Tag Archives: DCT Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has recorded a remarkable 78% year-on-year increase in Chinese visitors, reinforcing China’s position as the emirate’s second-largest source market. This growth has been further supported by a 29% rise in flight capacity between Abu Dhabi and China. Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), welcomed China’s leading travel trade buyers to the capital, noting: “Abu Dhabi is a home away from home for Chinese travellers. By hosting this event, we aim to showcase the experiences that make our destination truly special.” He also underlined the shared values of innovation and forward thinking between Abu Dhabi and China. The Chairman of Destination Abu Dhabi added: “We don’t just want Abu Dhabi to be on the bucket list—we want it to be the bucket list destination.”  

Opening the event, Alexander Glos CEO of the event shared that 150 buyers from mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong are participating this year with  76 suppliers from Abu Dhabi at China Visitors Summit in Al Ain with TravTalkME as media partners. DCT Abu Dhabi is the host for this year’s edition with their partners across the emirate. China is the second source market for Abu Dhabi, hence this event will strengthen ties between the travel trade to attract more visitors in the near future.

The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) will host the 68th Annual Convention & Exhibition of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) from 17 to 19 September 2025, further deepening its strategic partnership with one of the emirate’s most important source markets. Held under the theme “Business with Goodness,” the convention will bring together a wide cross-section of India’s travel trade industry, including travel agents, tour operators, airlines, hospitality leaders, and tourism boards, to explore new growth avenues and reinforce bilateral ties. As one of the year’s most significant industry events, the convention highlights Abu Dhabi’s rising profile as a global hub for tourism, trade, and business events. Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “India continues to be a key priority market for us, not only in terms of visitor volume but also in long-term strategic collaboration. We are honoured to welcome TAAI’s esteemed members to Abu Dhabi and look forward to showcasing our destination’s remarkable evolution across world-class cultural icons, family attractions, luxury, adventure, and business travel offerings. This convention is an opportunity to build shared value and lasting partnerships across both our markets.” Sunil Kumar, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), said: “It is a proud moment for TAAI to bring the 68th Annual Convention to the dynamic city of Abu Dhabi in collaboration with DCT Abu Dhabi. Our theme, “Business with Goodness,” reflects our shared vision of building meaningful partnerships rooted in trust, purpose, and progress. This convention will not only provide an enriching platform for knowledge-sharing and networking but also offer our members an immersive experience into Abu Dhabi’s diverse cultural, leisure, and business landscape. We …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has extended its successful partnership with Palms Sports, organiser of UAE Warriors, which will see the emirate host the Middle East’s premier mixed martial arts promotion for an additional three years. Established in 2012, UAE Warriors has cultivated an international reputation amongst industry leaders and fans alike through the consistent delivery of action-packed match ups and top-tier production. This renewed agreement not only solidifies Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for combat sports, but also marks a historic expansion, bringing the thrilling action of mixed martial arts to the emirate’s Al Ain Region for the first time. Al Ain Region will host two UAE Warriors events during the 2025 season, with an additional two events per annum planned for the 2026-2028 period. Expansion outside of Abu Dhabi City underscores DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to diversifying its tourism offerings and showcasing Al Ain Region as a destination for sports entertainment and cultural experiences. The move is set to attract a new wave of visitors and further bolster Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation on the global martial arts stage. His Excellency Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi is growing in prominence as a global sports hub through the continuous expansion of our network of international and regional partnerships, resulting in an array of top-tier sporting events being hosted in the emirate. This extension of our partnership with Palms Sports marks a new chapter for UAE Warriors, bringing an exciting programme of mixed martial arts to Al Ain Region for the first time. New audiences will discover Al Ain Region’s unique destination offering …

