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Destination, emirati hospitality, we protect our, we progress our, mice activity, abu dhabi arabic language centre announces winners of kanz al jeel award 2023.

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has announced the winners of the Kanz Al Jeel Award 2023, which honours creators and outstanding artistic works that focus ...

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi Organising 11th GCC Heritage & Oral History Conference in October 2023

The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced that the 11th GCC Heritage and Oral History Conference will take place on 11 and 12 O ...

Stunning Light Art Exhibition Set to Illuminate Abu Dhabis Archipelagos and Mangroves in November

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Manar A ...

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UAE announces Tourism Council formation

The UAE Cabinet, chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the formation of the Emirates Tourism Council, said a report.

It would be chaired by Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, minister of state for entrepreneurship and SMEs, to strengthen the tourism portfolio, drafting a tourism strategy in line with the nation’s aspirations and the UAE Centennial, and integrating all relevant local authorities and departments.

The council will be responsible for suggesting and revising policies and legislation that will support the tourism sector and national tourism development plans, as well as supporting the growth of tourism industries, attracting tourism investments, suggesting economic incentives to encourage the growth of the sector, establishing a comprehensive national tourism information database, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) involved in the tourism sector.

“Today, we approved the establishment of the Emirates Tourism Council, to coordinate, market and support national tourism plans. The campaign, titled, “World’s Coolest Winter,” highlighted the importance of working as one national tourism team and we aim to enable our youth to benefit from tourism opportunities around the country,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

The council’s members include the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing-Dubai, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, the Ajman Tourism Development Department, the Umm Al Qaiwain Department of Tourism and Archaeology, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and the Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority.

The Cabinet also approved a resolution to allow foreign university students to invite their family members to come to the UAE, as long as they can afford suitable housing.

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Emirates Partners with Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism to encourage more visits and boost tourism to the emirate

DUBAI, UAE 11 May 2022:  Emirates and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost tourist numbers across the airline’s global network. The new partnership is part of the airline’s commitment to promote tourism to the UAE by aligning activities with other tourism partners and capitalising on opportunities to encourage visitors to experience more than one destination in the UAE during their stay.  

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at Arabian Travel Market by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer and H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism, at DCT Abu Dhabi.

Under the MoU, Emirates and DCT Abu Dhabi will work closely to explore and implement promotional activities as well as bespoke packages for tour operators and the wider travel trade in key markets across the airline’s network to encourage visits to Abu Dhabi as part of their overall UAE holiday.  The two partners will also collaborate on advertising and cross promotional marketing campaigns, familiarisation programmes for travel trade and media, as well as promotional competitions. 

Adnan Kazim, Emirates Chief Commercial Officer said : “We are delighted to be working closely with DCT Abu Dhabi to help boost visitation. We are well-positioned to support the development of tourism to Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE through our network of nearly 130 global destinations. We are committed to promoting our home base, the UAE, as a travel and tourism hub, with its rich array of attractions and line-up of experiences and events that showcase the best of what all seven emirates have to offer. Our partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi will promote sustainable growth of inbound visitors and ensures they are able to experience the capital’s unique cultural landmarks, modern family attractions and beautiful natural landscapes.”

HE Saleh Mohamed Saleh Al Geziry, the Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi said, “ As we announce this strategic partnership with Emirates, we look forward to working together to cement Abu Dhabi’s position as a must-visit destination. From thrills and adventures that can be found at our captivating experiences and theme parks such as Warner Brothers Abu Dhabi, to leading museums such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We can’t wait to share our Abu Dhabi story with the world.”

Tourism is one of the key pillars of the UAE Economy. It also plays a large role in the diversification of the country’s economy. In 2021, the Emirates Tourism Council was formed to strengthen the UAE’s tourism portfolio, through collaboration across all local tourism authorities and departments in the emirates with the aim to enhance the UAE’s position as a preferred global destination.  The UAE’s tourism sector is expected to contribute to 5.4% of the nation’s total GDP, or AED 116.1 billion (USD 31.6 billion) and is forecasted to support over 1 million jobs by 2027. 

 About Emirates 

Emirates is the world’s largest international airline helping to connect Dubai to the world, and the world to Dubai. In 2021, the airline rebuilt its global network, and today operates close to 130 destinations, on over 140 Boeing 777s and more than 60 A380s. Living up to its ‘Fly Better’ promise, Emirates continues to lead the industry in customer care initiatives, including providing generous and flexible booking options, supporting loyal Skywards members as they back to the skies, digital on ground initiatives and comprehensive health and safety measures across the travel journey. 

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the DCT Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the DCT Abu Dhabi’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture, tourism and creative industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

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Travel and tourism sector to contribute $49bn to UAE’s economy this year, WTTC says

The industry is expected to create 7,000 new jobs in emirates.

Kite surfers in action at the Kite and Surf beach in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

The travel and tourism sector is projected to contribute Dh180.6 billion ($49.18 billion) to the UAE’s economy this year, representing nearly 10 per cent of the total, says the World Travel and Tourism Council.

The estimate for 2023 is only 1.6 per cent lower than the 2019 high of Dh183.4 billion, the global tourism body said in itslatest Economic Impact report on Wednesday.

WTTC expects the sector to cross the pre-pandemic employment levels , reaching more than 758,000 jobs, including nearly 7,000 new positions, this year.

“The sector is recovering at a rapid pace, proving the UAE continues to grow in popularity amongst international travellers,” said Julia Simpson, WTTC president and chief executive.

