Latest news with #AED62
Arabian Business
30-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Facial recognition to cut hotel check-in times as Abu Dhabi bolsters ‘safest city' status
Abu Dhabi, deemed the world's safest city, has begun deploying facial recognition technology across its hotels to streamline check-ins and boost security, officials announced at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2025) on Tuesday. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has initiated the rollout following an agreement with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), marking the first government-led facial recognition initiative in the emirate's hospitality sector. Abu Dhabi enhances hotel check-ins 'This initiative reflects our commitment to leveraging innovation to enhance the guest experience while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security,' said Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi. The technology, currently in pilot phase at select properties, will initially launch at five-star hotels before expanding to four-star establishments and eventually all accommodation categories across Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra regions. The system captures biometric data during check-in, encrypts it securely, and transmits it to a centralised database managed by DCT Abu Dhabi, operating in compliance with UAE cybersecurity regulations. The initiative comes as Abu Dhabi maintains its position as the world's safest city, according to Numbeo's Safety Index, a title it has held for nine consecutive years. It also aligns with the UAE's broader push toward digital identity services, where facial recognition is increasingly replacing traditional ID cards. Abu Dhabi's tourism sector is experiencing robust growth, welcoming 1.4 million overnight guests in the first quarter of 2025 alone. The industry is projected to contribute AED62 billion (approximately $16.9 billion) to the emirate's economy this year, a 13 per cent increase from 2024, supporting around 255,000 jobs.
Arabian Business
28-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
1.4 million overnight guests experience Abu Dhabi in Q1 2025
With 1.4 million overnight guests visiting Abu Dhabi during the first quarter of 2025, the UAE capital is on track to achieve its ambitious tourism targets. Overall, the Abu Dhabi hotels generated AED2.3 billion (US$630 million) in revenue, an 18 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) reached AED484 (US$131.8), which was a 25 per cent year-on-year increase, while occupancy was at 79 per cent across the emirate during the period, including in Ramadan. The Abu Dhabi in Numbers series highlights the increasing growth in the emirate's tourism industry, supported by @dctabudhabi and reflecting the emirate's growing global appeal and investment in enhanced visitor experiences. — مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) April 27, 2025 Tourism boom in Abu Dhabi The city's tourism sector has set a target of contributing AED62 billion (US$16.9 billion) to the economy in 2025, an increase of 13 per cent from 2024 and supporting 255,000 jobs across the emirate during the year. During the quarter, the emirate drew visitors from top-tier markets and beyond, with India, China, Russia, the UK, and the US being the best-performing markets. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, commented: 'Our strategic approach to elevating Abu Dhabi as a cultural and tourism destination is delivering tangible results. 'Sustained investment into data-led destination marketing, diversified programming, a culture-first ethos, and ever-improving visitor experience touchpoints have driven robust growth in Q1 2025, building on a strong 2024. 'As we showcase the offerings of our emirate at Arabian Travel Market, we are focused on strengthening our key partnerships, expanding our global reach, and accelerating progress towards our long-term tourism goals – all while ensuring that Abu Dhabi's unique cultural identity remains at the heart of everything we offer.' In 2024, the city's tourism sector witnessed positive performance across multiple metrics. Last year, the emirate saw a 7 per cent year-on-year increase in overall hotel and alternative accommodation guests combined, with international overnight visitors reaching 3.2 million, an increase of 28 per cent over 2023 numbers. Hotel occupancy rates reached 79% across the emirate in 2024, and total hotel revenue grew by 18.1 per cent to over AED7.6 billion (US$2.07 billion). RevPAR climbed by 22 per cent. DCT Abu Dhabi's global marketing efforts significantly supported the growth. In 2024, it increased operations from 11 markets to 25 markets, focusing on emerging regions such as the CIS, APAC, and Eastern Europe. At ATM 2025, DCT Abu Dhabi will bring Abu Dhabi's cultural and creative story to life at its stand, showcasing its world-class museums, contemporary art, rich heritage, a diverse culinary landscape, and hospitality rooted in Emirati values to travel trade partners, media, and industry leaders. Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Cultural District is one of the greatest concentrations of world-leading cultural and educational institutions. Already home to Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Saadiyat Cultural District will add the Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the UAE, and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, narrating the story of life on earth and the origins of our universe, this year. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, featuring a global collection of modern and contemporary art that reflects the diversity of cultures and trends from around the world, is also on track for completion. The city's Tourism Strategy 2030 aims to attract 39.3 million visitors annually, support the creation of 178,000 new tourism jobs, expand hotel capacity to 50,000 rooms, and contribute AED90 billion (US$24.5 billion) to the emirate's GDP by the end of the decade.
