Tag Archives: Expo 2020 Dubai

Majid Al Futtaim has announced that it will be the Official Hotel Partner for the UK Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. The partnership was officiated at an event held by Majid Al Futtaim at the Kempinski Hotel, Mall of the Emirates on Monday 24 May. The celebration was attended by Her Majesty’s Ambassador Patrick Moody, Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner Simon Penney, UK Commissioner General for Expo 2020 Dubai Laura Faulkner OBE, and officials from the Department of International Trade UAE. Majid Al Futtaim was represented by Ahmed Galal Ismail, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim – Properties, Fuad Sharaf, Managing Director, UAE Shopping Malls, Majid Al Futtaim Properties and Khalifa Bin Braik, Managing Director, Majid Al Futtaim – Hotels. The collaboration aims to foster opportunities between Majid Al Futtaim, UK entities, businesses and travellers in the lead up to Expo 2020 – and beyond its six-month run that begins on 1 October 2021 – by promoting the company’s compelling range of hospitality, leisure and entertainment experiences, shopping and F&B offerings. In line with this, the agreement will see Majid Al Futtaim host distinguished guests and celebrities from the UK and provide them with exclusive VIP services and experiences during Expo 2020. This will include hosting all British delegations in its world-class hotel brands. Additionally, opportunities to participate in key UK Pavilion business events will be an important benefit for Majid Al Futtaim and its partners as part of the relationship. Khalifa Bin Braik, Managing Director, Majid Al Futtaim – Hotels, said, “Becoming the official hotel partner of the UK Pavilion at Expo 2020 is an incredible honour. As proud partners, we look forward to welcoming the British delegations and their …

Expo 2020 Dubai will now run from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, a delay that allows all participants to safely navigate the impact of COVID-19. It also allows the World Expo to focus on a collective desire for new thinking to identify solutions to some of the greatest challenges of our time. The global mega event is gearing up to help shape a post-pandemic world and create a better future for all after a two-thirds majority of Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Member States voted in favour of postponing the next World Expo by one year. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Group, and Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, said, “We are thankful to Member States for their continued commitment to contributing to a World Expo in Dubai that will play a pivotal role in shaping our post-pandemic world at a time when it will be most needed. We have sought to build over the last 50 years bridges, connections, and partnerships around the world because we believe in genuine collaboration to safeguard the future of all. This swift and overwhelming vote reflects the strength of our international partnerships and truly reflects the positive role the UAE and Dubai play with all countries around the world.” Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, Secretary General of the BIE, said, “In their support for the one-year postponement of Expo 2020 Dubai, Member States of the BIE are giving the world the opportunity to reconvene in 2021, when together, we can address the challenges facing humanity and celebrate the unity and solidarity that …

VFS Global, an official ticket reseller for Expo 2020 Dubai, to be held in the UAE between October 20, 2020 and April 10, 2021, has revealed the packages it will be offering visitors from March 2020, in an official ceremony held in Riyadh. Customers travelling to the UAE during Expo 2020 will be able to either visit vfsglobal.com, or head to a VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Riyadh or Jeddah, and reserve their Expo 2020 tickets from the Dubai Travel Shop on site. VFS Global will be offering the following single- and three-day passes to the expo, as well as a range of packages: Inclusions Rates (in AED) ½ Day Dubai city tour + 1 day Expo ticket 193+ 5% VAT 1 Day Abu Dhabi city tour + 1 day Expo ticket 258+ 5% VAT Desert Safari + 1 day Expo ticket 298+ 5% VAT Desert Safari (Overnight camping with Igloo tent & sleeping bag) + 1 Day Expo ticket 408 +5% VAT Dubai Canal Dhow Dinner cruise + 1 Day Expo ticket 328 +5% VAT Dubai visa + 1 day Expo ticket 462+ 5% VAT Customers who opt to submit their visa application through the Premium Lounge can also enjoy discounts on the packages they purchase. Open seven days a week for a period of 173 days and featuring over 190 country pavilions, Expo 2020 Dubai is set to be the biggest show in the UAE.