The much awaited attraction, Zayed National Museum will open to the public in December 2025 in Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi. The landmark institution honours the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his commitment to education, identity and belonging. Through immersive exhibitions, active research and public and community programming, the museum builds on Sheikh Zayed’s vision, upholding the values he stood for, including humanitarianism and the preservation of Emirati culture and heritage. Visitors will explore six permanent galleries across two floors, spanning 300,000 years of human history, as well as a temporary exhibition gallery. The museum’s collection features artefacts from across the UAE, including donations related to the heritage of the UAE, in addition to domestic and international loans. His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi said: “The cultural legacy of the UAE has been nurtured over decades, from the establishment of its earliest cultural institutions to today’s expansive vision for cultural exchange and knowledge. Saadiyat Cultural District represents the next chapter in this national journey, curating world-class institutions that honour the past and engage the future. As the national museum of the UAE, Zayed National Museum is the legacy of our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It is a tribute to his boundless belief in people, in their ability to learn, to uphold the values of unity, compassion and national pride. This museum is more than a place of preservation; it is a promise to future generations, a beacon of our identity, and a space where our story is told not just through objects, …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is partnering for the first time with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, to launch the 2025 edition of its Tourism Youth Summer Camp. The Academy is managed under the stewardship of Les Roches, a globally acclaimed hospitality and leisure higher education institution, with the objective of providing hospitality skills and academic knowledge to nurture homegrown talent in the UAE and the region. The two-week immersive programme for Emirati students aged 17 to 21 will run from 14-24 July 2025, nurturing the next generation of Emirati leaders in tourism and hospitality through hands-on training and cultural engagement. The partnership with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches brings an elevated level of academic and practical expertise to the programme while integrating elements that celebrate Emirati culture and heritage. The camp combines global hospitality standards with local traditions to foster a new cohort of Abu Dhabi-grounded, globally minded professionals. H.E. Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Our Tourism Youth Summer Camp continues to grow in impact as we partner with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches to empower the next generation of Emirati tourism and hospitality leaders. By combining world-class expertise with a foundation of Emirati hospitality, rooted in a spirit of welcoming and warmth, we are preparing young talent to lead confidently in the global tourism landscape. Strengthening the tourism and hospitality sectors is key to Abu Dhabi’s future growth, and as we support and inspire our Emirati youth to enter into this industry, they will be a key part of our mission to both progress the emirate and share …

