Dubai's DET partners with Visa to boost international tourism
The agreement, signed during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), is for harnessing Visa's data-driven insights to optimise marketing campaigns, streamline tourism services, and deliver tailored promotions for visitors.
Boosting Dubai's tourism growth
Visa's insights will guide initiatives to simplify travel and tourism services, enhancing accessibility and convenience for visitors.
Additionally, Visa will support DET with marketing activities and exclusive promotions for cardholders across its network, spanning more than 200 markets worldwide and including major hotel chains, airlines, and retailers.
The efforts are expected to amplify the reach of Dubai's tourism operators, from malls and hotels to entertainment providers, generating opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses to engage with a global audience.
Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the collaboration brings together DET's market insights and destination expertise and Visa's vast global network and data intelligence – creating new pathways to engage travellers, inspire visitation, and deliver exceptional experiences across every touchpoint.
'It also underlines the strength of public-private partnerships, which remain a cornerstone of Dubai's economic success,' he said.
Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for GCC – Visa, said the company is thrilled to partner with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to provide its unique insights into global travel and tourism trends.
'These insights will enable DET to make informed decisions on campaigns and initiatives that will help drive more international tourist inflow to Dubai,' Jaffar said.
The collaboration aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate the city's position as a leading global destination for business and tourism.
It also highlights the robust public-private partnerships that continue to drive the tourism sector's exceptional growth, evidenced by a robust Q1 performance in 2025.
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Emirates 24/7
4 days ago
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Dubai chamber of commerce welcomed 35,532 new member companies during the first six months of 2025
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Khaleej Times
4 days ago
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Moving your family to Dubai? 9 best areas for top schools
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Dubai Hills Estate: central, modern and master-planned Located just off Al Khail Road, Dubai Hills Estate has quickly emerged as a top pick for modern families. Known for its integrated parks, sports zones, Dubai Hills Mall, and proximity to key education and medical facilities, the community offers convenience wrapped in luxury. 'Right next to the estate, people will find GEMS Wellington Academy and the Dubai Hills British School (formerly known as Dubai Hills Grammar School). In close proximity, families can also choose King's School Al Barsha and Nord Anglia International School, both of which are less than 10 minutes away,' said Ama Boatema, Corporate & Relocation Services Manager at Betterhomes. 'The community is centred around the Dubai Hills Park and Mall, with plenty of outdoor spaces, sports facilities, and healthcare options, including a branch of King's College Hospital,' she added. Nearby Schools: GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail (WEK): British curriculum, rated 'Very Good', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh47,527-Dh93, 959 Brighton College Dubai: UK curriculum, rated 'Very Good', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh70,539-Dh117,933 King's School Al Barsha: UK, GCSE, IGCSE, A Level, BTEC rated 'Outstanding', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh56,66 -Dh102,292 Nord Anglia International School: UK/IB, rated 'Outstanding', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh69,625-Dh105, 288 Commute times: 12–15 mins to Downtown Dubai, 20 mins to Dubai Marina, 25 mins to DIFC, via Al Khail Road Rental range: Dh230,000–Dh600,000/year for 3-bed townhouses; larger villas rent between Dh3million–9million annually Community vibe: Green, premium, family-focused, with excellent walkability 2. Arabian Ranches: Suburban charm with education at the core Spanning Arabian Ranches 1, 2, and 3, this suburban community blends villa living with wide green spaces, playgrounds, equestrian facilities, and top-tier schools. 