Tag Archives: DCT Abu Dhabi

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 …

teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi will officially open its doors to the public in Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi on 18 April 2025, announced by the Department of Culture and Tourism—Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, and art collective teamLab. The 17,000 sqm multi-sensory art experience is operated by Miral Experiences, a subsidiary of Miral, and will include massive transformative exhibits that take guests on a sensory-rich journey that transcends the ordinary. The exhibits engage sight, sound, and touch, encouraging guests to expand the way they feel, connect and interact with the world around them. Sitting at the intersection of art, science, and technology, the artworks do not exist independently—the environment creates various phenomena that become the artwork, offering a dynamic, ever-evolving guest experience, and ensuring that no two visits will be the same. HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Saadiyat Cultural District is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s commitment to preserving heritage while embracing a forward-looking vision. The District will convey a message of cultural diversity that will become more powerful over time, creating global connections, inspiring cultural exchange, and fostering new ways of thinking to support the region, the global South and the world. We believe in the diversity of artistic expression and teamLab is the perfect partner to provide immersive art experiences that push the boundaries of art and technology. Together, we are redefining what is possible expanding our horizons and forging deeper connections in ways never seen before.” HE added: “Once opened, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi will offer an immersive journey that sparks infinite curiosity and imagination in all who visit. At …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has signed an agreement with ne’ma – the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative to promote responsible consumption across the tourism and hospitality sectors, reflecting its commitment to supporting sustainability across the emirate’s tourism, hospitality and events sectors. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, and Khuloud Hasan Al Nuwais, Chief Sustainability Officer of Emirates Foundation and Secretary-General of the ne’ma National Steering Committee. The national food loss and waste initiative is at the core of the UAE’s efforts to ensure food security and address climate change, and this collaboration aims to drive transformative change in the travel and hospitality sectors, contributing to the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, aiming to reduce food loss and waste in the UAE by 50 percent by 2030. His Excellency Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, said: “As Abu Dhabi continues to grow as a leading global destination, it is essential that we advance our commitment to sustainable development, establishing our emirate as a responsible hub for tourism and events. The partnership with ne’ma sets out a roadmap for meaningful action to reduce food loss and waste while creating awareness among travellers and stakeholders about responsible consumption.” As part of the agreement, DCT Abu Dhabi will encourage restaurants, hotels, and tourism establishments, to adopt sustainable practices such as portion control, menu optimisation, and creative use of surplus food; and develop educational campaigns for tourists and residents to highlight the environmental impact of food waste and the importance of responsible consumption. Khuloud Hasan Al Nuwais, said: …