“The UAE is home to one of the world’s busiest and most successful airports, Dubai International , which acts as a gateway to the Middle East.”

Last year, the travel and tourism sector ’s contribution to the UAE’s gross domestic product grew by more than 60 per cent to reach nearly Dh167 billion, representing 9 per cent of the country’s economy, WTTC said.

The sector created more than 89,000 jobs last year, bringing the total to about 751,000 on a countrywide level.

“2022 saw the return of international travellers to the UAE, with India, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UK leading as source markets for international arrivals,” the report said.

Last year, international visitors contributed Dh117.6 billion to the Emirates' economy, marking a 65.3 per cent year-on-year growth, but still down 19 per cent from 2019 levels.

Meanwhile, domestic spend surged by nearly 36 per cent to reach Dh46.9 billion, up 10.6 per cent from pre-pandemic levels.

“The future for the sector looks positive. By the end of this year, the sector’s contribution will level that of 2019, and over the next decade, growth will outstrip the national GDP and create more than 114,000 new jobs, representing one in nine jobs,” said Ms Simpson.

Dubai International Airport remained the world's busiest international hub for passengers last year for the ninth year in a row, as long-haul travel demand surged, rankings by the Airports Council International showed in April.

The tourism sector, an important pillar of Dubai’s economy, has strongly rebounded from the coronavirus-induced slowdown.

The emirate recorded 14.36 million international visitors in 2022, inching closer to the 16.73 million tourists welcomed in 2019, according to data from the Department of Economy and Tourism.

It aims to exceed the pre-pandemic annual number of international visitors this year, after the emirate recorded a 17 per cent increase in the tourist numbers in the first quarter of 2023, Issam Kazim, chief executive of the Dubai Department for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, told The National earlier this month.

“Our report highlighted the appeal tourist destinations across the country, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, continue to hold for international travellers. These cities have shown an incredible resilience and strong leadership,” said Ms Simpson.

The WTTC expects the sector to grow its GDP contribution to Dh235.5 billion by 2033, representing 10.2 per cent of the country’s economy.

Over the next decade, the travel and tourism industry is projected to give employment to more than 872,000 people in the UAE, accounting for about 12 per cent of the total workforce, the WTTC said.

The UAE, the Arab world’s second-largest economy, is estimated to have grown by 7.6 per cent last year , marking its highest expansion in 11 years, after GDP rose by 3.9 per cent in 2021, according to the UAE Central Bank.

It is expected to grow by 3.9 per cent this year and accelerate further to 4.3 per cent in 2024.

Meanwhile in the Middle East, the WTTC expects travel and tourism sector's GDP contribution to exceed Dh1.5 trillion, nearing the 2019 high.

The sector will recover almost all of the jobs lost during the pandemic by the end of 2023, the report said.

In the Mena region, real GDP grew by 5.3 per cent in 2022, reflecting strong domestic demand and a rebound in oil production, according to the International Monetary Fund. However, growth is expected to decelerate this year to 3.1 per cent before picking up slightly to 3.4 per cent next year.

Dubai's post-pandemic boom has made it one of the most visited places in the world today. Further to that, the city has seen tens of thousands of new residents arrive to settle down. Reuters

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Statistics and most-visited destinations

This page provides some quick facts about travel statistics and most-visited destinations.

Quick facts

Tourism's contribution to the gdp.

Spending on tourism

According to the data released by World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) (PDF, 81 KB), spending of international visitors in the UAE amounted to about AED 48.7 billion during 2020, as opposed to AED 143.1 billion in 2019; attributing the decrease of 66 per cent to the COVID-19 pandemic.

India and Saudi Arabia topped international markets for inbound arrivals to the UAE in 2020, with a share of 14 per cent each, followed by:

• China with 7 per cent
• Oman with 6 per cent
• United Kingdom with 5 per cent and
• the rest of the world with 53 per cent.

The spending of domestic visitors in the UAE reached AED 23.8 billion in 2020, compared to AED 41.5 billion in 2019, a decrease of 42.7 per cent.

Saudi Arabia topped the international market for outbound departures from the UAE, with a share of 30 per cent, followed by:

• the United Kingdom 17 per cent
• Oman 14 per cent
• Azerbaijan 6 per cent
• France 5 per cent and
• the rest of the world with 28 per cent.

The total contribution of the travel and tourism sector to the UAE’s GDP amounted to AED 71.6 billion in 2020 (5.4 per cent of the GDP), as opposed to AED 180.4 billion in 2019 (11.6 of the GDP).

The number of total direct and indirect jobs in the travel and tourism sector was 574,300 being 9.4 per cent of total employment in 2020, as opposed to 749,200 jobs, being 11.2 per cent of total employment in 2019. There was a decline of 23.3 per cent in the number of jobs in 2020.

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Emirates Tourism Council announces formation of a private sector hospitality advisory committee to promote the sector’s competitiveness

Emirates tourism council announces formation of a private sector hospitality advisory committee to promote the sector’s competitiveness ..

UAE hotel establishments’ revenue totaled AED 26bn during the first seven months of 2023 reflecting a 24 per cent growth .

The Emirates Tourism Council held a meeting recently, chaired by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Head of the Council, and attended by chairpersons and directors of all local tourism entities in the country. The meeting discussed an array of topics including the latest on the implementation of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, mechanisms to promote government-private cooperation to achieve its goals, and the progress made by the “World’s Coolest Winter” campaign.