DCT Abu Dhabi welcomed over 100 agents and executives from Designer Travel for a curated itinerary as the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) hosted the Designer Travel UK Annual Conference  at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental hotel. The event brought together travel agents and trade partners from the UK to experience the diversity of Abu Dhabi as a premier tourism destination. As part of the conference programme, DCT Abu Dhabi welcomed over 100 agents and executives from Designer Travel for a curated itinerary, including a gala dinner and immersive experiences across the emirate, introducing them to Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural heritage, world-class attractions and renowned hospitality. Established in 2008, Designer Travel is one of the UK’s leading bespoke travel specialists, with a network of 170 expert travel advisors across the country. The renowned travel agency has gained recognition for crafting highly personalised, tailor-made holiday experiences for discerning clients. Hosting the annual conference in the emirate aligns with Abu Dhabi’s strategic focus on the UK as a key source market. As of year-to-date 2025, the emirate has welcomed over 219,000 UK hotel guests, marking a 46% year-on-year increase. UK visitors are also staying longer, with an average stay of 4.2 days, and are showing increased engagement with Abu Dhabi’s growing portfolio of cultural and leisure experiences. DCT Abu Dhabi remains committed to building strong industry partnerships through continuous engagement with the UK travel trade. The Designer Travel UK Annual Conference, alongside initiatives such as the Experience Abu Dhabi Roadshow and the Experience Abu Dhabi Experts digital training platform, reflects this commitment. These efforts support the emirate’s Tourism Strategy 2030, fostering long-term tourism growth by introducing new …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Rotana unveiled the first phase of their joint initiative to boost summer tourism to the emirate. This partnership aims to address seasonal travel lulls and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s positioning as a dynamic, year-round destination. With Rotana’s strong regional appeal and global loyalty network, the collaboration is primed to drive bookings across Abu Dhabi’s diverse source markets, particularly the GCC. From June through August, guests staying at Rotana properties in Abu Dhabi can enjoy an exclusive ‘Stay 3, Pay 2’ summer offer. This campaign is a key activation of the DCT-Rotana partnership, designed to stimulate travel during the traditionally quiet summer months, reinforce Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a family-friendly destination, and encourage direct bookings through exclusive incentives. Eddy Tannous, COO, Rotana said: “As a homegrown brand deeply rooted in the region, we are proud to partner with DCT Abu Dhabi on a campaign that supports the broader vision of positioning Abu Dhabi as a year-round destination. Through this initiative, we are combining strengths to deliver both economic impact and exceptional guest value, reaffirming our commitment to driving tourism growth in the emirate.” As part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, the partnership with Rotana underscores the emirate’s commitment to sustained, collaborative growth. It is one of several recent alliances formed to enhance Abu Dhabi’s global profile, increase visitor numbers, and deliver seamless, tailored experiences across key international and regional markets. For every three consecutive nights booked, the third night is free. For longer stays, the offer continues (e.g., stay 6, pay 4), creating greater value the longer guests stay. The summer promotion also includes: • Free stays …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has officially selected the China Visitors Summit (CVS) to be held in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain on 28–29 August 2025. This landmark event will bring together 150 elite Chinese travel industry buyers, making it the largest B2B gathering of Chinese outbound travel professionals ever hosted outside of China. The CVS Abu Dhabi is a highly curated, by-invitation-only event. The attending Chinese buyers are carefully vetted and confirmed to be actively doing business with the UAE—specifically with travel products and services in the Abu Dhabi Emirate. Delegates include senior executives from: • Travel agencies and tour operators • Luxury agents, wholesalers and bespoke travel designers • MICE managers and corporate travel planners • OTAs and niche specialists in adventure, culture, culinary, wellness, and more Over the course of the two-day, face-to-face workshop, participating Abu Dhabi travel suppliers—including hotels, DMCs, attractions, museums, shopping malls, and transportation companies—will engage in pre-scheduled B2B appointments. Each supplier will have the ability to personally select the Chinese buyers most relevant to their product, whether focused on leisure groups, luxury FITs, or MICE and corporate segments. In addition to the business meetings, the CVS program includes local experience days in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, designed to give the Chinese delegates firsthand exposure to the products they may sell. These include hotel site inspections, cultural experiences, F&B showcases, and interactive destination briefings, allowing buyers to become more effective ambassadors for Abu Dhabi upon returning to China. This 2025 edition of CVS Abu Dhabi marks a return to the summit’s roots. Originally launched in Abu Dhabi in 2013, CVS has since expanded globally. With its initial …

Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has partnered with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches to establish a Visitor Experience (VX) Academy, aimed at enhancing excellence across every stage of the visitor journey. The strategic agreement appoints Abu Dhabi Hospitality – Les Roches as the operating partner of the academy, which is scheduled to launch this July. A key initiative by DCT Abu Dhabi, VX Academy will deliver tailor-made professional development training to frontline workers across various industries, including hospitality, transport, retail, immigration, and more. It aims to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness, ensure consistent delivery of exceptional service aligned with Emirati core values, and further elevate visitor experience standards across the emirate. The initiative will empower frontline workers to provide outstanding service, further reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading tourist destination. His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “This strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches reflects our ongoing commitment to elevating Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector. By leveraging their expertise, we are empowering our frontline workers with the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver exceptional visitor experiences, further solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier global destination. Our commitment to embracing cutting-edge technologies, including AI-driven learning platforms, will enable us to create even greater value for our partners, personalise the visitor journey, and set new benchmarks for service excellence across the emirate.” Powered by AI-driven e-learning modules, the VX Academy will consolidate existing training efforts across Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector and enhance learning pathways. Partnering with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches will ensure the VX Academy’s day-to-day operations are …