Dubai partners with Amadeus to boost travel tech innovation
Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism has signed a strategic MoU with travel technology giant Amadeus to create a city-wide ecosystem for rapid prototyping of travel tech solutions.
The partnership aims to enhance Dubai's tourism ecosystem, enhance visitor experiences, and build on the 18.72 million international overnight visitors in 2024, aiming to boost the city's tourism capabilities.
The MoU was signed by Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, and Maher Koubaa, EVP Travel Unit and MD EMEA, Amadeus, and is poised to contribute to achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai's position as a leading global city for business and leisure.
DET and Amadeus currently cooperate across multiple areas including Strategic Travel Data and Analytics, Programmatic Travel Advertising, and B2B Travel Marketing, and the MoU establishes a framework for expanding this collaboration.
It also paves the way for Amadeus to set up a Centre of Excellence in Dubai to promote initiatives in key areas such as enhancement of the traveller journey experience, with a focus on leveraging biometrics, airport experience optimisation, access management, touchless payments, and air capacity development. Furthermore, it will support local and global start-ups and enhance travel intelligence reporting for hospitality and destinations.
Kazim, comments: "This partnership with Amadeus marks a transformative step in our journey to further consolidate Dubai's position as a multifaceted innovation hub and reflects our shared commitment to driving digital transformation across the travel ecosystem. It is also a testament to the continuous support extended by our visionary leadership to pursue unique initiatives that will advance our Dubai Economic Agenda, D33 goals, and the city's ability to provide a platform for the rapid prototyping of new technologies. Dubai's business-friendly environment, world-class infrastructure, and strategic location make it the ideal destination for the development of cutting-edge travel solutions, further increasing its attractiveness as a business and tourism hub among multinational corporations and investors. By integrating Amadeus' expertise with Dubai's robust tourism framework, we will also create new opportunities for businesses and startups in Dubai, driving economic diversification and sustainable growth.'
'We are very excited to be working with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and, as a strategic ally, support its mission to create a prosperous future for Dubai in line with its D33 Agenda. Amadeus' cutting-edge technology will enable the city to offer more personalised experiences, integrating innovative solutions that contribute to its growth and set new benchmarks for excellence. This collaboration underscores our shared vision and commitment to fostering a prosperous future for Dubai and beyond", says Maher Koubaa, Amadeus' Executive Vice President Travel Unit and Managing Director EMEA, Amadeus.
The partnership comes at a pivotal time for the global tourism industry, which is increasingly reliant on technology to cope with shifting traveller expectations and streamline operations.
It also complements Dubai's focus on boosting R&D across key sectors, which is being driven by partnerships across the public and private sectors, and aligns with the goals of the D33 Agenda, to leverage innovation to drive economic growth.
Amadeus drives digital transformation across the travel ecosystem, enabling airlines, hotels, travel agencies, and airports to enhance traveler experiences.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- Gulf Insider
Dubai Aims for 30K Gaming Jobs in $200B Global Market
Dubai has flicked the switch on its developing gaming industry as it targets 30,000 new jobs and a $1bn GDP boost from the sector by 2033. The Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 'DPG33' has announced that Dubai is home to more than 350 gaming companies, with 260 of them categorised as specialised game developers, contributing overall to a global industry valued at $200bn globally. Since the programme's launch in November 2023, more than 60 new companies have been established in Dubai of which 12 per cent are large global companies — marking a growth rate of 16.6 percent since the launch of the programme. The gaming industry has emerged as one of Dubai's most promising economic sectors in recent years. Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, said: 'The recent achievements in the Dubai's gaming industry reflects the success of the city's vision for its future economy — one built on economic diversification and the proactive investment in current and future development opportunities. Belhoul added: 'The gaming sector holds unprecedented economic potential, and Dubai was — and will remain — a land of opportunity and a destination for innovators and creators. The industry offers a wealth of unprecedented opportunities thanks to the supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs and innovative ideas in advanced technology sectors, particularly game development, which is a key driver in enhancing Dubai's global competitiveness and in achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).' Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF, launched the Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 in November 2023, to position Dubai among the world's top 10 global gaming hubs over the next decade, with 30,000 new jobs and a $1bn boost to GDP by 2033. DPG33 focuses on nurturing talent and entrepreneurship, embracing technological advancements, and fostering digital content development, while creating training and employment opportunities with leading global firms and academic institutions, and leads a variety of local and international events, exhibitions, and partnerships that strengthen collaboration between individuals, businesses, and regulatory bodies in Dubai and beyond. Also read: Dubai's Ultra-Luxury Property Market Hits New Heights With $77M Bulgari Lighthouse Penthouse Sales