H.E. Bin Touq confirmed that the UAE’s tourism sector is witnessing continuous growth on all fronts, supported by the wise leadership’s vision to develop sustainable policies and strategies for the sector, given its role as one of the key contributors to national economic growth and its competitiveness.

H.E. Bin Touq said: “The UAE’s hotel establishments generated a total of AED 26 billion in revenues during the period from January to July 2023, achieving a growth of 24 per cent compared to the same period last year. Hotel establishments in the country hosted 16 million guests during this period with a growth of more than 15 per cent compared to the number of guests in the same period in 2022. The number of hotel nights reached 56 million. Similarly, the number of hotel establishments in the UAE amounted to 1,224 by the end of July this year, while the hotel occupancy rate reached 75 per cent during this period, up by five per cent.”

“These figures highlight the UAE’s growing competitiveness in the global tourism landscape in line with our national goal to raise the tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP to AED 450 billion by the next decade, in accordance with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision,” H.E. added.

The meeting announced the formation of the Hospitality Advisory Committee, aimed at stimulating growth and diversification and increasing the competitiveness of this vital sector in the country in line with international best practices. The newly-formed Committee will work to improve the UAE’s attractiveness to tourism investments, create sector-specific initiatives and programs, and facilitate continuous dialogue with private sector entities and companies operating in the hospitality sector.

The Committee will be headed by H.E. Bin Touq and includes members from the private sector such as Amit Nayak, Vice President of the Hospitality Asset Managers Association; Rashad Barajkli, General Manager of The First Group; and Abdul Baset Al Hai, General Manager of Wasl Hospitality; Benoy Kurian, Group CEO of Al Hamra; Khaled Anib, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Hotels; Vijay Rajhavan, CEO of Arenco Group; and Fahad Kazim, CEO of Millennium Hotels and Resorts.

Furthermore, the Council meeting reviewed the outcomes of the third edition of the “World’s Coolest Winter” campaign and its role in promoting and revitalizing domestic tourism in the UAE. It plays a key role in attracting tourists from around the world to enjoy the beauty of winter every year and supporting national tourism projects across the country.

The third edition of the campaign promoted tourism, natural and recreational destinations and experiences across all the seven emirates, significantly boosting domestic tourism. During this time, hotel revenues grew to reach AED 1.8 billion, up 20 per cent compared to the second edition of the campaign, which amounted to AED 1.5 billion. This complements the success that the campaign achieved in its previous two editions, catalyzing the launch of more initiatives that contribute to translating the wise leadership’s directives and achieving innovative strategic visions for the tourism sector.

Additionally, the Council discussed the upcoming launch of the fourth edition of the campaign, which is scheduled to be announced in December 2023.

Other topics of discussion included mechanisms to support joint efforts by various government entities and the private sector to achieve the goals of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which is based on four main pillars. These are: the strengthening of the national tourism identity; development and diversification of specialized tourism products and building tourism capabilities; encouraging the entry of nationals into the sector; and increasing investments in various tourism sector areas.

H.E. Bin Touq underlined that the national efforts to achieve the Strategy’s goals continue, establishing an attractive and safe national tourism environment and providing integrated tourism services, diverse and unique destinations, and advanced infrastructure for the sector.

Moreover, the meeting discussed the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority’s preparations for the 10th Sharjah International Tourism and Travel Forum 2023 at the Sharjah Expo Centre, scheduled to be held on 22nd November 2023. The forum will feature a wide range of workshops, dialogue sessions and tours on various topics including the reduction of negative impacts on the environment and communities, development of positive experiences for tourists and locals, and the “Sharjah Sustainable City” initiative that aligns with the UAE’s hosting of COP28 this year.

The meeting was attended by H.E. Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy; H.E. Saleh Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi; H.E. Essam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing; H.E. Khaled Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; H.E. Mahmoud Al Hashemi, Director General of Ajman Department of Tourism Development; H.E. Saeed Al Samahi, Director General of Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority; H.E. Haitham Sultan Al Ali, Director of Umm Al Quwain Department of Tourism and Archaeology; Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority; and Alya Al Hamadi, Vice Chairperson at UAE Government Media Office.

Travel and Tourism in UAE: The Evolution and Impact '> Travel and Tourism in UAE: The Evolution and Impact

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has steadily emerged as a global powerhouse in the realm of travel and tourism. Its strategic geographical location coupled with a rich historical heritage and modern amenities make it an irresistible destination for tourists worldwide.

The Genesis of Emirates Tourism Council

In January 2021, the UAE Government sanctioned the establishment of the Emirates Tourism Council. The council’s mandate includes formulating a comprehensive tourism strategy that aligns with UAE’s broader national objectives and the ambitious UAE Centennial 2071 vision .

The council shoulders the responsibility of revamping tourism-related policies and legislation, fostering the growth of the tourism sector, and encouraging investments in the industry. It also aims to boost the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) functioning in the tourism sector.

The Council’s Composition

The council comprises key local authorities and departments, including but not limited to:

• Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
• Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing – Dubai
• Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority
• Ajman Tourism Development Department
• Department of Tourism and Archaeology Umm Al Quwain
• Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
• Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority

These members collectively strive to bolster the UAE’s tourism sector.

The Economic Impact of Tourism

The travel and tourism sector has significantly contributed to the UAE’s economy. In 2016, the sector directly accounted for 5.2% of the UAE’s GDP, amounting to AED 68.5 billion. The World Travel and Tourism Council predicts that this contribution will increase to 5.4% by 2027.

