Tourism
From The Report: Dubai 2016
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Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) expects an influx of visitors by the turn of the decade, and these projections are helping to drive the construction of theme parks, hospital wings, shopping malls and several new hotels. Dubai announced total international visitor figures of 14.2m for 2015, an increase of 7.5% on 2014, and became the fourth-most-visited city in the world. Additionally, Dubai International Airport (DIA) was crowned the world’s busiest air transport hub for overseas flights in 2015, pulling ahead of London’s Heathrow and staying ahead since. In the years leading up to 2020 a number of key developments are taking place that are designed to attract and cater to increasing numbers of tourists. The emirate is targeting new segments of the travel market geographically, as well as adapting its offering to entice more family groups and medical tourists.

This chapter contains interviews with Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and Raed Al Nuaimi, CEO, Dubai Parks and Resorts.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Room with a view: Capacity for visitors is expanding across the board
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Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) expects an influx of visitors to come by the turn of the decade, and these projections are helping to drive the construction of theme parks, hospital wings, shopping malls and several new hotels. Dubai announced total international visitor figures of 14.2m for 2015, an increase of 7.5% compared with 2014, and became the fourth-most-visited city in the world. Additionally, Dubai International Airport (DIA) was crowned the world’s busiest…

Interview

Expanding profile: OBG talks to Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM)
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Interview:Helal Saeed Almarri How will regulatory changes in the sector help cement Dubai’s position as a leading destination? HELAL SAEED ALMARRI: At the federal level, the easing of UAE visa policies has made it easier for tourists to visit the emirate. Citizens from a total of 46 countries can now obtain a visa on arrival, boosted by the March 2014 addition of 13 EU countries to the existing 15 member states already eligible. August 2014 saw the announcement of the UAE multi-entry cruise…

Analysis

Having a ball: Amusement parks and sports events are poised to attract international visitors
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With significant new attractions due to open in 2016, Dubai is hoping to position itself as a global player in family leisure tourism in the years to come. PwC has estimated 18m people could visit the UAE’s new theme parks by 2021, drawing comparisons with Orlando in Florida. The leisure tourism segment could play a significant role in helping the emirate to achieve its Tourism Vision 2020 goals. Global Comparisons Orlando, Florida is the world’s leading leisure tourism destination, but PwC…

Interview

Centre of attention: OBG talks to Raed Al Nuaimi, CEO, Dubai Parks and Resorts
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Interview:Raed Al Nuaimi How would you qualify leisure tourism’s growth potential in the region, and what is Dubai’s competitive advantage in this segment? RAED AL NUAIMI: Leisure tourism is currently a huge untapped market in the GCC and in the wider MENA region. With a growing number of theme parks and entertainment facilities set to open up in the UAE in 2016 and beyond, Dubai is set to become the theme park and entertainment destination of choice for the GCC and its surrounding regions.…

Analysis

Healthy returns: The medical tourism segment takes off
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Dubai’s ambition to become the Middle East’s paramount provider of medical tourism has taken some significant steps forward, with the emirate easily surpassing initial targets for numbers of patients treated and revenues two years after the initiative was first announced. However, there are also significant challenges ahead for private health care providers, regulators and developers as Dubai attempts to build a global reputation and establish its position in a crowded international market. Infrastructure A…

Analysis

High society: Cultural events and public educational facilities are seen as key tourism offerings
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The importance of learning, cultural awareness and artistic appreciation was placed centre stage in Dubai when the UAE declared 2016 to be the Year of Reading. The nation’s rulers re-emphasised the role of the written word in helping to foster creativity and innovation among Emiratis and other residents. The new Opera House opening in Dubai is shaped liked a dhow (traditional sailing vessel), making it quite literally a flagship development on the city’s skyline. Local Art Scene In addition…