Gulf Insider
30-05-2025
- Gulf Insider
Dubai Real Estate Prices Likely To Face Double-Digit Fall After Years Of Boom, Fitch Says
Dubai's real estate market prices are likely to face a double-double-digit fall in the second half of the year and in 2026, ratings agency Fitch said in a report on Thursday, marking a sharp turn after years of a post-pandemic boom. A spike in deliveries in 2025 and 2026 to a planned 210,000 units, doubling from the previous three years, is likely to cause a record increase in supply and push prices down by no more than 15%, the agency said. The possible drop would follow a rise of around 60% in residential units prices between 2022 and the first quarter of this year in Dubai, where massive infrastructure spending, generous income tax policies and relaxed social and visa rules lured thousands of foreigners after the COVID-19 pandemic, including Russians amid war in Ukraine. Real estate plays a vital role for the economy of the emirate, the Gulf's hub for business and tourism, with sector transactions worth 761 billion dirhams ($207.22 billion) last year, rising 36% in volume, according to Dubai government data. In the past, Dubai suffered painful corrections akin to the property crash in 2009 which required a $20 billion Abu Dhabi-led bailout. The government has since taken measures to deleverage and strengthen the sector, and consolidated major state-owned real estate developers. It has also pursued an economic reboot anchored in what it hopes is sustainable growth, including a 10-year plan known as D33, to double output and become one of the world's top four financial centres. Fitch said on Thursday that banks and homebuilders can tolerate a decrease in prices. It noted that while real estate remains the largest component in UAE banks' lending books, banking sector exposure to firms operating in real estate had dropped to 14% of total gross loans at end of last year from 20% three years earlier. The attractiveness of properties in prime locations, which include palm tree-shaped artificial island Palm Jumeirah, together with delays in project completion would also help mitigate pricing pressure.
Gulf Insider
07-05-2025
- Gulf Insider
Dubai Premier Padel P1 Sets UAE Record
Dubai Premier Padel P1 is back from November 9th to 16th at Hamdan Sports Complex after an impressive 2024 inaugural that garnered 24,000 spectators. Early bird tickets to the second edition are now on sale. In light of rising public interest and the sport's quick growth, organisers Gallop Global announced the relocation of the tournament from the 5,000-capacity Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium to the Hamdan Sports Complex, which accommodates up to fifteen thousand attendees. With a total area of 24 hectares, it is currently the biggest indoor sports complex in the Middle East, alongside one of the biggest facility will comprise four match courts and two practice courts. Setting a new record for indoor padel capacity in the UAE. The centre court can hold more than 7,000 spectators. With free admission to all other courts for centre court ticket holders, the venue offers an improved experience and is climate-controlled and fan-accessible. Tickets are now available through with general admission starting at AED36. Reiterating the tournament's position on the regional athletic calendar, the prize budget has increased from AED1.96 million to AED1.98 million. Top professionals from around the world are anticipated to be included in the 240-player draw, including current world no.1 womens pair Ari Sanchez and Paula Josemaria and mens duo Arturo Coello and Agustin Tapia. 'The launch of the Dubai Premier Padel P1 in 2024 was a historic milestone for the sport, which has rapidly grown in popularity in the UAE. We eagerly anticipate the second edition coming to the emirate in November, and from the UAEPA we are proud to support the biggest tournament in our country,' said Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Padel Association (UAEPA). Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, also commented, 'The return of Dubai Premier Padel P1 underscores the sport's growing prominence in the region and worldwide. We look forward to welcoming even more spectators in what is certain to be a vibrant atmosphere at Hamdan Sports Complex.' The event is the first official padel tournament to be conducted in the Hamdan Sports Complex, which has hosted tournaments for basketball, badminton, swimming, tennis, volleyball, and water polo. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: 'Hosting major sporting events like Dubai Premier Padel P1 significantly boosts Dubai's economy and supports the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. The move to a world-class venue will further elevate the experience for athletes and spectators alike.' Ivan Modia, Tournament Director and CEO of Gallop Global, added: 'Padel is a global phenomenon. After a strong first edition and with continued support from our partners and leadership, we are confident of delivering a landmark second edition in the largest padel court ever built in the country.' Founded in 2014, the UAE Padel Association (UAEPA), one of Asia's first federations, governs padel in the UAE. In that same year, padel was officially recognised as an official sport by the General Authority of Sports, which also promised full government backing. Two years later, UAEPA became a member of the International Padel Federation (FIP). Today, there are about 1,000 padel courts in the UAE, which accounts for 30 per cent of all padel courts in Asia and two per cent worldwide. During the week-long championships, padel fans will have access to off-court activities in addition to top-tier events. Also read: Emirates to Launch Dubai to Hangzhou Flights as It Boosts China Flights to 49 Per Week