Moreover, the tourism sector supported 317,500 jobs in 2016, accounting for 5.4% of total employment. This figure is expected to rise to 5.9% by 2027, creating 410,000 jobs.

In terms of investment , the travel and tourism sector attracted AED 26.2 billion in 2016. This figure is projected to rise by 11% per annum over the next ten years, reaching AED 74.5 billion in 2027.

An Overview of Tourism Statistics

In 2016, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi alone hosted 4,440,314 guests in its hotels, marking an 8% increase from the previous year. Dubai, on the other hand, welcomed 14.9 million overnight visitors, a 5% rise from the prior year.

These figures highlight the increasing popularity of the UAE as a tourist destination, with each Emirate contributing significantly to the overall tourism landscape.

Tourism Initiatives

The UAE Government has launched several initiatives to stimulate the travel and tourism sector. These include the Dubai Tourism Strategy 2020, Sustainable Tourism Development in Abu Dhabi, and the Ajman Strategic Plan for Tourism 2015-2021.

These initiatives aim to enhance the customer experience, promote sustainability, and improve operational effectiveness, thereby making the UAE an attractive tourism destination.

The Role of Gulf Reps Ltd

Gulf Reps Ltd is a leading player in the Middle Eastern travel and tourism industry. With over 60 years of experience, they offer a broad suite of services including destination marketing, hotel representation, airline representation, and resort marketing.

Their services are designed to showcase the allure of destinations to discerning Middle Eastern tourists. They also have a dedicated PR team that liaises with local and international media outlets, ensuring maximum media coverage for their clients.

Gulf Reps Ltd also organizes Fam trips that provide a comprehensive experience of various destinations. These trips generate awareness and engagement, which are measured meticulously to gauge impact.

In the digital space, Gulf Reps Ltd excels in email marketing, social media, and paid advertising. They deliver campaigns that align with their clients’ brand guidelines and exceed conventional metrics to show tangible results.

The travel and tourism sector in the UAE has evolved significantly over the years. The formation of the Emirates Tourism Council and the launch of various tourism initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to bolstering this sector.

The role of firms like Gulf Reps Ltd cannot be understated. Their comprehensive suite of services, including destination marketing, hotel representation, and Fam trips, play a crucial role in promoting global travel and tourism endeavors.

As the UAE continues on its journey to become a global tourism hub, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for travel and tourism in the UAE.

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Chaired by Mohammed bin Rashid, UAE Cabinet reviews achievements of Emirates Genome Council

