Category Archives: Govt

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) announced that Sharjah attracted approximately 1.6 million hotel guests in 2024, reflecting an 11% increase compared to 2023. This growth highlights the continuous development of the tourism sector in Sharjah. The announcement was made during a press conference held today with the participation of SCTDA alongside more than 25 government and private entities at the “Sharjah Pavilion” during Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which runs from April 28 to May 1 at Dubai World Trade Centre. The authority revealed key statistics for Sharjah’s tourism sector in 2024, noting that Russian guests ranked first with over 270,000 guests, representing an 18% increase compared to 2023. Indian guests came second with over 170,000 guests, marking a 6% rise compared to 2023. European guests saw a 16% increase compared to 2023, reaching over 100,000 guests, while Chinese guests surged to over 60,000 guests, an exceptional increase of 828% compared to 2023. Among Arab countries, Oman topped the list of hotel guests in Sharjah, accounting for 6% of total guests in 2024, followed by Saudi Arabia at 5%, Egypt at 4%, and Syria and Iraq at 3% each. His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, highlighted the latest developments from the authority, including the official launch of Sharjah’s new tourism brand campaign “Visit Sharjah.” The campaign focuses on showcasing Sharjah’s diverse tourist destinations, blending heritage, adventure, natural beauty, and modern experiences. It emphasizes the emirate’s ability to offer varied experiences catering to different types of travellers who are seeking adventure, tranquillity, family entertainment, or cultural immersion. The campaign also spotlights major events such as the Sharjah Light Festival and other annual highlights that create memorable moments …

Qatar Tourism and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) unveiled a strategic partnership designed to strengthen regional tourism ties through a new twin-centre holiday offering. This initiative enables travellers to seamlessly combine Doha and Abu Dhabi into a single, multi-city itinerary, making it easier than ever to explore both destinations in one trip. At the heart of this collaboration are Qatar Airways Holidays and Etihad Holidays operated by Capital Holidays, part of ADNEC group, who will jointly curate customised travel packages. Each will draw from a selection of hotels and experiences to design integrated itineraries that capture the essence of both destinations. These packages will be promoted to tour operators across key markets in Europe and North America. The initiative underscores a shared vision to broaden the region’s tourism offerings, tap into new source markets, and position the Gulf as a cohesive, world-class travel destination. By streamlining travel between Qatar and the UAE, the twin-centre packages provide visitors with a richer array of cultural, leisure, and hospitality experiences. This collaboration not only enhances international visibility for both Qatar and Abu Dhabi but also stimulates cross-border tourism and economic growth.

In the preliminary data shared by the Ministry of Tourism in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia highlighted that there has been a significant surge in the number of tour guide licenses issued across the Kingdom’s regions and cities in 2024. The data indicates that the total number of tour guide licenses reached 3,284, representing a substantial growth rate of 168% compared to the 1,221 licenses issued in 2023. SPA further shared that Makkah recorded the highest number of tour guide license holders nationwide, with 986 licenses, followed by Riyadh, with 665 licenses. Madinah secured the third position with 477 licenses, while Tabuk, Eastern Region, and Aseer accounted for 337, 319, and 252 licenses, respectively. This significant increase in tour guide licenses is a direct outcome of the Ministry of Tourism’s continuous efforts to develop and regulate the Kingdom’s tourism sector and to streamline the process for citizens to obtain tour guide credentials. This initiative aims to enhance the reception of both domestic and international tourists at various destinations throughout the Kingdom, aligning with the sector’s remarkable growth and the increasing influx of visitors.

His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, highlighted the continued growth and robust performance of the UAE’s tourism sector. H.E. said: “Hotel revenues in the UAE reached approximately AED 45 billion in 2024, reflecting a 3% year-over-year growth. Hotel occupancy rates also climbed to 78% last year to rank among the highest both regionally and globally. This growth was supported by the opening of 16 new hotels across the seven emirates in 2024, taking the total number of hotels in the country to 1,251 by the end of the year. In addition, the number of hotel rooms also grew, reaching 216,966 by the end of 2024, up 3%. H.E. attributed this growth to the directives of the wise leadership and its forward-looking vision, which led to the development of sustainable policies, strategies, and initiatives that drive the sector’s progress. Tourism remains a key pillar in strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of the national economy, supporting the country’s transition toward an economy driven by knowledge and innovation. H.E. Bin Touq added: “The UAE continues to advance its national efforts to develop innovative tourism initiatives and projects, while strengthening collaboration with all relevant local and international tourism bodies. These efforts aim to elevate the UAE’s status as the best tourism identity globally by the next decade, offering world-class experiences that further enhance the country’s appeal to visitors from around the world. We are also focused on diversifying special interest tourism offerings, building the sector’s capacities, fostering the participation of Emirati talent, and driving greater investment across all areas of the tourism ecosystem.” H.E. noted: “The number of hotel guests across the UAE …

