
Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to host Travel Agents Association of India Convention this September
The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) will host the 68th Annual Convention & Exhibition of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) from 17 to 19 September 2025, further deepening its strategic partnership with one of the emirate's most important source markets. Held under the theme 'Business with Goodness,' the convention will bring together a wide cross-section of India's travel trade industry, including travel agents, tour operators, airlines, hospitality leaders, and tourism boards, to explore new growth avenues and reinforce bilateral ties. As one of the year's most significant industry events, the convention highlights Abu Dhabi's rising profile as a global hub for tourism, trade, and business events.
Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: 'India continues to be a key priority market for us, not only in terms of visitor volume but also in long-term strategic collaboration. We are honoured to welcome TAAI's esteemed members to Abu Dhabi and look forward to showcasing our destination's remarkable evolution across world-class cultural icons, family attractions, luxury, adventure, and business travel offerings. This convention is an opportunity to build shared value and lasting partnerships across both our markets.'
Sunil Kumar, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), said: 'It is a proud moment for TAAI to bring the 68th Annual Convention to the dynamic city of Abu Dhabi in collaboration with DCT Abu Dhabi. Our theme, 'Business with Goodness,' reflects our shared vision of building meaningful partnerships rooted in trust, purpose, and progress. This convention will not only provide an enriching platform for knowledge-sharing and networking but also offer our members an immersive experience into Abu Dhabi's diverse cultural, leisure, and business landscape. We look forward to a highly engaging and impactful gathering.'
Convention Highlights: • Grand Opening Ceremony on 17 September, followed by a welcome dinner with live entertainment • Plenary Sessions held on 18 & 19 September, featuring high-level discussions on tourism innovation, collaboration, and sector growth • TAAI Business Buzz (B2B sessions)—a key opportunity for networking and commercial engagement between exhibitors and delegates • Cultural dinner experience on 18 September, spotlighting the traditions and hospitality of the UAE • Gala Night on 19 September to celebrate partnership, unity, and shared tourism ambitions • Premium hospitality with curated gourmet experiences, regional delicacies, and seamless event services Delegates will also enjoy exclusive access to some of Abu Dhabi's most iconic landmarks and new attractions, including Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi.
The convention aligns with DCT Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to welcome 39.3 million visitors annually by the end of the decade. Through strategic trade partnerships, expanded air and sea connectivity, and the development of immersive, year-round experiences across the emirate, Abu Dhabi is building a resilient, diversified visitor economy that delivers exceptional value for travellers and trade alike.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arabian Business
23 minutes ago
- Arabian Business
Ancient Christian cross unearthed on Abu Dhabi's Sir Bani Yas Island
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has announced the discovery of an ancient Christian cross on Sir Bani Yas Island, marking the first major excavation on the site in more than 30 years. The find was made during a fieldwork campaign launched in January 2025 and is believed to have been used by monks for spiritual contemplation. The cross, moulded on a stucco plaque, shows stylistic similarities with objects discovered in Iraq and Kuwait, linking it to the Church of the East, which traces its origins to ancient Iraq. Ancient Christian cross found in Abu Dhabi DCT Abu Dhabi said the discovery reinforces the UAE's long-standing traditions of peace and tolerance. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: 'The discovery of this ancient Christian cross on Sir Bani Yas Island is a powerful testament to the UAE's profound and enduring values of coexistence and cultural openness. 'It stirs within us a deep sense of pride and honour and reminds us that peaceful coexistence is not a modern construct, but a principle woven into the very fabric of our region's history. 'The ongoing discoveries from Sir Bani Yas Island, even after 30 years of research and excavation, underscore the magnitude of our cultural legacy and the importance of our continued commitment to its preservation and understanding. 'As DCT Abu Dhabi continues to uncover these valuable stories, we reaffirm our dedication to preserving, promoting, and protecting Abu Dhabi's diverse heritage, one that we are honoured to share with the world.' History unearthed by the DCT Abu Dhabi team! An ancient cross from a 7th-8th century monastery on Sir Bani Yas Island, our first major dig in 30 years. This discovery highlights the UAE's legacy of peaceful co-existence. — Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (@dctabudhabi) August 19, 2025 Sir Bani Yas Island The Sir Bani Yas monastery was originally discovered in 1992 by the Abu Dhabi Islands Archaeological Survey (ADIAS). Dating to the seventh–eighth centuries CE, it is part of a wider network of churches and monasteries across the region, with parallels found in: Umm Al Quwain Kuwait Iran Saudi Arabia Archaeologists have uncovered a church, a monastic complex and evidence of courtyard houses, interpreted as spaces where senior monks lived in retreat and seclusion. Christianity flourished in the Arabian Peninsula between the fourth and sixth centuries CE before declining; by the eighth century CE the Sir Bani Yas monastery was peacefully abandoned. Today, the church and monastery lie within a protected nature reserve, home to gazelles and hyrax, and serve as a reminder of Abu Dhabi's diverse cultural past. As part of DCT Abu Dhabi's restoration works in 2019, the monastery and church were protected with shelters and reopened to the public. The site now features upgraded facilities including directional signage and a small exhibition of artefacts from previous excavations, such as glass chalices, a cross-shaped stucco and a scorpion seal. A multi-faith church, inspired by the ancient monastery, has also been constructed adjacent to the visitor centre. Looking ahead, DCT Abu Dhabi plans to continue excavations of nearby courtyard houses, which may be integrated into a wider visitor trail connecting Sir Bani Yas Island's cultural heritage landmarks.