Jun 10, 2024 12:00 AM

- Chaired by Mohammed bin Rashid, UAE Cabinet reviews achievements of Emirates Genome Council, approves Ethical Charter of AI, Framework for sustainable Digital Transformation His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, chaired the UAE Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said, "Today, I chaired a Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, where we reviewed the achievements of the Emirates Genome Council. The Emirati Genome Programme has successfully collected over 600,000 samples from across the country so far, and efforts are underway to expand this to one million samples. More than 1,000 of our medical professionals have been trained to support this programme. "The contribution of over 600,000 citizens to this programme ensures the development of a clear map of genetic and hereditary diseases in the country, aiding in the creation of targeted treatments for these diseases. This will result in better and stronger healthcare for future generations. We encourage everyone to cooperate with this comprehensive national medical programme to make our community healthier and our future generations stronger. "Additionally, an experimental launch of premarital screening to cover all genetic and hereditary diseases will take place in the coming period. Under the leadership of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, the UAE Genome Council has made significant strides in establishing the country's global scientific position in this field and utilising this new science to develop comprehensive and integrated healthcare for new generations.” His Highness added, “During the meeting, we also approved the formation of a working team led by the Ministry of Economy to develop the UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry. This aims to chart a new path for its role in enhancing the economy, opening markets, building new partnerships with the world, and enabling our local companies to enter global markets. The rapid economic growth in the country requires continuous structural changes to keep pace with developments." His Highness said, “We also committed to the principles and recommendations of the International Code for the Protection of Tourists issued by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation. This will be used as a guiding manual for our tourism institutions to implement its principles. The UAE ranks among the top countries globally in safety and leads the region and many countries worldwide in international tourism. International cooperation to provide better services for global tourism is part of our ongoing economic work." His Highness added, “During today's Cabinet meeting, we also tasked the Ministry of Finance with representing the UAE and following up on all its participations in the various working groups within the BRICS financial track, which the UAE recently joined, in cooperation and partnership with the Central Bank of the UAE. Our membership in this important global economic bloc reflects our commitment to working with everyone, building economic bridges with all active economic blocs worldwide, and our commitment to establishing diverse global economic relations." His Highness stated, “In today's session, we also approved a general framework for sustainable government digital transformation and a charter for the use of artificial intelligence in the country. This charter ensures compliance with the highest standards of safety and privacy, guaranteeing a positive and lasting impact on society. We also approved the issuance of a federal law on traffic and road safety, which includes amendments for vehicle classification and the use of modern technologies on roads, keeping pace with the rapid development of transportation means globally. The new legislation aligns with the expansion in the use of self-driving vehicles, electric cars, and various types of personal transportation, leveraging the technological advancements that distinguish our road network in the UAE." In Health and advanced science, the Cabinet reviewed the achievements of the Emirates Genome Council, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council. The council’s accomplishments included launching the National Genome Strategy, aimed at advancing healthcare and quality of life in the UAE through establishing an integrated ecosystem for developing and implementing precision medicine and personalized healthcare programs. The strategy also seeks to support physicians and sector experts in taking proactive steps and more effective treatment paths, to further develop R&D capabilities, broadening the use of Genome science, and instilling international partnerships among local and international institutions. Additionally, the achievements include the issuance of a federal decree-law regulating the use of the human genome. In terms of comprehensiveness, this new legislation is the first of its kind globally in genome regulation. The Emirati Genome Programme has reached an exceptional achievement and a remarkable milestone of collecting over 600,000 gene samples from donors, in 102 collection sites in the UAE. The number of collected samples represents 60% of the one million samples target, aimed at profiling and determining gene sequencing in the UAE. This will facilitate developing cures tailored for some genetic disorders, and better healthcare for the coming generations. More than 1100 healthcare employees have been trained to collect genetic samples. Work is underway to launch new phases of the genome tests regarding newborns and premarital health screening detecting all genetics and hereditary diseases. To advance the UAE’s leading position in the digital economy sector, the Cabinet adopted the General Framework for Sustainable Digital Transformation as a guiding policy focusing on integrating sustainability principles into government digital transformation, supporting the UAE’s commitments to combating climate change impacts and promoting a sustainable future. The framework includes launching the paperless government initiative and developing two guiding manuals on the reusing, recycling, or handling of waste related to old digital devices in the federal government. The Cabinet also approved the Ethical Charter of Development and Use of AI. The Charter comprises 12 principles aimed at preserving the respect of human values and ensuring fair and safe treatment for all members of society. It defines how AI should be used ethically and responsibly. Key principles of the charter include ensuring all AI systems comply with the highest safety standards and developing AI technologies responsibly to be inclusive and accessible to all. In the same meeting, the Cabinet reviewed the achievements of the government digital transformation, with the UAE leading several significant indicators related to governmental work. The UAE ranked first globally in the government services index and the human-centered government services index, and first globally in public participation and government procurement of advanced technology products. Additionally, the UAE was ranked fourth globally in the digital government transformation maturity index. Key initiatives and strategies implemented by the government during the past phase include the UAE Digital Government Strategy 2025, the UAE Strategy for Government Services 2021-2025, the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, and national cybersecurity policies related to digital transformation. The Cabinet approved policies and procedures regarding the federal government’s rentals, aimed at documenting and standardising criteria and requirements of rental in the federal government and defining the rules and principles to be followed when renting or tenanting facilities, buildings, and spaces, and regulating the relationship between the government and those renting the properties of the Union in all the emirates. The Cabinet also approved the manual of inventory management policies and procedures in the federal government, targeting the documentation and standardization of approved inventory policies and procedures, which is the internal control system within the federal government. The manual also aims to define the responsibilities of employees involved in managing and implementing inventory-related operations. Additionally, the Cabinet approved the policy for federal government fixed asset management. The policy was developed in line with the best international practices, and aims to document and unify procedures related to the management and control of fixed assets, define the rules and principles to be respected in the various operations related to the fixed asset’s cycle of life, and achieve the optimal use of federal government assets to provide the best services. During the meeting, the cabinet approved a guide on the partnership projects launched between the UAE Federal Government and the private sector. The guide stipulates the detailed controls and regulations of the joint projects, including the governance of tendering and awarding contracts and their criteria, and the provisions regulating contracts management and the oversight of this type of partnership in the Federal Government. In legislative affairs, the Cabinet approved a federal law on road traffic. The legislation provisions include the classification of vehicles, general obligations of drivers, categories excluded from obtaining driving licenses, conditions for granting licences, suspension of driving licences and permits, driving schools, vehicle insurance and inspection, and obligations related to self-driving vehicle. The Cabinet approved a decision to issue a federal law on combating communicable diseases. The new legislation details provisions necessary to establish a legislative framework that responds to the requirements of combating communicable diseases. It details the provisions of communicable diseases’ prevention, monitoring, reporting, and handling according to their nature, severity, and spread of each disease. Additionally, the new law built on the UAE’s expertise accumulated while handling Covid-19 pandemic to protect public health. The Cabinet approved a decision on the Executive Regulations of the federal decree-law concerning financial restructuring and bankruptcy. Its provisions include defining the federal and local competent authority to execute the law's provisions and its implementing resolutions, as well as specifying the format and data to be enclosed in the records of individuals subject to judicial decisions imposing or lifting any restrictions ordered by the court, and controls and procedures of preventive settlement. A decision on the Executive Regulations of the federal decree-law on maritime law was approved in the meeting. The decision aims to protect the UAE’s maritime interests, marine safety, and marine environment. The Executive Resolution stipulates the controls and procedures for ship licensing in the UAE, competencies of the ship registration office, and administrative penalties applicable in cases of violations of the law’s provisions. In the meeting, the Council approved legislation on the Unified List of the violations and administrative fines for the violations of measures to combat money laundering and terrorism financing that are subject to the supervision of the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Economy. The Unified List includes 41 penalties comprising all violations defined in the legislation to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism. It also promulgates some provisions on grievance procedures, which gives the complainants flexible periods to provide the court with the necessary documents to make an informed decision about the grievance. The legislation also seeks to enhance standards of transparency and integrity and contributes to improving the efficiency of the collection process and reducing the number of litigations in the UAE courts. The Cabinet approved a decision to form an inter-ministerial team headed by the Ministry of Economy, with the membership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, and local governments representatives, aimed at re-developing the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The restructuring plan aims to develop a comprehensive national strategy in the matter, to advance and optimise the efforts of the UAE based companies to conquer new international markets, to empower SMEs and startups to prosper globally, to provide a more accurate and pertinent analytical perception of the global markets and trends, and to assess their impact on commercial performance and the economy. The Cabinet approved a decision to adopt the regulatory framework for cross-border licensing of financial products between market regulators in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The Cabinet empowered the Board of Directors of the Securities and Commodities Authority to approve the cross-border licensing regulations to be agreed upon by the regulators after the regulatory framework comes into effect. Cross-border licensing should be a big leap toward advancing collaboration between the GCC countries, and establishing ease of investing and making transactions for GCC nationals and residents. The Cabinet also approved a decision to increase housing assistance within residential neighborhoods, raising the maximum housing assistance amount for all beneficiaries to AED 1.2 million. The Cabinet reviewed the results of a study on aligning legislation related to the financing mechanism of Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme loans with Central Bank policies. The Cabinet approved the reconstitution of the Board of Directors of Etihad Rail for three years, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Cabinet also approved the reconstitution of the UAE Circular Economy Council, chaired by Abdullah bin Touq, Minister of Economy, and the UAE Youth Council for a renewable one-year term, chaired by Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and the Competition Regulation Committee chaired by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy. The Cabinet reviewed the achievements of the UAE Council for Climate Action for 2023, including key projects and initiatives undertaken by the council, such as preparing the state’s readiness plan for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), developing the third version of the second Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) report to be submitted to the UNFCCC, the National Climate Neutrality Strategy 2050, the Low Carbon Development Strategy, and the National Carbon Credit Registry. The Cabinet approved the state’s commitment to the principles and recommendations of the International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT) to be used as a guiding manual, with voluntary application of its principles. The code, prepared by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, aims to restore confidence and accelerate tourism recovery after the pandemic. The Cabinet approved the Ministry of Finance to represent the state and follow up and coordinate the participation of relevant entities in the state in the BRICS financial track working groups and events, in collaboration with the Central Bank of the UAE. The Cabinet also approved the state’s hosting of the UAE-Italy bilateral conference in 2024, aimed at opening avenues for scientific cooperation between UAE University and Italian universities in research and applications of advanced materials in the fields of energy, environment, and health, in addition to other applications of advanced materials. The Cabinet also approved the state’s accession to the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) initiative on the Global Coalition for Social Justice, a voluntary platform aimed at supporting solidarity and enhancing cooperation between member states and international partners to coordinate global development policies. The Cabinet reviewed the report on the UAE’s participation in the 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the report on attending the 33rd Doha International Book Fair and visiting cultural sites in Doha. The Cabinet ratified an agreement between the state government and the government of the Republic of Kazakhstan regarding the implementation of a wind power plant, aimed at providing a legal government framework for UAE companies operating in Kazakhstan to enter project contracts through direct negotiation. The Cabinet also ratified three agreements between the state government and the government of the Republic of Kenya regarding the extradition of criminals, mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, and the transfer of convicted persons, and ratified a comprehensive economy partnership with the republic of Costa Rica, and signed agreements with Mauritius and Congo Brazzaville on comprehensive economic partnership, and with the Sultanate of Oman on project of railway linking between the two countries.