Etihad and Ethiopian have joined forces in a landmark Joint Venture (JV) that will transform connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. As part of this collaboration, the airlines are launching new flights between Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa, strengthening ties between the two regions. Ethiopian Airlines will commence services from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) to Zayed International Airport (AUH) on 15 July, while Etihad Airways will introduce daily flights to Addis Ababa starting 1 October. Subject to regulatory approval, the Etihad – Ethiopian JV will enable both airlines to collaborate in developing and expanding routes between the UAE and Ethiopia, as well as enhancing connectivity across their respective networks. This partnership is designed to deliver greater value to passengers by strengthening links between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, resulting in a more seamless and comprehensive combined network. Signed at Ethiopian Airlines’ headquarters in Addis Ababa, this strategic partnership also includes a codeshare arrangement, unlocking greater travel opportunities for passengers across both networks. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways said: “This Joint Venture is great news for customers of both airlines. The start of flights between the two great cities of Addis Ababa and Abu Dhabi connects our expanding networks, giving our customers seamless access to a growing list of destinations via our extensive hubs. It also paves the way for deeper discussions on working together across our respective regions on other cooperation, including frequent flyer programmes, training and cargo. “We are excited to extend a warm welcome to Ethiopian travelers visiting Abu Dhabi, where they can experience our renowned hospitality and immerse themselves in the rich culture of our city. From breathtaking beaches …

SPARK in partnership with EYouth and with support from Google.org, has launched the Maharat for Tourism E-Learning Hub in Egypt – a pioneering platform designed to equip 25,000 individuals across the MENA region with essential skills for the tourism industry. The launch event, held at the Triumph Plaza Hotel in Cairo, welcomed over 100 stakeholders, including representatives from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism, industry leaders, and digital learning experts. The initiative aligns with Egypt’s national priorities to enhance workforce competitiveness and drive tourism sector growth. With the tourism sector rapidly evolving, Maharat for Tourism offers free, high-quality training tailored for both aspiring and experienced professionals. The platform provides interactive courses on digital skills, business management, and customer service, ensuring users stay competitive in a dynamic job market. By bridging the skills gap and building a digitally empowered workforce, this initiative directly contributes to Egypt’s economic resilience and job creation in one of its most vital industries. Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism is an active supporter of the platform, recognising its role in modernising workforce training and driving long-term industry sustainability. “We are proud to launch the Maharat for Tourism E-Learning Hub, which will provide thousands of individuals with the opportunity to develop essential skills for success in the tourism sector,” said Dina Almasaeid, SPARK’s Regional Programme Director “The support from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism further emphasises the industry-wide commitment to fostering talent and innovation.” Join the Movement The Maharat for Tourism E-Learning Hub is now live and available in both English and Arabic, offering tourism professionals and job seekers the opportunity to advance their careers in the industry. To learn more and enroll in courses, visit: https://maharat.spark.ngo/.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Etihad Airways have  launched the new Abu Dhabi Pass at ITB Berlin. The new Abu Dhabi Pass transforms the visitor experience into a fully digital journey, simplifying access to the emirate’s offerings. Etihad passengers will receive an email with a link to access the Abu Dhabi Pass through a dedicated website, with no additional cost or app download required. The free Abu Dhabi Pass unlocks a range of benefits for Etihad passengers and all visitors to the emirate. These include a tourist SIM card with 10GB data to stay connected, unlimited access to public buses, and 24-hour unlimited access to the hop-on-hop-off tourist bus network exploring key city attractions. Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The launch of the new Abu Dhabi Pass reflects our commitment to enhancing the visitor experience by providing seamless access to the emirate’s diverse, world-class attractions, cultural landmarks, and entertainment offerings. Through this partnership, we aim to introduce Abu Dhabi as a top global destination to a wider audience, making it easier for our travel and tourism stakeholders to showcase the very best the emirate has to offer.” Aysha Al Kaabi, Vice President Commercial Enablement & Engagement at Etihad Airways, said: “Our collaboration with DCT Abu Dhabi makes experiencing the emirate’s attractions more appealing than ever. By combining transport, connectivity, and attraction discounts in one digital pass, we’re making it simpler for visitors to enjoy Abu Dhabi’s diverse experiences, from cultural discoveries to family entertainment.” The agreement builds on the success of Etihad’s stopover programme, which welcomed 85,000 international visitors in 2024, compared to 12,000 in 2023. …

