Tag Archives: DCT Abu Dhabi

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.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) launched the Arabic language version of the ‘Experience Abu Dhabi Experts’ e-learning platform, a tool designed to actively support partners in the travel ecosystem, including travel agents and tour operators. The platform equips travel professionals across the Gulf with the knowledge needed to showcase Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural heritage, iconic landmarks and attractions and diverse accommodation options to their clients. Specialised content across nine modules covers various facets of Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector, allowing participants to create more attractive and customised tourism products. Upon completion of the programme, participants will receive a certificate officially recognising them as ‘Experience Abu Dhabi Experts’, bolstering their credibility within the industry and providing them with the knowledge to craft personalised travel itineraries for the destination. Abdulla Yousuf, International Operations Director at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We are committed to empowering our travel partners across the region by providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively showcase Abu Dhabi as an ideal destination for all types of visitors. By engaging directly with our partners, we collectively contribute to Abu Dhabi’s compelling growth story and ensure it remains a top choice for travellers seeking unique and enriching experiences.” The module is currently available in Arabic, English, Mandarin, German, Italian, Russian, French and Hindi and will be expanded to 13 languages, making it accessible to the global travel trade. Travel professionals can register for free at experienceabudhabiexperts.com and access the training content anytime, anywhere through mobile devices, tablets, or desktops, flexibly arranging their time and enjoying a convenient online learning experience. Domestic travel is expected to represent the bulk of the travel market in 2024, and …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced a series of four strategic initiatives during its participation at Seatrade Cruise MED 2024, underscoring its commitment to elevating the emirate’s position as a premier cruise destination. To enhance the visitors experience, DCT Abu Dhabi has introduced a new digital cruise guide, designed to help guests discover Abu Dhabi’s top attractions, hidden gems, and cultural experiences. Accessible via mobile devices, the guide offers curated itineraries and insider tips, ensuring visitors make the most of their time in the UAE capital. As part of its commitment to improving the experience of all visitors, DCT Abu Dhabi will launch the Cruise Crew Pass, an exclusive benefit for crew members of cruise liners operating in the Arabian Gulf. The pass offers significant discounts, including up to 25% off at 500+ restaurants, shopping discounts at 25+ retail stores, a free UAE SIM card, and complimentary entry to 10+ cultural attractions. The Cruise Crew Pass will be available via a unique invitation code and accessible through the Abu Dhabi Pass App. DCT Abu Dhabi also announced the addition of new cruise itineraries in the Arabian Gulf, featuring the MSC Euribia, Celestyal Journey, and Resorts World One. These cruises will enhance the region’s cruise offerings and attract a new wave of visitors to Abu Dhabi, further establishing the emirate as a key hub for maritime tourism. Additionally, DCT Abu Dhabi has revealed a new visitor information centre at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, Zayed Port. The centre will serve as a gateway for cruise visitors, providing essential information, booking assistance, and insights into the emirate’s diverse offerings, enhancing the overall visitor journey from …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Rotana Hotel Management Corp have signed an agreement to collaborate on attracting greater numbers of tourists to the emirate this summer and enhancing the visitor experience, through exclusive promotions and benefits for attractions including Louvre Abu Dhabi, The National Aquarium and Qasr Al Watan. The agreement, which runs until September 2024, reflects DCT Abu Dhabi’s ongoing belief in the power of partnership and collaboration in reinforcing the emirate’s attractiveness as a year-round travel destination offering a wide range of experiences for all to enjoy. It also supports DCT Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, the ambitious blueprint that signals a new era of expansion and strategic development in the emirate’s travel and tourism sector. The strategy aims to expand hotel room availability from 34,000 in 2023 to 52,000 by 2030, increase visitor numbers from nearly 24 million in 2023 to 39.3 million by 2030, and raise the tourism and travel sector’s GDP contribution from approximately AED 49 billion in 2023 to AED 90 billion annually by 2030. Abdulla Yousuf, International Operations Director for DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi is a uniquely diverse and family-friendly destination that provides international travellers with enticing experiences year-round. Our agreement with Rotana ensures that visitors will