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UAE President arrives in Italy for G7 summit

• Travel & Tourism

Sheikh Mohamed is attending a two-day summit of G7 leaders

Puglia: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Italy on Friday for a working visit to participate in the G7 Summit session on artificial intelligence and energy.

Sheikh Mohamed’s participation follows an invitation from Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, whose country is hosting the summit.

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This engagement underscores the UAE’s commitment to contributing to efforts that aim to strengthen dialogue and international cooperation in addressing shared global challenges, ultimately working towards a better and more prosperous future for coming generations.

Sheikh Mohamed is accompanied by a delegation that includes Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, National Security Adviser; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Adviser for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority; Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Advisor to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs; Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the US, Abdulla Ali AlSubousi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Italy.

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For over 30 years, WTTC has conducted research on the economic impact of Travel & Tourism in 185 countries and issues such as overcrowding, taxation, policy-making, and many others to raise awareness of the importance of the Travel & Tourism sector as one of the world’s largest economic sectors. As a non-profit membership-based organisation, our members and partners are the core of our organisation and include over 200 CEOs, Chairpersons, and Presidents of the world’s leading Travel & Tourism companies from all geographies and industries.  

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Contribuirá el sector de viajes y turismo con más de 20 mil millones de dólares al PIB de Perú durante 2024: WTTC

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Steps touted to thin out crowds

Better transport infrastructure urged

PUBLISHED : 14 Jun 2024 at 04:54

NEWSPAPER SECTION: Business

WRITER: Molpasorn Shoowong

Easing overtourism requires proper management and cooperation with local communities, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which suggests Thailand disperse tourists to new destinations through infrastructure development.

As tourism demand surged post-pandemic, more protests against tourists have occurred in several countries as local communities push for measures to limit the influx of arrivals.

"Overtourism arguably started in the 18th century, and it's been a question of how you manage the tourism flow," said Julia Simpson, president and chief executive of WTTC.

Ms Simpson said businesses need to work hand-in-hand with local authorities in each area to manage tourism.