Zawya
21-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi's tourism sector targets $16bln to economy
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), said that the department's tourism sector aims to contribute AED62 billion ($16 billion) to the economy in 2025, with a projected increase of 13 per cent compared to 2024. The goal is for the sector to contribute AED90 billion to the emirate's non-oil GDP by 2030, reported WAM. Speaking during a roundtable marking the opening of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, Al Mubarak said that in Q1 2025, international overnight hotel guests in Abu Dhabi grew by 4 perc ent year-to-date compared to Q1 2024, with India, China, Russia, and the UK remaining the top source markets. He added that hotel occupancy in Q1 2025 reached 79 percent across the emirate and 82 percent in Abu Dhabi city. Al Mubarak highlighted the role of Abu Dhabi's cultural museums, including the newly opened teamLab Phenomena, alongside the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, in strengthening the emirate's tourism offering. Located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, these museums are cultural and knowledge beacons reflecting the UAE's values of coexistence and its diverse cultural identity. He noted that continued investment in the cultural sector is guided by the vision of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, underscoring the UAE's emergence as a global cultural centre. He underscored Saadiyat Cultural District's significance as a cultural and historical treasure, with museums serving as vital centres for future generations. Al Mubarak pointed out that teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi embodies the UAE's cultural diversity, fostering Abu Dhabi's position as a leading global arts and culture destination. He announced the upcoming opening of three more museums in the Saadiyat Cultural District this year. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
20-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
DCT Abu Dhabi's tourism sector targets $16bn to economy
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), said that the department's tourism sector aims to contribute AED62 billion ($16 billion) to the economy in 2025, with a projected increase of 13 per cent compared to 2024. The goal is for the sector to contribute AED90 billion to the emirate's non-oil GDP by 2030, reported WAM. Speaking during a roundtable marking the opening of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, Al Mubarak said that in Q1 2025, international overnight hotel guests in Abu Dhabi grew by 4 perc ent year-to-date compared to Q1 2024, with India, China, Russia, and the UK remaining the top source markets. He added that hotel occupancy in Q1 2025 reached 79 percent across the emirate and 82 percent in Abu Dhabi city. Al Mubarak highlighted the role of Abu Dhabi's cultural museums, including the newly opened teamLab Phenomena, alongside the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, in strengthening the emirate's tourism offering. Located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, these museums are cultural and knowledge beacons reflecting the UAE's values of coexistence and its diverse cultural identity. He noted that continued investment in the cultural sector is guided by the vision of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, underscoring the UAE's emergence as a global cultural centre. He underscored Saadiyat Cultural District's significance as a cultural and historical treasure, with museums serving as vital centres for future generations. Al Mubarak pointed out that teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi embodies the UAE's cultural diversity, fostering Abu Dhabi's position as a leading global arts and culture destination.
Al Etihad
18-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
DCT Abu Dhabi's tourism sector targets AED62 billion to economy: Chairman
18 Apr 2025 13:15 ABU DHABI (WAM)Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), said that the department's tourism sector aims to contribute AED62 billion to the economy in 2025, with a projected increase of 13 percent compared to 2024. The goal is for the industry to contribute AED90 billion to the emirate's non-oil GDP by 2030. Speaking during a roundtable marking the opening of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, Al Mubarak said that in Q1 2025, international overnight hotel guests in Abu Dhabi grew by 4 percent year-to-date compared to Q1 2024, with India, China, Russia, and the UK remaining the top source added that hotel occupancy in Q1 2025 reached 79 percent across the emirate and 82 percent in Abu Dhabi city. Al Mubarak highlighted the role of Abu Dhabi's cultural museums, including the newly opened teamLab Phenomena, alongside the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, in strengthening the emirate's tourism in the Saadiyat Cultural District, these museums are cultural and knowledge beacons reflecting the UAE's values of coexistence and its diverse cultural identity. He noted that continued investment in the cultural sector is guided by the vision of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, underscoring the UAE's emergence as a global cultural underscored Saadiyat Cultural District's significance as a cultural and historical treasure, with museums serving as vital centres for future generations. Al Mubarak pointed out that teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi embodies the UAE's cultural diversity, fostering Abu Dhabi's position as a leading global arts and culture destination. He announced the upcoming opening of three more museums in the Saadiyat Cultural District this year.