Sharjah is set to participate at ITB Berlin, taking place from 4- 6 March 2025. The Sharjah Pavilion, spearheaded by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), will feature a robust delegation of 19 government and private entities. These representatives will showcase the wide-ranging tourism offerings of Sharjah, spanning various sectors of the tourism and hospitality industries, as well as experiential staycations including culture, entertainment, environment and adventure. This participation underlines Sharjah’s dedication to bolstering its reputation as a top-tier tourism destination in the region. H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, stated, “Our involvement in ITB Berlin 2025 reaffirms our commitment to enhancing Sharjah’s status as a prime tourism destination in the region. Through strategic alliances and innovative initiatives, we aim to underscore Sharjah’s contribution to the future of sustainable and responsible tourism while emphasizing our commitment to providing genuine and enriching tourism experiences.” The Sharjah delegation comprises government bodies such as the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), Sharjah International Airport Authority, Sharjah Museum Authority, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah Institute of Heritage, Sharjah Sports Council, Sharjah Classic Cars Club, and Sharjah International Marine Sports Club. Private sector participants include Air Arabia, Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA), ARADA Real Estate Development Company, Sharjah National Hotels (SNH), Sharjah Coral Beach Resort, Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa, Occidental Sharjah Grand, Sharjah Golden Sands Hotel, Sharjah Golden Tulip Hotel, and TravTalkME Magazine. The objective of this participation is to enhance Sharjah’s global visibility, increase awareness about its diverse products and tourist attractions, boost Sharjah’s status as a leading destination for family and leisure tourism, exchange best practices with global tourism sector decision-makers and experts, and explore …

Tourism Ministers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries met in Kuwait within the framework of joint efforts to enhance tourism cooperation among the GCC countries, as it represents an important preparatory step aimed at coordinating tourism policies and enhancing integration among member states, which will positively reflect on the development of the Gulf tourism sector. The meeting was a platform for dialogue and exchange of experiences, which contributes to the development of joint tourism strategies that support tourism diversity and enhance cooperation in organizing events and activities that highlight the tourism potential of the GCC countries. The meeting discussed ways to develop joint tourism events among the GCC countries, enhance efforts to stimulate inter-tourism and raise the rates of demand for Gulf destinations. This meeting comes as part of the ongoing efforts to enhance the integration of Gulf tourism, by launching strategic initiatives that contribute to the development of the sector and enhance the position of the GCC countries as integrated tourism destinations that attract visitors from around the world.

After another record event in 2024, Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World, will return to Dubai from 27-29 October 2025 for what will be a milestone event for organisers The Bench, marking 20 years in the UAE for the region’s leading hospitality and tourism investment event, previously known as AHIC. FHS World 2024 saw a record 1,596 attendees representing 735 companies from 60 countries, of which over 550 were women faciliated by the organiser’s #FHSWomenPower initiative. The FHS World Advisory Board convened in Dubai last week to discuss and shape the vision and agenda for this year’s event. The Advisory Board comprises some of the hospitality industry’s most prominent leaders, including Anthony Costa, Head of Hospitality & Lifestyle, Candy Capital; Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer, Modon Hospitality; Amit Arora, Chief Executive Officer, Arada; Dinky Puri, Founding Partner, Eagle Wing; Othmane Jabri, Principal, Real Estate and Hospitality (Investment), Investment Corporation of Dubai; Nicolas Mayer, Partner, Global Industry Leader Tourism, PwC; Philipp J. Klohr, Senior Vice President, Mubadala Investment Company; Jeff Tisdall, Chief Business Officer Accor One Living, Global Head of Mixed-Use, Ahmed Nazim, Managing Director, Maldives Fund Management Corporation; Aboudi Asali, Executive Vice President, Hotels & Hospitality MENA, JLL, and Saahil Lalit, Vice President | Lodging Development EMEA, Marriott International. Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, said: “This will be a very exciting year for us as we celebrate our 20th anniversary in the UAE, and at Madinat Jumeirah where it all began in 2005, and we’re thrilled to have Jumeirah as our Host Sponsor again to mark this milestone moment.” Thomas B. Meier, CEO of Jumeirah, said: “It’s a pleasure to once again sponsor and host FHS World at Madinat …