Expo 2020 Dubai has signed AS World Group Ltd (DIFC) as an authorised ticket reseller taking place from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021. Sanjive Khosla, Chief Commercial Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, and Sajid Barkat, Chief Executive Officer, AS World Group, signed an agreement to this effect at the Expo 2020 Dubai head office. AS World Group is a diversified conglomerate- spanning from event management to strategic consulting and investments – acting as a gateway to Africa and is perfectly equipped to connect Expo 2020 Dubai with key audiences in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Sajid Barkat, Chief Executive Officer, AS World Group, said, “We are very proud and honoured to work with Expo 2020 Dubai as an Authorised Ticket Reseller because we believe that by ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ we can propagate the vision and message of Expo 2020 Dubai globally, with special focus on Africa and the Middle East. We will promote Expo 2020 Dubai with the most flexible packages adapted for all needs of African (and other) delegates. As a true facilitator in Africa, AS World Group is on track to play a crucial role in bringing various countries together at Expo 2020 Dubai through mutual opportunities involving financial investment, technology, culture, arts, science, education and other fields of human endeavour.” Sanjive Khosla, Chief Commercial Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, said, “We are proud that every country will have its own pavilion for the first time in World Expo history, ensuring all nations, including those from Africa, have a platform to showcase their achievements, ambitions and cultures. Given Dubai’s strategic location at the crossroads between Africa and the rest of the world, we expect many …

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) has reported a stellar incline in tourism volumes from Nigeria, Africa’s largest source market for inbound traffic to Dubai, welcoming 113,000 overnight visitors in the first seven months of 2019. With impressive double-digit growth, inbound traffic from Nigeria to Dubai grew by 28 per cent year-on-year, cementing its position as the emirate’s 17th largest source market. Dubai’s diverse portfolio of attractions has experienced sustained interest amongst Nigerian travellers through ongoing strategic trade partnerships, bespoke integrated marketing campaigns, and always-on social media activations. Building on ongoing efforts to provide a platform to broadcast Dubai’s multifaceted comprehensive offerings to African tourists, Dubai Tourism, led by the CEO, Issam Kazim, showcased its support at the Akwaaba African Travel Market for the fourth consecutive year with a strong delegation of 21 Dubai-based partners, which included a team from Expo 2020 Dubai. Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said, “The immense hospitality and genuine welcome we received during our time in Nigeria paved the way for a hugely successful Akwaaba Travel Market 2019. Our continued presence at industry events such as these is testament to our globally diversified market strategy to engage with key strategic partners, cementing our positive relationship with the African travel trade ecosystem.”

Dubai’s Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) has provided a positive outlook of the industry to leading stakeholders and partners at its first biannual city briefing event, highlighting the sector’s performance across key markets, and sharing first-hand insights into major developments, marketing initiatives and future growth strategies. Led by His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of Dubai Tourism, the city briefing held at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City last week comes within the framework of regular industry engagements initiated by the Department to further enhance collaboration with its stakeholders. The event was attended by nearly 1,000 managers and key executives representing all industry segments, from hospitality to tour operators, tourism attractions to destination management companies, as well as top officials from Dubai Police and Expo 2020 Dubai. Addressing the gathering of industry professionals and senior government officials, HE Helal Saeed Almarri, said, “Maintaining a robust industry is at the core of our cross-sector efforts, and as we look ahead, we are confident that our continued cooperation with both public and private sector partners will ensure that Dubai remains a must-visit destination.” Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansour, Assistant to the Commander-in-chief for Criminal Investigation Affairs at Dubai Police, said, “Dubai Police is pleased to be a part of this event as it gives us an opportunity to exchange ideas and views with leading players in Dubai’s tourism industry, and secure their support towards further enhancing the safety and security of visitors.” Sanjive Khosla, Deputy Chief – Sales and Marketing at Expo 2020 Dubai, said, “With fewer than 500 days until Expo 2020 opens, our preparations are well on track.  We will be welcoming millions of tourists from around the …

Great value ticketing at Expo 2020 Dubai will open doors to a world of fun, culture, entertainment and innovation, and ensure the six-month spectacular is a global celebration for all. A single-day adult (18 and above) ticket will cost AED 120 (USD 33), while a three-day pass, which can be used on any three days during the 173 days of the Expo, will be priced at AED 260 (USD 71), organisers announced. A ticket will give its holder access to a once-in-a-lifetime experience, including 60 live shows a day, future-shaping technologies, performances from world-famous artists, daily parades, cutting-edge architecture, special celebrations and more than 200 F&B outlets serving a world of cuisines. Expo 2020 will offer a range of concessions, including free access for children aged five and under and seniors aged 65 and above. Youth aged six to 17 and students of any age will receive 50 per cent discount, while people of determination will be granted complimentary access, with their carers entering for half price. The Expo School Programme also will offer specially-curated journeys for school students of all ages to excite and educate them on the Expo sub-themes. Sanjive Khosla, Deputy Chief – Sales and Marketing, Expo 2020 Dubai, said, “We aim to be a World Expo that is accessible to all and believe the ticket prices and concessions will help us achieve that ambition. We can’t wait to welcome millions of visitors from around the globe, as we make every effort to ensure that our welcome is warm and reflective of the rich Arabic tradition of hospitality.” Single-day and three-day tickets will be offered to international travellers in bundled packages to be sold by Authorised Ticket …

