edition of the Sharjah Light Festival, which will take place from February 9-20 across nine sites in the emirate. With its tagline ‘Echoes of the Future,’ the festival will feature dazzling light and music shows designed to shine a light – quite literally – on Sharjah’s main landmarks and prominent architectural features. The announcement was made during a press conference hosted by the authority yesterday evening in Hamriya municipality, Sharjah, in the presence of His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA and a number of officials, department directors and employees of government institutions from the Emirate of Sharjah, in addition to representatives from the local and international media. The Sharjah Light Festival is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and is an initiative of the emirate’s tourism sector to encourage visitors to Sharjah. Aiming to support the course of development and progress in the emirate with artistic representations of its illustrious past, its dynamic present, and its bright future, the event has been curated to commence a new phase of post-pandemic tourism growth in Sharjah. “Over the past decade, the Sharjah Light Festival has contributed to the consolidation of Sharjah’s name as a leading destination for premium events that attract all categories of visitors from around the world. Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority’s strategic partners from the public and private sectors are vital to the success of this event, with the contribution of government departments and commercial agencies instrumental in promoting the Emirate of Sharjah as an integrated tourism …

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) revealed that the performance of its cultural assets in Dubai showed a remarkable recovery following a difficult year imposed by the repercussions of COVID-19 on the world. The Authority’s museums, heritage sites and public libraries attracted more than 521,000 visitors in 2021. Statistics conducted by Dubai Culture showed that museums, heritage sites and public libraries in Dubai are still gaining momentum as touristic, cultural and educational destinations for the public, including UAE citizens, residents and visitors. In 2021, the total number of visits to these sites was 521,753; heritage sites topped the list, recording 50% of total visitors, followed by libraries, with 39%, and museums at 11%. Muna Faisal Algurg, Director of the Museums Department and Acting CEO of the Culture & Heritage Sector at Dubai Culture, affirmed that despite the conditions and repercussions imposed by the pandemic on the cultural and creative sector around the world, Dubai Culture adopted an effective methodology in dealing with the imposed challenges through digital offerings such as virtual tours, workshops, activities, and educational lectures across those sites. Following the lockdown period, Dubai Culture succeeded in reigniting the cultural movement in the emirate and keeping the audience in touch with the history of Dubai and its cultural landmarks. The Authority also ensured the implementation of all the precautionary measures and precautions to guarantee workers and visitors of those sites the highest levels of protection. Algurg indicated that the performance of museums and heritage sites in the emirate is on its path towards a full recovery at a time when the world’s museums are still suffering from the repercussions of the pandemic. Based on a report issued by …

As part of efforts to achieve a cashless, contactless payment system across the hospitality, retail and tourism sectors, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the signing of an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with PayBy, the innovative financial technology platform. In support of the UAE government’s vision to create a secure financial ecosystem for merchants and consumers and its drive towards digital transformation across all sectors, PayBy’s widely accepted, user-friendly and highly secure platform will now be in use across hotels, malls and other tourism establishments. With the current global concerns around hygiene and safety, the use of PayBy’s system will also play a key role in minimising touch points across the emirate. Saeed Al Dhaheri, Acting Tourism Products Development Director, DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Our MOU with PayBy is an important step towards a seamless and innovative financial ecosystem throughout Abu Dhabi in line with the national digital transformation which will clearly benefit consumers, visitors and many other stakeholders. At DCT Abu Dhabi, we are committed to the use of state-of-the-art technology to improve the experience for tourists and residents, so the implementation of PayBy’s innovative platform is another key measure in achieving this objective.” Financial transactions on PayBy are protected by advanced technologies, including an Artificial Intelligence-based fraud management system to detect unauthorised activities, which complies with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS), the international gold standard in this sector. By offering security to guests’ payments at participating establishments and entities across the emirate, PayBy will support Abu Dhabi’s efforts to be a globally renowned, ‘smart’ tourism destination equipped with leading digital infrastructure. PayBy was launched to offer greater safety, …

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and HSBC Bank Middle East have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), paving the way for increased cooperation in further enhancing Dubai’s position as a global liveability destination. The MoU was signed by Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing and Abdulfattah Sharaf, CEO of HSBC UAE and Head of International, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited. Under the terms of the agreement, DET and HSBC will promote to HSBC customers and employees the unparalleled quality of life in Dubai, its position as a global investment hub and the diverse features of the destination that everyone can enjoy. The MoU also envisages collaboration in marketing activities designed to promote events and experiences across the tourism ecosystem to further amplify the city’s position as a leading international business, leisure and events destination. Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, commented: “We are pleased to partner with HSBC, a global brand that has played a significant role in the development of Dubai’s business, banking and finance sectors, in showcasing our multi-faceted business and tourism offering. This MoU reflects the trust and confidence reposed in Dubai by multinational corporations and will further enhance our efforts to support the aim of our visionary leadership to make Dubai the most sought-after international city and the most attractive location to live and work in. Our partnership with HSBC is also testament to the continued efforts being made in collaboration with our stakeholders to leverage the city’s strategic location, world-class infrastructure and its position as one of the world’s safest destinations to attract multinationals, entrepreneurs, investors and tourists to Dubai.” Abdulfattah …