For instance, many people now want to travel off-season, and dispersing tourists through this period would help mitigate overtourism, she said.

Popular tourist sites can also adopt digital ticketing to control the flow of tourists, said Ms Simpson.

Speaking as a panel member during the International Air Transport Association's annual general meeting in Dubai earlier this month, she said packages to view mountain gorillas in Rwanda and the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona were examples of successful destination management.

In Rwanda, tourists must pay US$1,500 to see the mountain gorillas, which were previously near extinction because of poaching by local farmers.

About 10% of the fee goes to local farmers, incentivising them to cultivate more forests rather than cutting down trees, and another 10% is distributed to local schools and healthcare services.

The gorilla population has grown since the initiative was launched, while income has increased for farmers and local communities. This proves tourism can help complete the regenerative process, Ms Simpson said.

Similarly, 13 examples of the late architect and designer Antoni Gaudí's work around the city of Barcelona in Spain, including the famed Sagrada Familia basilica, are included in a digital ticket package for tourists.

She said when tourists purchase a ticket, they are incentivised to visit three or four other sites.

The price is dependent on the number of visitors on an hourly basis, while ticket availability is limited.

"Now the whole Gaudí experience employs more people. The measure helps protect the culture of Barcelona and spreads the tourists around," said Ms Simpson.

However, there are still problems, such as rising property prices in some areas because of increased demand among tourists. This trend is apparent on Spain's Balearic Islands, she said.

Tourism Hub

Thailand is an extremely popular destination known globally by tourists, said Ms Simpson.

When visitors want authentic experiences, the country can provide them access to encounters with Thai food or markets, she said.

"If you want to go to the next level, it's certainly true that many successful travel economies have good infrastructure because you must be able to move people around," said Ms Simpson.

She said Thailand needs to persuade tourists to move around from one major area during their stays.

They should be encouraged to explore other areas that are easily accessible using convenient transport options, said Ms Simpson.

She said Thailand has done a good job in terms of marketing, promoting luxury travel and expanding visa-free travel to 93 countries, which should encourage more visitors to the country.

Regarding economic overdependence on tourism, Ms Simpson said this should not be a problem for Thailand, as the nation needs to find a balance and diversify the economy using many sectors.

She said growing economies such as Saudi Arabia are looking to develop tourism as a form of soft power and diplomacy, promoting greater understanding of other people's cultures.

Citing her recent visit to a tourism conference in Ukraine, Ms Simpson said though the country is at war, Ukrainians understood the reconstruction would need to use the power of travel and tourism once the war ends.

According to the WTTC, the value of travel and tourism, including hotels, airlines and other distributors, is expected to reach $11.1 trillion in 2024, employing more than 348 million people.

• Overtourism

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UAE tourism excellence: Sustainable policies that led to international & regional leadership

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null UAE tourism excellence: Sustainable policies that led to international & regional leadership

The UAE continues to maintain its regional and global leadership as an exceptional tourism destination and the best place to live and work in. In line with its wise leadership’s directives, the country’s tourism sector has showcased an excellent performance, confirming post-pandemic recovery and ushering in a new phase of prosperity and growth.

The continuous efforts to develop the national tourism sector have cemented the UAE’s position on the global tourism landscape. Today, it has become one of the key international destinations for tourism, ranking among the top 10 destinations globally in various global competitiveness indexes for tourism, travel, and hotel industry in 2021.

A giant leap forward in tourism index

In Q1 2022, the UAE’s hotels welcomed nearly six million visitors who spent 25 million nights, resulting in a 10 per cent growth compared to 2019 and beating the pre-pandemic growth rates. The average duration of the guest stays in hotels saw a 25 per cent growth during the same period, accounting for four nights instead of three. During this period, the occupancy rate of hotel facilities in the country reached 80 per cent - one of the highest in the world.

Furthermore, hotels achieved a total of AED 11 billion in revenue in Q1 2022, leading to a 20 per cent growth compared to 2019, with these facilities going back to operate at their maximum capacities with 200,000 hotel rooms.

With regards to flights and hospitality, the number of travelers who passed through the UAE’s airports exceeded 20 million in Q1 2022 as compared to 8.6 million travelers in 2021, reflecting a whopping 135 per cent growth. During the first three months of 2022, the total of transit passengers through the airports reached 7 million, accounting for a 203 per cent spike compared to the same period last year.

Tourism and travel contributed to a 3.4 per cent growth in GDP during the last 3 years totaling 15 per cent, as compared to 11.6 per cent in 2019.

These results indeed reflect the increasing trust in the national tourism sector and the impeccable reputation achieved by the UAE’s tourism environment in terms of both domestic tourism and international tourists and visitors. They also confirm the effectiveness of the sustainable tourism policies adopted by the UAE, and the success of the initiatives, campaigns, and exhibitions which have continuously supported and enhanced the tourism sector, not to forget the future-readiness of the national tourism product and the country’s leading services, unique attractions, and advanced tourism infrastructure.

National tourism development strategy

The Ministry of Economy has worked alongside its partners to develop a comprehensive national strategy to enhance tourism performance and consolidate the UAE’s position as a sustainable tourism destination. These partners include local tourism development agencies and departments and the concerned authorities in the tourism sector at the local and federal levels, in addition to the private sector and international tourism agencies and organizations. These efforts were centered around  future foresight, innovation, and technology integration in the national tourism sector  to ensure proper introduction of tourism destinations, development of the UAE tourism product, and attract FDI to this sector.