continue to experience the emirate as a welcoming, extraordinary travel destination, renowned for its safety, year-round sunny weather and diverse offering.” Philip Barnes, CEO of Rotana Hotel Management Corp, said: “We are thrilled to partner with DCT Abu Dhabi to support the promotion of Abu Dhabi as a premier destination. This collaboration underscores Rotana’s commitment to enhancing our guests’ travel experiences this summer. By working closely with …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) celebrated the graduation of 57 Emirati students from its Tourism Youth Summer Camp 2024. This initiative aligns with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and the newly launched Tourism Strategy 2030 by empowering over 60 students annually to drive growth in the emirate’s tourism and hospitality sector. Completing its 11th edition this summer, the two-week programme introduced participants aged 16–21 to Abu Dhabi’s tourism and hospitality sector. The graduation was attended by participants, their families, key industry partners, and government officials, including: Fergus Bugg, Senior Vice President of Guest Experience at Miral Destinations, Salama Al Shamsi, Culture Sites Management Department Director at DCT Abu Dhabi, Ziad Makhlouf, Director of HR at Abu Dhabi National Hotels, Amna Al Suwaidi, Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (NAFIS); Maral Jule Bedoyan, Education and Learning Resources Manager at Louvre Abu Dhabi. Saleh Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Across 11 highly successful editions of the Tourism Summer Youth Camp, DCT Abu Dhabi has strategically fostered growth within the sector, fulfilling our mandate to build capacity and meet tourism demand now and for years to come. We are proactively encouraging and engaging talented Emiratis, who represent the future of travel and hospitality in Abu Dhabi. We are committed to championing our youth, ensuring they are empowered to contribute to the sustainable development and economic growth of the emirate.” During their five-day placement at 22 prestigious Abu Dhabi hotels (ranging from 4- to 5-star), students rotated through various departments, including the front desk, food and beverage service, kitchen, recreation, and events. This experience provided them with a comprehensive understanding of the …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral are bringing the prestigious luxury travel fair LOOP CEE to the Middle East for the first time. Titled LOOP BEYOND BORDERS, the landmark event will be held from 15 to 19 September at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas in Abu Dhabi and Anantara Qasr Al Sarab in Al Dhafra. The high-end platform aims to gather distinguished local hospitality brands, offering them an exclusive opportunity to showcase their products and engage with ultra-luxury buyers, travel partners, and agents from Central and Eastern Europe. Over the course of five days, each exhibitor will have the opportunity to conduct 62 appointments, each lasting for 15 minutes, alongside numerous other opportunities to connect with over 100 top tour operators and agents from 16 central and eastern European countries – Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia. Abdullah Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We look forward to hosting the Middle East’s first ever LOOP CEE event in Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a premier destination for luxury travellers seeking the most refined of experiences. LOOP BEYOND BORDERS not only supports Abu Dhabi’s journey to becoming one of the most prominent, must-visit locations in the world, but provides unparalleled networking opportunities and knowledge exchange, strengthening our ties across central and eastern European markets, and fostering long-term collaboration.” Taghrid AlSaeed, Executive Director of Group Communications and Destination Marketing at Miral said: “We are happy to host the Middle East’s first-ever LOOP CEE event in Abu Dhabi, particularly on Saadiyat Island, …

Abu Dhabi Youth Council and the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) have launched Guided, an online platform that gathers all certified UAE National tour guides from the DCT. The platform aims to bring together qualified tour guides that are passionate about representing the UAE’s culture and tradition. The platform connects the tourists with their desired tour guides and aims to ensure trust and confidence for the tourists that are being handled with certified representatives from the authority. The Guided platform was launched by the entities during the Tourism from Youth Perspective event, which was attended by His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, along with representatives from various entities, as well as UAE National tour guides. The event aimed to enhance youth opportunities in the tourism sector and highlight the emirate’s efforts in supporting UAE Nationals to become the ambassadors for the UAE and showcase the country’s culture and traditions.