Latest news with #DCTAbuDhabi
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Inaugural M&I Expo to take place in Abu Dhabi
30 May 2025 19:08 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Worldwide Events have signed a strategic partnership to host the highly anticipated M&I Expo in Abu Dhabi from April 14-16, 2026. M&I, a leading events provider and global innovator in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector and a recognised event brand within the portfolio of Worldwide Event's, will bring to Abu Dhabi the MICE 1,000, a curated group of the most senior, influential decision-makers in the global MICE industry for three days of networking, knowledge-sharing, and business exclusive event, to be hosted at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), further cements Abu Dhabi's growing position as a global MICE hub, with the goal to strengthen collaboration and mutual value creation, while shaping a robust future for the sector in the emirate.M&I Fest Global, M&I Expo in Abu Dhabi will feature immersive booths, compelling branded spaces and storytelling-driven showcases attracting global exhibitors, including tourism boards, convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs), major hotel brands, conference centres, destination management companies (DMCs), and technology providers who will present their offerings to an audience of high-calibre industry Al Shamsi, Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau Director, DCT Abu Dhabi said: 'Hosting the M&I Expo in Abu Dhabi reinforces the emirate's strength and sustained growth as a premier destination for business events and incentive travel. Our latest achievement reflects our strategic commitment to building a world-class MICE ecosystem offering cutting-edge event venues and exceptional hospitality rooted in our core cultural values. With iconic venues such as Qasr Al Watan and Yas Marina Circuit, complemented by Abu Dhabi's diverse leisure attractions such as the newly opened teamLab Phenomena, we are confident this event will showcase the very best of what our destination has to offer.'Abu Dhabi's emergence as a global MICE destination is complemented by a diverse, value-added offering across heritage, entertainment, adventure and beyond, and driven by the strategic vision of DCT Abu Dhabi to enhance infrastructure and support event organisers and industry Barnes, CEO of M&I said: 'Following the success of two incredible editions of M&I Fest in 2024 and 2025, the event has naturally evolved into something bigger and bolder. M&I Expo aims to deliver more valuable connections than any show that's previously existed. We don't want to become another big faceless exhibition where quality is diluted, time is wasted, and people are lost; our focus is on quality over quantity, we aim to attract the right level of delegates: M&I Expo caters exclusively to the elite of the MICE industry; the 1,000 most influential players in the MICE industry: the MICE 1,000. We believe that 1,000 is the sweet spot, not too big, not too small. It's just the right size.'The M&I Expo programme will feature M&I's market-leading one-to-one pre-scheduled meeting format alongside a fully inclusive networking programme with hosted lunches, evening socials, and keynote addition to the exhibition programme, buyers will have the opportunity to experience Abu Dhabi firsthand; engaging with its unique venues, culture, and hospitality offering. Hosting the M&I Expo aligns with Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to establish the emirate as a global leader in culture and tourism, while serving as a catalyst for diversified economic growth. Business events such as M&I Expo are instrumental in advancing this vision, contributing to tourism sector development, promoting knowledge exchange, fostering innovation and creating lasting benefits for all announcement comes as Abu Dhabi's tourism sector continues to grow in 2025, welcoming 1.4 million overnight guests in the first quarter alone. International visitation increased compared to the same period in 2024, with strong performance from key source markets including India, China, Russia, the UK, and the USA.
Travel Daily News
3 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Abu Dhabi to host the inaugural edition of M&I Expo in 2026
DCT Abu Dhabi partners with M&I to bring senior MICE decision-makers from 14-16 April 2026. ABU DHABI, UAE – The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Worldwide Events have signed a strategic partnership to host the highly anticipated M&I Expo in Abu Dhabi from 14-16 April 2026. M&I, a leading events provider and global innovator in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector and a recognized event brand within the portfolio of Worldwide Event's, will bring to Abu Dhabi the 'MICE 1,000', a curated group of the most senior, influential decision-makers in the global MICE industry for three days of networking, knowledge-sharing, and business development. The exclusive event, to be hosted at the state-of-the-art Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), further cements Abu Dhabi's growing position as a global MICE hub, with the goal to strengthen collaboration and mutual value creation, while shaping a robust future for the sector in the emirate. Building on the previous success of M&I's sold-out event: M&I Fest Global, M&I Expo in Abu Dhabi will feature immersive booths, compelling branded spaces and storytelling-driven showcases attracting global exhibitors, including tourism boards, convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs), major hotel brands, conference centres, destination management companies (DMCs), and technology providers who will present their offerings to an audience of high-calibre industry professionals. Mubarak Al Shamsi, Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau Director, DCT Abu Dhabi said: 'Hosting the M&I Expo in Abu Dhabi reinforces the emirate's strength and sustained growth as a premier destination for business events and incentive travel. Our latest achievement reflects our strategic commitment to building