Filipino Times
5 hours ago
- Filipino Times
Ancient Christian cross discovered on Sir Bani Yas Island
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the discovery of a Christian cross moulded on a stucco plaque at an ancient monastery on Sir Bani Yas Island, the first major excavation on the site in more than 30 years. Archaeologists believe the cross, uncovered during a fieldwork campaign launched in January 2025, was used by monks for spiritual contemplation. Its style is linked to the Church of the East, with similarities to finds in Iraq and Kuwait. DCT Abu Dhabi Chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said the discovery reflects the UAE's long history of coexistence and cultural openness. 'It reminds us that peaceful coexistence is not a modern construct, but a principle woven into the very fabric of our region's history,' he said. The monastery, dating to the 7th–8th century CE, was first identified in 1992 and is part of a wider network of Christian sites in the region, including those in Umm Al Quwain, Kuwait, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. Excavations have since revealed a church, monastic complex, and retreat houses used by early monks. The site was restored in 2019 and has reopened to the public with shelters, new signage, and a small exhibition of artefacts such as glass chalices and cross-shaped stucco. A multi-faith church, inspired by the ancient site, has also been built adjacent to the visitor centre. Further excavation of courtyard houses near the monastery is planned, with the aim of incorporating them into a wider cultural trail on Sir Bani Yas Island.


Arabian Post
18 hours ago
- Arabian Post
Vingroup awarded first-class labor order for outstanding achievements in developing the national exhibition and convention center
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2025 – Vietnam's Party General Secretary Tô Lâm presents the First-Class Labor Order to Mr. Phạm Nhật Vượng – Chairman of Vingroup – in recognition of the Group's outstanding achievements, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Hanoi, Vietnam. The conferment ceremony was part of the Inauguration and Groundbreaking Ceremony of National Projects commemorating the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025), held at the inauguration site of the National Exhibition and Convention Center, Tu Lien Bridge area, Dong Anh District, Hanoi. ADVERTISEMENT The National Exhibition and Convention Center is a state-level key project, ranked among the top 10 largest exhibition centers in the world. With a total area of about 900,000 square meters, it is envisioned to become a premier international destination for global trade fairs and exhibitions, as well as a new symbol of Hanoi's development. Construction commenced on August 30, 2024, and the site was handed over on June 27, 2025—after just 10 months of construction, 15 months ahead of schedule. This remarkable pace set a new benchmark in Vietnam's construction sector, overcoming major challenges in engineering and executing a massive steel dome structure of unprecedented scale and complexity. As both investor and general contractor, Vingroup maximized all resources, proactively designed construction plans, coordinated manpower, equipment, and materials, and ensured seamless supply chain management across multiple contractors. During peak construction periods, the project mobilized hundreds of contractors and about 3,000 workers and engineers, supported by 800–1,000 pieces of heavy machinery sourced from across the country, including 300–500 ton cranes and super-heavy transport vehicles. The site operated at full intensity, 24/7 in three shifts, optimizing every moment to shorten construction time by 60%. While accelerating progress, Vingroup also maintained strict oversight of each component, ensuring safety, quality, and long-term sustainability of the project. ADVERTISEMENT Mr. Nguyen Viet Quang, Vice Chairman and CEO of Vingroup, shared: 'Receiving the First-Class Labor Order at the inauguration of the National Exhibition and Convention Center is a profound honor and pride for all Vingroup employees. We are committed to continuing our spirit of perseverance and determination to operate the Center successfully, contributing to making Hanoi and Vietnam leading destinations for world-class political, economic, cultural, and social events.' At the heart of the Center is the Kim Quy Exhibition Hall, one of the world's largest circular exhibition hall with an area of approximately 130,000 square meters and a central height of 56 meters. Located in Hanoi, the National Exhibition and Convention Center covers 90 hectares and ranks among the world's top 10 largest exhibition venues. Inspired by the sacred Golden Turtle God (Kim Quy) of the Co Loa legend, the hall's unique architecture is hailed as a new wonder of the capital. Its engineering posed extraordinary challenges: a steel dome weighing 24,000 tons, assembled from ultra-large steel beams and high-strength bolts using specialized torque-severing methods to ensure quality control and double the standard safety factor. The roof is covered with ultra-light, ultra-durable fiberglass fabric, offering natural translucency and energy efficiency in line with global green building standards. Beyond the Kim Quy Exhibition Hall, Vingroup has developed a comprehensive exhibition ecosystem including four outdoor plazas (East, West, South, North), the VinPalace International Convention Center, landscaped green parks and lakes, and large-scale parking facilities. With capacity for hundreds of thousands outdoors and thousands indoors, the Center is not only suited for mega exhibitions but also for large-scale events such as concerts, national festivals, and global technology showcases—meeting the strictest international requirements and redefining Vietnam's MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry. One of the key drivers behind this construction milestone is the upcoming National Achievements Exhibition – 80 Years of Independence, Freedom, and Happiness, taking place from August 28 to September 5, 2025. For the first time, all provinces, ministries, sectors, and enterprises across Vietnam will gather in a single national-scale exhibition, expected to attract millions of visitors and reignite national pride. The accelerated completion of the National Exhibition and Convention Center not only demonstrates Vingroup's strong financial capacity, professional execution, and effective project management, but also affirms its commitment to serving the nation and the strength of Vietnam's private enterprises in this new era of global integration. Hashtag: #Vingroup The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.