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Les Roches Global Hospitality revealed that the Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, is set to launch in Zayed Sports City in September 2024. The innovative new educational institution will be housed in a historic building which seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, creating a vibrant atmosphere that complements the rich history of the space and sets the stage for an inspiring learning journey. A popular destination for athletic events, Zayed Sports City has recently emerged as a hub for a growing number of lifestyle, entertainment, and community experiences. The arrival of Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches in the district will add to the area’s cultural development. Les Roches Global Hospitality’s inaugural campus in the region builds on its legacy since its establishment in Switzerland in 1954, ranking fifth globally in hospitality and leisure management (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024). The academy aims to attract UAE Nationals as well as global talent to the industry, situated strategically in the heart of Abu Dhabi. The hospitality industry in the emirate is witnessing exponential growth, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as one of the world’s premier tourism destinations. In 2023, Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector saw a remarkable surge, welcoming nearly 24 million visitors. The 27% rise in hotel guests and 54% increase in international guests bolstered the economy with an approximate AED49 billion contribution to the UAE’s GDP. HE Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The enhancement of Abu Dhabi’s hospitality landscape is a key pillar of our roadmap for future growth. With our Tourism Strategy 2030 having set ambitious targets for increasing visitation …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to facilitate the sharing of expertise and to promote and boost visitation to their respective museums, aiming to increase tourism and drive economic growth in both emirates. Signed by HE Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, and Saeed Al Samahi, General Director of Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Department, the strategic partnership will allow the entities to exchange knowledge and expertise, develop joint training programmes and engage local and global tourists through joint marketing and promotional activities. In addition to enhancing tourism growth, this collaboration underscores a shared commitment to promoting the cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi and Fujairah through the exchange of artefacts and artworks. By collaborating on resources and expertise, DCT Abu Dhabi and the Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Department will amplify the impact of their museum offerings and attract greater numbers of visitors and will deepen public appreciation and understanding of their respective histories. HE Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The partnership with Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Department enables collaboration between our museums across joint programmes and promotions. Highlighting the rich artistic and cultural heritage of both emirates will foster pride in our national identity and promote cross-cultural understanding between the UAE and visitors from the region and around the world. The partnership will enhance the museums’ visitor experience, deepening appreciation of Emirati heritage and values and increasing tourism numbers and economic impact.” For his part, His Excellency Saeed Al Samahi, General Director of the Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Department, added: “The agreement constitutes a …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced an agreement with Hilton to further enhance the emirate’s destination offering.  The agreement, which was signed at Arabian Travel Market 2024, will enable guests staying at Hilton hotels in Abu Dhabi this summer to enjoy special benefits and discounts at various iconic landmarks throughout the emirate. This initiative aims to enrich the stay experience for guests while showcasing the diverse cultural and leisure offerings Abu Dhabi has to offer. Additionally, Abu Dhabi’s vibrant events will be integrated into Hilton’s regional promotional activities, amplifying the visibility of the emirate’s cultural and tourism initiatives across a wider international audience base and giving Hilton guests insight into the Emirate’s exciting calendar of events. Abdullah Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Through our collaboration with Hilton, we are bridging the gap between visitors and their next wonderful experience in the Emirate, introducing them to enriching sights, landmarks, and events, and encouraging them to discover more about Abu Dhabi at their own pace. This partnership aligns with the objectives of our Tourism Strategy 2030, contributing to our goal of making Abu Dhabi a leading global destination and achieving sustainable tourism growth.” Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East and Africa, Hilton, said, “We have a longstanding relationship with DCT Abu Dhabi and are delighted to sign this latest agreement, which will see us partner to amplify Abu Dhabi’s tourism initiatives and support Hilton’s properties in the emirate. Our four hotels in Abu Dhabi are the ideal base for visitors to enjoy all that the emirate has to offer including theme parks, world-class dining and pristine beaches. We look forward to building …