a world-class MICE ecosystem offering cutting-edge event venues and exceptional hospitality rooted in our core cultural values. With iconic venues such as Qasr Al Watan and Yas Marina Circuit, complemented by Abu Dhabi's diverse leisure attractions such as the newly opened teamLab Phenomena, we are confident this event will showcase the very best of what our destination has to offer.' Abu Dhabi's emergence as a global MICE destination is complemented by a diverse, value-added offering across heritage, entertainment, adventure and beyond, and driven by the strategic vision of DCT Abu Dhabi to enhance infrastructure and support event organisers and industry partners. Richard Barnes, CEO of M&I said: 'Following the success of two incredible editions of M&I Fest in 2024 and 2025, the event has naturally evolved into something bigger and bolder. M&I Expo aims to deliver more valuable connections than any show that's previously existed. We don't want to become another big faceless exhibition where quality is diluted, time is wasted, and people are lost; our focus is on quality over quantity, we aim to attract the right level of delegates: M&I Expo caters exclusively to the elite of the MICE industry; the 1,000 most influential players in the MICE industry: the MICE 1,000. We believe that 1,000 is the sweet spot, not too big, not too small. It's just the right size.' The M&I Expo programme will feature M&I's market-leading one-to-one pre-scheduled meeting format alongside a fully inclusive networking programme with hosted lunches, evening socials, and keynote speakers. In addition to the exhibition programme, buyers will have the opportunity to experience Abu Dhabi firsthand; engaging with its unique venues, culture, and hospitality offering. Hosting the M&I Expo aligns with Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to establish the emirate as a global leader in culture and tourism, while serving as a catalyst for diversified economic growth. Business events such as M&I Expo are instrumental in advancing this vision, contributing to tourism sector development, promoting knowledge exchange, fostering innovation and creating lasting benefits for all stakeholders. This announcement comes as Abu Dhabi's tourism sector continues to grow in 2025, welcoming 1.4 million overnight guests in the first quarter alone. International visitation increased compared to the same period in 2024, with strong performance from key source markets including India, China, Russia, the UK, and the USA. This sustained success reflects Abu Dhabi's evolving and increasingly distinctive value proposition and offerings, driven by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030.
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
DCT honours 15 recipients of 4th Urban Treasures initiative
29 May 2025 11:29 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the recipients of the fourth edition of Urban Treasures Awards, an annual initiative celebrating long-running businesses that have shaped Abu Dhabi's cultural and commercial ceremony was held at Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi and Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, presented the award to 15 establishments selected from across the emirate, including Khulood Club, Gulf Pastry, Zahrat Al Khaleej Nablusia Sweets, Orchid Tailoring & Embroidery Shop, Mohammed Farooq Perfumes, Al Jumaira Studio and Stores, Al Yahar Modern Restaurant and Kitchen, Three Star Watches Shop, Shawarma Ala Alragef Cafeteria, Happy Yemen Restaurant, Ahmed Sultan Al Salami Trading and Importing, Al Ain International Medical Polyclinic, Nauras, Baqala Cheese & Pickles Centre, and Al Sidr Natural the conclusion of its fourth edition, the Urban Treasures initiative has now honoured a total of 60 beloved local gems across Abu Dhabi, each recognised for their contributions to the emirate's urban and social Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: 'The Urban Treasures initiative continues to shine a light on the longstanding businesses that have shaped Abu Dhabi's character over the decades. These establishments are enduring community pillars that reflect the spirit, resilience, and heritage of our emirate, and by celebrating them, we honour these human stories and traditions. With each successive edition, we reaffirm our commitment to preserving, protecting, and promoting the cultural identity of the UAE capital, ensuring its lasting resonance within our community and inspiring future generations to cherish and build upon its foundations.'The Urban Treasures Initiative was launched to recognise the city's landmark homegrown businesses, including restaurants, bakeries, tailors, fabric stores, perfumeries, jewellers, pharmacies, photography studios, and similar establishments, which have thrived in Abu Dhabi for 20 years or more. Seeking to further raise the profiles of these treasures and preserve them for future generations, the award aligns with DCT Abu Dhabi's Modern Heritage Initiative, which celebrates and safeguards the emirate's more recent past. Nominations for Urban Treasures 2025 were opened to the public last year, allowing them to be a part of celebrating the efforts of these establishments. These were then shortlisted and evaluated by a committee, which reviewed each establishment based on set criteria. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Tourism Breaking News
3 days ago
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority selects China Visitors Summit (CVS) as Official Event for August 2025