'Arabian Ranches 1, 2, and 3 are a long-standing favourite for families, especially those prioritising education. JESS (Jumeirah English Speaking School) in Arabian Ranches 1 and Ranches Primary School in Arabian Ranches 2 are both well-respected among the expat community,' said Boatema. 'Nearby, families also have access to Fairgreen International School in Sustainable City and GEMS Metropole in Motor City… Arabian Ranches offers parks, cycling tracks, playgrounds, and medical clinics, making daily life seamless for families.' Nearby Schools: JESS (Jumeirah English Speaking School): UK curriculum, rated 'Outstanding', UK/IB, annual tuition fee ranges from Dh54,131–Dh104,545 Ranches Primary School: UK curriculum, rated 'Very Good', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh50,436 in FS1 to Dh61,643 in Year 6 Fairgreen International School (Sustainable City): IB curriculum, rated 'Good', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh54,600-Dh84,500 GEMS Metropole School (Motor City): UK curriculum, rated 'Good', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh38,393-Dh51,190 Commute times: 25–30 mins to DIFC and Business Bay; 15 mins to Al Maktoum Airport Rental range: Dh165,000–Dh250,000/year for 2-bed villas; 3-beds from Dh220,000–Dh450,000/year Community vibe: Quiet, green, and ideal for those seeking space and structure 3. The Springs & Meadows (Emirates Living): tranquility with urban proximity Tucked near Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), The Springs and The Meadows are villa communities surrounded by lakes, playgrounds, and tree-lined streets. Ideal for families who value nature without sacrificing city access. 'Parents value the green spaces, lakes, and peaceful atmosphere of this neighbourhood, alongside easy access to supermarkets, clinics, and community centres,' added Boatema. Nearby Schools: Emirates International School Meadows: IB curriculum, rated 'Very Good' annual tuition fee ranges from Dh 28, 990 -85, 976 Dubai International Academy (DIA): Emirates Hills, IB curriculum, rated 'Outstanding', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh 44,979 -Dh 79, 696 Regent International School (The Greens): UK curriculum, rated 'Very Good', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh 49,076 -Dh 69, 730 Commute times: 15 mins to Dubai Marina, 20 mins to Business Bay, 25 mins to DIFC Rental range: Dh160,000–Dh300,000/year for 2-bed villas in The Springs; from Dh320,000/year in The Meadows Community vibe: Leafy, serene, and family-centric with mature infrastructure 4. Jumeirah: Coastal luxury with city proximity For those seeking a beachside lifestyle with premium schools and upscale dining, Jumeirah blends resort living with city convenience. 'From Jumeirah, commuting to Downtown usually takes 15 minutes, while the drive to Dubai Marina is typically 20 to 25 minutes, depending on the route and traffic near the beach roads. Weekends and holiday periods can see heavier traffic... but for many residents, the lifestyle benefits outweigh the occasional delays,' added Boatema. Nearby Schools: Jumeirah College: UK curriculum, rated 'Outstanding', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh78,946 in Year 7 – Dh 98,681 in Year 13 Jumeira Baccalaureate School: IB curriculum, rated 'Very Good', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh 47, 675- Dh 91,840 Horizon International School: UK curriculum, rated 'Very Good' annual tuition fee ranges from Dh 38,832 – Dh 73,124 Commute times: 15 mins to Downtown, 25 mins to Marina, 20 mins to DIFC Rental range: Dh250,000–Dh5million/year depending on beach proximity and property size Community vibe: Chic, scenic, and upscale with boutique cafes, beaches, and parks 5. Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC): Budget-friendly with big potential For younger families or newcomers to Dubai, JVC offers value and evolving infrastructure. While not master-planned like Dubai Hills or Ranches, its affordability and improving amenities make it attractive. 'It offers proximity to schools like Nord Anglia and Sunmarke, plus a growing number of clinics, shops, and leisure facilities,' said Rohit Bachani, Co-Founder, Merlin Real Estate. 'JVC offers balanced connectivity in both directions toward Dubai Marina and Downtown… with metro expansion in the pipeline, it's becoming even more practical for busy families,' he added. 