Domestic tourism strategy

The domestic tourism strategy is a continuation of the UAE’s national tourism development strategy as it plays an important role in increasing tourism investments and revenues, which in turn contributes to enhancing the growth of the tourism sector. The total spending on domestic tourism in 2020 amounted to 33%, while foreign tourism spending amounted to 67%, compared to 22% on domestic and 78% on international in 2019.

One of the main aspects of the UAE’s domestic tourism strategy launched in 2020 is the promotion of the most important natural, cultural, heritage, and historical attractions in the country, in addition to developing the tourism product. It highlights the beauty and uniqueness of the tourism experience offered by each of the emirates, and highlights entertainment events and cultural and social activities to increase each emirate’s tourism attractiveness.

The World's Coolest Winter campaign

The implementation of the UAE’s domestic tourism strategy encompassed the launch of various programs and initiatives. The World’s Coolest Winter campaign is the most notable among them, as it achieved resounding success across all emirates and went on to become the biggest campaign of its kind to highlight the many diverse domestic tourism offerings all over the country. The second edition of the campaign, which ran from mid-December 2021 until the end of January 2022, generated AED 1.5 billion in revenues and attracted over 1.3 million local tourists over 45 days.

The campaign contributed to highlighting environmental and sustainable tourism efforts by the country and enabled visitors from all emirates to enjoy the natural sites, such as reserves, oases, mountains, beaches, and islands that celebrate biodiversity. Desert tourism, which includes safaris, sand boarding, and search for oases hidden in the depths of the deserts among giant sand dunes, also became most sought after by the country’s citizens and residents alike. Also popular were beach tourism that offers several beach and water sports and free-diving, and mountain tourism which includes hiking among the mountains and valleys, mountain biking, and rock climbing.

Unified national tourism identity

As part of the UAE’s efforts to advance economic diversification over the next 50 and further enhance the tourism product, the country launched its unified tourism identity. This identity is an extension of the country’s visual media identity and consolidates the image and position of the UAE in the eyes of the global audiences. Moreover, it unites efforts and energies to celebrate the UAE’s success story and conveys it to the world by highlighting its unique features and advantages and its position as a hub in various fields.

Expo 2020 Dubai

The hosting of Expo 2020 Dubai is one of the UAE’s most significant initiatives that contributed directly to supplying the tourism sector with record numbers of tourists and revenues. The global event once again highlighted the leadership of the UAE’s travel, hotel, hospitality and entertainment sectors and their sustainable potential for growth. The expo succeeded in attracting more than 24 million visitors over six months.

Legacy of the world expo boosts MICE tourism and future technologies

Building on the legacy of Expo 2020 and through the entrepreneurial projects that will be implemented in the Expo City Dubai, the UAE is set to host a new world-class destination for residence, business, education, innovation, and the latest model for future cities, scheduled to open in October 2022. This will contribute to elevating the national tourism environment to a new level, especially MICE tourism and tourism related to future technologies that the UAE continues to embrace and develop.

Museum of the Future

The UAE has always firmly believed in the consistency of creativity, development and innovation. In February this year, a unique milestone was achieved in the development of the country’s tourism destinations portfolio, upgrading its quality and consolidating the position and image of the UAE as a destination of the future. The Museum of the Future represents a historic icon without columns, and offers a fusion of theaters and advanced technology laboratories. The museum has been called the most beautiful building on earth because of its unique shape and extraordinary design elements.

The museum carries the slogan ‘Climate and Education,’ which refers to building a future of progress and prosperity. It supports local and global efforts in combating the repercussions of climate change and promoting sustainability. The museum also reflects the extreme accuracy of advanced technologies and advancements in artificial intelligence.

Development of eco-tourism destinations

The UAE has undertaken some massive tourism projects to promote tourism development in the natural and outstanding destinations in the country. Examples include Hatta, Khorfakkan and Jebel Jais, in addition to many other eco-tourism projects across the country that further enhance the UAE's position on the map of global, adventure and recreation tourism.

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Dubai Appoints 22 Chief AI Officers

T he executive Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Dubai's crown prince has announced that 22 new Chief Artificial Intelligence Officers (CAIOs) are being hired in government offices in Dubai.

Read More: Dubai Launches Universal Blueprint for AI

Such programs will be led by new Chief AI Officers with differentiated agendas and activities in AI and smart technology. These positions were designed based on the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence, known as DUB.AI, which has been developed to improve the standard of living and overall well-being of its citizens.

The newly appointed Chief AI Officers will serve in various government entities, including:

Community Development Authority in Dubai

Dubai Government Human Resources Department

Dubai Customs

Dubai Police

The Judicial Council

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority

Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority

Digital Dubai Authority

General Directorate of Civil Defense in Dubai

Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment

Dubai Health Authority

Public Prosecution

Protocol Department in Dubai

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority

Dubai Culture & Arts Authority

Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University

Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism

Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services

Department of Finance in Dubai

Endowments and Minors’ Trust Foundation (Awqaf Dubai)

Dubai Municipality

In April, the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence was unveiled. It offered a detailed strategic vision for the following year aimed at improving the quality of life with the help of AI in multiple sectors.

The goals are to lay the groundwork for an environment that will support economic development, deployment of technology, and further AI solutions innovation. It focuses on building an ecosystem that will attract both international AI human capital and AI corporations through infrastructure and pro-competent frameworks.

This article was posted on Inc. Arabia EN