Tourism

Dubai Silicon Oasis signs MoU with Dubai Department of Tourism

Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) to provide best of class services and support for companies aspiring to develop hospitality ventures within the DSO. According to this agreement, DTCM will take the responsibility for licensing and categorizing hotels according to DTCM regulations. It will also ensure the implementation of all other procedures related to tourism events activities.

Oman Biz Body To Make Sharjah An International Tourist Destination

Omani businessmen are looking to make Sharjah an international tourist destination, following the region's 11 per cent annual growth over the last five years, generating revenue of AED 68.4 billion (US$18.6 billion). During a recent meeting hosted by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), key representatives from the UAE's tourism industry discussed the the present state of Sharjah's tourism industry, especially in the wake of the ongoing global economic slowdown. Also discussed were the challenges and current projects being undertaken to help attract more visitors, tourists and shoppers to the emirate, underscoring the importance of Sharjah's tourism segment in the overall economic development of the area.

Economic slowdown deals painful blow to Mideast hospitality industry

The Middle East's hospitality industry witnessed a decline in occupancy rates and revenue per available rooms (RevPARs) in key markets during the first four months of the year as the global economic slowdown impacted the inflow of tourists and business people into the region, an industry expert said. In the Middle East, Dubai experienced a significant decline of 16 per cent in occupancy and RevPAR of 34.5 per cent during the first four months to April 2009 when compared to 2008, based on data provided by STR Global.

Saudi Arabia expects 8 million pilgrims by 2010

Pilgrims visiting the holy cities of Makkah and Medina to perform Umrah and Haj are expected to reach 8 million by next year according to recent Saudi government figures. The demand from the world's 1.8 billion Muslims will undoubtedly drive real estate growth not only in the holy cities, but also in the gateway city of Jeddah.

SCCI steps up efforts to boost Sharjah's appeal among regional and international tourists

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry /SCCI/ recently hosted a special business breakfast meeting with key representatives from the UAE s tourism industry to discuss the formulation and implementation of a strategic action plan that can help Sharjah s development into an international tourist destination. The SCCI s call for an immediate action plan follows the impressive performance of Sharjah s tourism sector, which has posted 11 per cent annual growth over the last five years, translating to revenues to the tune of AED 4?68 billion.

UAE giving priority to investment in tourism

The UAE, specifically Abu Dhabi, has prioritised tourism for its investment as part of the diversification process. "We are a rich oil country and have depended on it for our revenue, but now we are giving a tremendous boost to the potentially rich tourism sector, Faisal Abdullah Al-Sheikh, a senior executive of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, told a press conference at the Jeddah Marriott. Abu Dhabi is investing in tourist infrastructure based on public private partnership (PPP). "Over the last five years, tourism has become one of the main sectors for Abu Dhabi to invest due to the continued policy of diversification," Al-Sheikh said.