'JVC is the most budget-friendly of the lot,' added Sunnyy Kumar Tyagi, CEO, Under One Roof Real Estate. '1-bed apartments start at Dh50,000–Dh60,000/year and townhouses under Dh150,000/year… it's ideal for first-time Dubai residents.' Nearby Schools: Nord Anglia International School: UK/IB, rated 'Outstanding', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh69,625-Dh105,288 Sunmarke School: IB/UK curricula, rated 'Very Good', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh53,040–Dh 90,778 Commute times: 20–25 mins to Marina or Downtown; 30 mins to DIFC Rental range: Dh50,000–Dh60,000/year for 1-bed apartments; Dh130,000–150,000/year for townhouses Community vibe: Evolving, accessible, family-friendly with new retail and parks 6. Sustainable City: Eco-living at its finest Sustainable City is for families who prioritize wellness and eco-conscious living. It's not just a residential development — it's a lifestyle community. It's become a benchmark for green urban planning in the region. The neighbourhood offers facilities from equestrian centers to solar-powered homes. Tyagi added, 'If you prioritise health and the environment, and want your kids to grow up in an eco-friendly space, Sustainable City is an obvious choice. There are car-free zones, organic farms, cycling paths, and Fairgreen International School within the community. It's family-friendly and for the future. So, if you're asking where families prosper, Sustainable City offers wellness.' 7. Nad Al Sheba and Meydan: spacious villas near Downtown Nad Al Sheba and Meydan are at the top end of the spectrum, with spacious villas often renting between Dh250,000 to Dh350,000 annually. These communities are known for their large plot sizes, gated privacy, and access to elite schools and lifestyle venues. They cater to families who want proximity to Downtown without sacrificing space or security. Bachani added, 'Nad Al Sheba and Meydan offer some of the shortest commutes of any villa community in Dubai. You can get to Downtown in around fifteen minutes and reach Sheikh Zayed Road or DIFC in about twenty to twenty-five minutes. For many families, that balance of space and centrality is ideal. It's one of the few areas in Dubai where locals and international families intersect in meaningful ways.' Nearby Schools: Repton School Dubai: IB/UK curriculum, rated 'Outstanding', annual tuition fees from Dh 57,178–102, 753 North London Collegiate School Dubai (NLCS): IB curriculum, rated 'Very Good', annual tuition fees from Dh91,735-Dh143,681 Commute times: 15 mins to Downtown, 20–25 mins to DIFC or Sheikh Zayed Road Rental range: Dh250,000–Dh350,000/year for villas depending on size and developer Community vibe: Exclusive, spacious, family-focused with top-tier schools like Repton Dubai and North London Collegiate nearby 8. Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO): value-packed and family-friendly Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is a great example of a neighborhood that started with a business-tech focus but has grown into a vibrant family hub. The area offers great value, especially with a well-developed community that has schools, clinics, and shopping all within easy reach. Bachani said, 'With schools like GEMS Wellington Academy and Vernus International right inside the district, plus parks, supermarkets and clinics all within easy reach, it offers a balanced lifestyle that appeals to many working families.' Nearby Schools: GEMS Wellington Academy DSO: UK/IB curriculum, rated 'Very Good', annual tuition fees from Dh 45,428-89,246 Vernus International Primary School: American curriculum, rated 'Acceptable', annual tuition fees from Dh 34,884–41,445 in Grade 5 Indian International School DSO: Indian curriculum (CBSE), rated 'Good', annual tuition fees from Dh 24,202 -42,067 Commute times: 20–25 mins to Downtown and Business Bay, 30 mins to Marina Rental range: 1-bed apartments from Dh 40,000–50,000/year; villas from Dh 140,000/year and up Community vibe: Affordable, practical, and increasingly family-oriented 9. Al Barsha: Central education hub with urban accessibility Though not always top of mind for family living, Al Barsha stands out for its unmatched access to over 15–20 international schools, offering British, IB, American, and Indian curricula. It borders most major family communities and is well-connected by Sheikh Zayed and Al Khail Roads. 'Dubai Hills Estate, Arabian Ranches, Umm Suqeim, Al Sufouh, Jumeirah, and Nad Al Sheba are all widely known for their access to leading international schools,' said PP Varghese, Head of Professional Services, Cushman & Wakefield Core. 'School zones are often a key factor in residential decision-making — and in many cases, they also support more stable rental demand and long-term value retention. Neighborhoods with built-in education and lifestyle infrastructure tend to hold up well across market cycles.'