Post Views: 26 The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has officially selected the China Visitors Summit (CVS) to be held in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain on 28–29 August 2025. This landmark event will bring together 150 elite Chinese travel industry buyers, making it the largest B2B gathering of Chinese outbound travel professionals ever hosted outside of China. The CVS Abu Dhabi is a highly curated, by-invitation-only event. The attending Chinese buyers are carefully vetted and confirmed to be actively doing business with the UAE—specifically with travel products and services in the Abu Dhabi Emirate. Delegates include senior executives from: • Travel agencies and tour operators • Luxury agents, wholesalers and bespoke travel designers • MICE managers and corporate travel planners • OTAs and niche specialists in adventure, culture, culinary, wellness, and more Over the course of the two-day, face-to-face workshop, participating Abu Dhabi travel suppliers—including hotels, DMCs, attractions, museums, shopping malls, and transportation companies—will engage in pre-scheduled B2B appointments. Each supplier will have the ability to personally select the Chinese buyers most relevant to their product, whether focused on leisure groups, luxury FITs, or MICE and corporate segments. In addition to the business meetings, the CVS program includes local experience days in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, designed to give the Chinese delegates firsthand exposure to the products they may sell. These include hotel site inspections, cultural experiences, F&B showcases, and interactive destination briefings, allowing buyers to become more effective ambassadors for Abu Dhabi upon returning to China. This 2025 edition of CVS Abu Dhabi marks a return to the summit's roots. Originally launched in Abu Dhabi in 2013, CVS has since expanded globally. With its initial event since 2008, CVS is now recognized as the longest-running and most impactful China-focused B2B travel event series in the world. Each participating buyer from China: • Is individually approved based on their business volume into the GCC region • Holds a senior procurement or product development role within their organization • Pays a personal registration fee and covers their own international airfare (averaging $2,000 USD per person)—ensuring a highly motivated, high-value delegation
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Fifteen businesses that have shaped Abu Dhabi's cultural and social landscape honoured as ‘Urban Treasures'
28 May 2025 23:38 AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the recipients of the fourth edition of the Urban Treasures Initiative, an annual celebration of long-running businesses that have shaped Abu Dhabi's cultural and social businesses have contributed to cementing Abu Dhabi's position as one of the leading cities in the world for living and award forms part of the department's ongoing efforts to preserve the emirate's modern heritage and celebrate its rich ceremony was held at the Cultural Foundation, during which 15 establishments from across the emirate were honoured for their longstanding presence and exceptional contributions to the local Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, presented the awards to the winning institutions, which included: Khulood Club, Gulf Pastry, Zahrat Al Khaleej Nablusia Sweets, Orchid Tailoring & Embroidery Shop, Mohammed Farooq Perfumes, Al Jumaira Studio and Stores, Al Yahar Modern Restaurant and Kitchen, Three Star Watches Shop, Shawarma Ala Alragef Cafeteria, Happy Yemen Restaurant, Ahmed Sultan Al Salami Trading and Importing, Al Ain International Medical Polyclinic, Nauras, Baqala Cheese & Pickles Centre, and Al Sidr Natural Khalifa Al Mubarak said: 'The Urban Treasures initiative continues to shine a light on the longstanding businesses that have added to Abu Dhabi's character over the decades. These establishments are enduring community pillars that reflect the spirit of our emirate, and by celebrating them, we honour these human stories and traditions. With each successive edition, we celebrate businesses that are recognised for having a lasting impact within our community and inspire future generations to cherish their legacy.'Speaking at the event, Saood Al Hosani, Undersecretary at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: 'Our celebration today marks the fourth edition of the Urban Treasures initiative. It aligns with the principles of the Year of the Community in the UAE, fostering social cohesion and solidarity. Through this initiative, we honour places that have brought people together and upheld the values of cooperation, coexistence and shared trade.'He continued: 'Today, we recognise 15 commercial establishments chosen by the local community. So far, we have honoured 60 such institutions - a major milestone in our mission to safeguard the living heritage of Abu Dhabi. These businesses have flourished for more than 20 years and helped shape the cultural identity of the UAE.'Among this year's honourees was Elie Reaidy, representing the historic Nauras Shop, founded in 1969. He said: 'I would like to thank the Department of Culture and Tourism for this wonderful initiative. Our logo features a bird - the migratory bird - which symbolises freedom. The bird carries wheat, representing generosity and prosperity. So, our symbol is love - love that lies between freedom and giving. We hope that Abu Dhabi continues to embody these values.'Mohammed Younis, originally from Jordan and owner of a honey factory in Abu Dhabi, shared his journey: 'I've been working with bees and honey for 40 years. My love for bees and the medicinal value of honey inspired me to establish a specialised institution at a time when none existed in this field. Honey isn't just a food, but also a medicine - and our goal was to share its health benefits with society.'The Urban Treasures Initiative was launched with the aim of recognising the city's landmark homegrown businesses - including restaurants, bakeries, tailors, fabric stores, perfumeries, jewellers, pharmacies, photography studios and similar establishments - which have thrived in Abu Dhabi for 20 years or to further raise the profiles of these 'treasures' and preserve them for future generations, the award aligns with DCT Abu Dhabi's Modern Heritage Initiative, which celebrates and safeguards the emirate's more recent past. Nominations for Urban Treasures 2025 were opened to the public. Candidates were then evaluated by a specialised committee based on a set of criteria, including key elements such as place-making, urban history, community value, and physical authenticity.