Following a strong start to 2019, Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau, showcased Dubai’s dynamic business events offerings yet again at IMEX, the worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events. The aim of DBE’s participation at the event in Frankfurt, from May 21 – 23, is to position Dubai as a destination of choice for business events and incentive travel for a global audience of over 14,000 hosted buyers and trade visitors. This year, alongside more than 30 co-exhibitors, DBE previewed new project plans and milestones that demonstrate a strong focus on transforming Dubai into a global knowledge hub. In addition, the bureau highlighted some of the latest developments in Dubai’s state-of-the-art facilities, infrastructure and renowned hospitality sector. Among the co-exhibitors were Coca-Cola Arena, Expo 2020 Dubai and W Dubai – The Palm, all of whom shared new and upcoming offerings with event planners, while the likes of Dubai World Trade Centre, Emirates and Jumeirah Group joined DBE at the show once again, underlining the broader business events infrastructure in the city. Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said, “Business events play a pivotal role in our city’s transformation into a global knowledge economy and our participation in events such as IMEX serve as an ideal platform to support our ambitious tourism strategy. After a strong start to 2019, DBE continues to build on its momentum, attracting events that are set to make a significant economic impact and leave a lasting legacy for delegates from around the globe.” Dubai Business Events aims to further strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a premier business events destination globally by promoting the city as …

Expo 2020 Dubai is participating in the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2019) with the ‘50 Years of Expo’ exhibition, which encapsulates UAE’s engagement with world Expos since the 1970s up until now.  A historical journey through images, many of which are on public display for the first time, is offering an insight into Late Sheikh Zayed’s vision at the very outset, with an audio clip reflecting the merits of the fundamentals of human connection that are based on good morals and reputation in the UAE. The exhibition also houses quotes from the Father of the Nation, highlighting the role of women’s participation in international events like World Expos, with a strong focus on ‘youth employment’, which is a key message of World Expo 2020 Dubai. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Fatma Rashid, Project Manager, Special Projects Expo 2020 Bureau said, “We are excited to be at this prestigious event and represent Expo 2020 Dubai. Our pavilion here tells the story of the UAE’s extensive history of participation in World Expos, in the lead up to the Expo 2020 Dubai.” The exhibition showcases miniature UAE pavilion replicas from their 1970 participation in Japan and 1992 in Spain, inspired by the Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain to show the world the nation’s strong history displaying its fortitude. The stand also sheds light on the subsequent Expo participations, in Expo Hanover 2000, Expo Shanghai 2010 and Expo 2015 in Milan. The journey ends with the milestone moment in 2013, when the UAE won the bid to host Expo 2020. Throughout the forum, interactive sessions will also be hosted at this stand, along with two workshops. Organised by the International Government …

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) is hosting its 57th chapter in Dubai. Running till November 14, the four-day conference is being attended by over 1,150 senior industry professionals and association meeting planners from across 75 countries. Congress delegates have descended on the city from across the world to experience a dynamic programme of education, networking and business opportunities. ICCA and Dubai Business Events have collaborated to create an exciting offering of forward-thinking education sessions, site visits to Dubai’s most innovative enterprises and a social programme showcasing the best of Emirati cultural delights and local hospitality. Welcoming delegates to the congress, His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai Tourism, said, “Business events are a crucial part of not only our tourism strategy, but our wider economic development. Whether through the year-round calendar of home-grown trade shows or major congresses like the ICCA congress that we successfully bid for – we understand and use the power of meetings and conferences to facilitate the rapid transition to a knowledge economy, and to grow scientific advancement and key industry sectors in Dubai and the UAE.” Nina Freysen-Pretorius, President, ICCA, said, “I would like to once again thank ICCA for selecting Dubai to host this congress, and to the Local Host Committee and all stakeholders involved for their role in planning. Our thanks also go to all the sponsors and supporting organisations of this event. The number of international association meetings has doubled every ten years since the establishment of ICCA 55 years ago, and we have identified the Middle East as an important growth area. In fact, we now have a dedicated seat for the region on our board, a permanent regional …