Web Release
4 days ago
- Web Release
Over 35,000 new companies became members of Dubai Chamber of Commerce during H1 2025 representing year-over-year growth of 4%
Over 35,000 new companies became members of Dubai Chamber of Commerce during H1 2025 representing year-over-year growth of 4% Dubai Chamber of Commerce, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has announced its key achievements for the first half of 2025. The results reflect the chamber's continued efforts to enhance the competitiveness of Dubai's business environment and contribute to the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). The chamber welcomed 35,532 new member companies during the first six months of 2025, marking a 4% year-over-year (YoY) growth. This steady increase reflects the continuing attractiveness of Dubai's business environment among the global business community and the sustained inflow of foreign direct investment. The value of members' exports and re-exports reached AED 171.9 billion during H1 2025, representing an 18% increase compared to the same period last year. The chamber also issued 409,083 Certificates of Origin, up 10% from H1 2024, and issued and received 2,961 ATA Carnets for goods valued at around AED 1.94 billion. H.E. Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, commented: 'Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the emirate continues to strengthen its position as a leading global centre for trade and investment. Dubai's integrated business ecosystem plays a pivotal role in reinforcing investor confidence in the positive outlook of the national economy.' H.E. Al Mansoori added: 'We are committed to empowering the local business community by shaping a regulatory and legislative environment that fosters growth, creates opportunities, and supports the development of priority sectors. The chamber will continue to strengthen its efforts to enhance public-private partnerships, which form a key pillar in achieving the goals of the D33 Agenda.' Supporting Global Expansion The chamber successfully supported the expansion of 60 local companies into new global markets during H1 2025, achieving 76% growth compared to 34 companies supported during the same period in 2024. As part of its 'New Horizons' initiative, which enables Dubai-based companies to join targeted trade missions and explore opportunities in global markets, the chamber organised two missions to Southeast Asia and Africa. Encompassing visits to Thailand, the Philippines, Angola, and Mozambique, these resulted in 1,076 B2B meetings between Dubai companies and their counterparts in the four markets. Strengthening the Legislative Ecosystem During H1 2025, the chamber reviewed 27 laws and draft laws in collaboration with Business Groups. The private sector's recommendations achieved a 60% adoption rate, up from 46% in H1 2024. It also arranged 98 meetings with Business Groups and Business Councils, representing YoY growth of 104%. In addition, the chamber established five new Business Councils during the first half of the year representing the interests of investors from Brazil, Slovakia, Peru, Indonesia, and Hungary. As part of its ongoing efforts to raise legal awareness, the chamber organised 19 legal events attended by 1,414 participants from the business community. These included a series of seminars and workshops highlighting the latest developments in the legislative landscape. The chamber received a total of 94 mediation cases during the first half of the year, representing YoY growth of 19%. The combined value of these cases exceeded AED 213.5 million. Dubai Centre for Family Businesses The Dubai Centre for Family Businesses, which operates under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, continued its mission to ensure the sustainability and growth of family enterprises. In partnership with Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, the centre released 'Family Businesses in the Emirate of Dubai: A Guidebook,' an informative guide outlining best practices for preserving family wealth and ensuring long-term continuity and growth. The centre hosted two events as part of its 'Governance Series.' The first showcased an international case study on intergenerational business continuity, while the second explored strategies for building a lasting legacy for family businesses. As part of the centre's Next-Gen Training Programme, a workshop was held to enhance the skills of the next generation of family business leaders in generative AI prompt engineering. The centre also conducted a media training session for family business representatives to strengthen their public presence and reinforce their reputations, supporting efforts to highlight the legacy and achievements of family businesses in Dubai.