UN Tourism has recognized the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi (DCT-Abu Dhabi) for its excellence in destination management. Abu Dhabi becomes the sixth Destination Management Organization (DMO) in the world and the first in the Middle East region to receive the UN Tourism QUEST certification, testament to its ongoing dedication to excellence in governance and commitment to sustainability. DCT-Abu Dhabi scored exceptionally high in the three areas of assessment of the certification after receiving 120 hours of capacity building sessions delivered by UN Tourism Academy, which included courses on: Sustainable Tourism; Governance for Sustainable Tourism; Quality and Competitiveness; and Sustainable Tourism Practices for Destination Management. These courses were complemented with eight one-to-one training sessions for DCT–Abu Dhabi officials to advance their understanding of UN Tourism QUEST assessment criteria and indicators. The QUEST certification is an example of UN Tourism’s leading work in the field of tourism standards to improve destination management and governance and highlights the importance and success of public-private-community partnerships, as well as horizontal and vertical cooperation in institutional governance. The Certification is valid for four years with the possibility of renewal.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) hosted the inaugural Retrofit Summit, bringing together key stakeholders from the hospitality industry, financial institutions and government agencies, alongside industry experts. The Summit addressed the need for retrofitting existing hotels and venues in the emirate to enhance their energy efficiency. The event also served as a platform for industry leaders to exchange best practices, explore innovative retrofitting technologies, and discuss the growing role of sustainability in hotel operations. HE Saleh Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The Retrofit Summit is an important milestone in supporting the emirate’s journey towards a more energy efficient future, in line with the ambitions of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy. As Abu Dhabi’s hospitality sector continues to evolve, this Summit accelerates the adoption of solutions that reduce energy consumption and lower carbon emissions. By fostering industry-wide collaboration and drawing from data-driven insights, we are paving the way for the transition to energy-efficient hotels and venues, while advancing our mission to protect and preserve Abu Dhabi for future generations.” The hosting of the Retrofit Summit stemmed from an extensive Energy Audit Assessment project launched by DCT Abu Dhabi last year, which assessed energy consumption across all hotels and five venues in the emirate, offering tailored recommendations for energy efficiency improvements. Each establishment received a detailed report outlining actionable steps to enhance their sustainability, underscoring DCT Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to support the green evolution of its hospitality sector. Representatives from over 20 organisations and six exhibitors participated in the event, sharing success stories from initiatives that have already delivered notable sustainability gains in Abu Dhabi. The Summit featured speeches …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) concluded its Annual Overseas Conference, a significant event bringing together representatives from DCT Abu Dhabi’s international offices and key global tourism partners from Abu Dhabi. The conference served as a platform for collaboration, strategy alignment, and information-sharing aimed at driving Abu Dhabi’s tourism growth across various international markets. The Annual Overseas Conference provided a dynamic platform for key tourism stakeholders in the emirate to engage with DCT Abu Dhabi’s overseas representatives from key international markets, including the UK, India, Germany, and the GCC, with a focus on optimising Abu Dhabi’s global presence. DCT Abu Dhabi shared strategic insights into the emirate’s Tourism Strategy 2030 and presenting new initiatives and offerings which will support long-term tourism growth. Attendees participated in market-specific networking sessions, fostering tailored collaborations that address the unique needs of each target region. Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The Annual Overseas Conference enables DCT Abu Dhabi to strengthen relationships with our valued partners, align on strategic objectives, and explore new avenues for enhancing Abu Dhabi’s appeal globally. Through these interactions, we are committed to delivering compelling experiences and ensuring Abu Dhabi remains a top destination for travellers worldwide.” This event underscores DCT Abu Dhabi’s dedication to meaningful partnerships and accelerating tourism industry growth, aligning with the emirate’s goals to position Abu Dhabi as a premier destination for culture and leisure.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) will be the official destination partner for the Air Expo 2024, set to take place from 19-21 November at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), underscoring the emirate’s prominence as a key facilitator of diverse, high-level MICE events in the region. Abu Dhabi Air Expo is one of the most successful aviation exhibitions within the region. Alternating with Dubai Airshow, the exhibition is designed for professionals and offers visitors a wide and representative range of the ever-growing aviation industry. Air Expo 2024 will bring together over 20,000 aviation professionals, industry leaders, and enthusiasts from around the globe, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and advancements in the dynamic aviation and aerospace sectors. It will also feature keynote addresses from thought leaders, and a special focus on the future of aviation through the Advanced Air Mobility segment, which explores the latest innovations in urban air transport, drone technologies, and sustainable aviation solutions. Mubarak Al Shamsi, Director of the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau ADCEB, said: “We are proud to partner with Air Expo 2024, offering a premier platform for innovation, knowledge exchange, and development in this exciting sector. As we welcome enthusiasts and experts from around the globe, we aim for the event to further showcase Abu Dhabi’s unmatched destination offering and its vast potential as a world-class host for large-scale MICE events, delivering success and value for all involved.” As the Official Destination Partner, DCT Abu Dhabi will strengthen collaborations with key partners while advancing the emirate’s status as a global destination for business events, tourism, and investment. Through its partnership with Air Expo 2024, DCT Abu Dhabi will showcase …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has renewed its strategic partnership with WebBeds expanding its scope to over 30 markets and aiming for a 25% year-over-year increase in the number of hotel guests. This expansion will not only focus on Abu Dhabi City but will also extend its reach to Al Ain, highlighting the emirate’s wide spectrum of tourism experiences. In 2023, the partnership with WebBeds targeted 21 source markets and achieved remarkable success, surpassing targets by reaching 149% of its goal for hotel guests. This success was driven by the collaboration’s joint marketing campaign, which significantly contributed to the increased visibility of Abu Dhabi’s diverse tourism offerings. Continuing the collaborative effort to enhance Abu Dhabi’s global tourism appeal, for the upcoming year the refreshed partnership will focus on key source markets for Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. For Abu Dhabi, the targeted markets include the UAE, India, China, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, the UK, Germany, Russia, the USA, Brazil, Canada, Bahrain, Jordan, South Africa, Singapore, Spain, Italy, and Australia. Al Ain’s source markets will include Algeria, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, China, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, and several others. Abdullah Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Our ongoing collaboration with WebBeds reinforces the importance and effectiveness of showcasing our wide variety of hotels, resorts and other hospitality offerings through a global platform. We are leveraging our combined expertise and driving innovation in the industry and among our stakeholders, while creating memorable experiences for our travellers.” The expanded partnership will introduce key initiatives such as joint sales engagement, targeted campaigns, and trade initiatives designed …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has officially launched its comprehensive Event Licensing Manual, a guide that streamlines and standardises the event licensing process across the emirate. Available online, the Event Licensing Manual offers an extensive overview of the Abu Dhabi Events Licensing System (ELS) and provides detailed guidance on the procedures and requirements needed to obtain and manage event licenses across various types of events, including business, leisure and entertainment, cultural, sporting and religious events. The manual outlines the entire event licensing process, covering requirements for securing and managing event licenses, defining various licenses and permits – including those for mega events with multiple performers – while also providing detailed information on regulatory requirements, application procedures, and best practices to ensure efficient and successful event planning and execution in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, the manual includes sections on health and safety, sustainability, promotion standards, and cultural sensitivity to align events with Abu Dhabi’s objectives and values. HE Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The Event Licensing Manual sets a strong, supportive foundation for our stakeholders as it provides clear and comprehensive guidelines that will help our partners to deliver events that meet the highest standards of regulatory compliance and contribute to Abu Dhabi’s growth as a premier destination for events.” The Abu Dhabi events industry is a cornerstone of the emirate’s economic and cultural growth, drawing travellers, business professionals, investors, and partners to a diverse array of events that attract local, regional, and international attention. The introduction of the Event Licensing Manual is a strategic move by DCT Abu Dhabi to streamline event planning and execution, ensure regulatory …

Speaking at a special interview with TravTalkME, Abdulla Yousuf – Director of International Operations DCT Abu Dhabi shared that their target for this year is to reach out to 25 new countries to showcase the many offerings of their destination. He further shared that CIS and Eastern European markets are the new emerging markets that they have seen increasing over the past few years and in terms of the APAC region India and China contribute almost 25% to the market. Going further they would be looking at increasing the number of hotel keys in the emirate and look at attracting visitors to spend more time in the emirate by partaking in various activities. He reiterated that in their various market surveys they have seen different requirements from them, hence they are working to identify these and make sure that they reach out to the correct partners.