Latest news with #DCTCM
Gulf Today
6 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Dubai 'Surprises' all, even India's power couple Virat and Anushka
The Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has unveiled its new campaign – 'Dubai, Ready For a Surprise' – starring cricket icon Virat Kohli and celebrated actor and entrepreneur Anushka Sharma. Having visited Dubai on numerous occasions over recent years, Virat and Anushka share a personal connection with the city, inspiring them to embark on their first-ever destination-focused collaboration. Marking the first phase of this landmark partnership, the film at the heart of the campaign highlights Dubai as the perfect destination for all travellers, as Virat and Anushka unveil a series of surprises while exploring the city's diverse experiences. The film ends with an interesting twist leaving the audience wondering if there's more to discover. Dubai's vibrance Rich in colour, culture, and energy, the campaign film encapsulates the vibrant essence of the city through a blend of varied culinary experiences, spontaneous cultural interactions, thrilling adventures, and musical interludes. It offers a refreshed perspective of Dubai, beyond the quintessential landmarks and experiences – one that invites both first-time and repeat travellers to discover the city in unforgettable ways. The film highlights Dubai as the perfect destination for all travellers The story begins with Virat planning a thoughtful and personalised experience for Anushka, creating memorable moments that go beyond the expected. He reveals a new side of the city – one that matches her vibe, emotions, and preferences. He chooses each experience to align with her wishes, creating a deeper and more intimate connection with Dubai. As long-time friends of Dubai, Virat and Anushka's fondness for the destination emerges naturally on screen as they wander through hidden corners, laugh together, explore and uncover experiences that reveal the city's soul in new and surprising ways. Whether it's an intimate moment admiring the Dubai skyline from the world's highest 360-degree infinity pool (AURA SKYPOOL) or the thrill of parasailing over stunning beaches, the campaign film showcases a side of Dubai that even seasoned visitors like them find delightfully surprising. Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: 'This collaboration with Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma is a natural fit – their genuine affection for Dubai and the way they engage with audiences make them ideal champions for the city. The star pair cherish their deep connection to Dubai. As we work towards the goal of further consolidating Dubai's position as a leading global city for business and leisure, aligned with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, this campaign underlines the diversity of Dubai's ever-evolving offering and our commitment to consistently providing visitors fresh and memorable experiences, whether they are arriving for the first time or returning. "India remains one of our most important source markets, and partnerships like these help us foster meaningful cultural connections, inviting Indian travellers to explore and rediscover Dubai in new and exciting ways.' Virat said: 'Dubai holds a special place for Anushka and me. The moment we land, everything – from the flavours to the energy – feels just right. Even my favourite chole bhature tastes just as good here! But what amazes us is how the city feels familiar yet always has something new to offer. Whether it's adventure, peaceful moments in the dunes, or just vibing to the perfect playlist on the beach, there's always something for everyone. This campaign has let us see the city through fresh eyes, and we can't wait for others to do the same.' Anushka said: 'Every visit to Dubai feels like a new discovery. Whether it's for work, or to be with friends, the city surprises you in the best ways. It is a warm city, extremely comforting yet very exciting and there is something new to explore always. From thrilling adventures to unexpected moments, Dubai has a way of matching every mood and every need. We're happy to be a part of this collaboration with Dubai and to uncover fresh, exceptional experiences and personalised ways to fall in love with the city.' The campaign's hero film is supported by a 360-degree rollout across social media, digital platforms, and targeted offline activations. To watch the new 'Dubai, Ready For A Surprise' campaign film starring Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, please visit:
Khaleej Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Why UAE is becoming a go-to luxury wedding destination
The UAE is fast-becoming one of the world's most loved nuptial spots, with legal changes allowing civil marriage in Abu Dhabi also paving the way for a whole new wave of weddings in the country. The latest research from Bounce, a luggage storage company, puts Dubai in third place in the list of the most popular wedding destinations on social media, behind only Bali and Hawaii, and in sixth place for best global locations for a destination wedding; the top spot was taken by Tuscany, Italy. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has been increasingly pushing the market. Hoor Al Khaja, senior vice president, International Operations at the Dubai Corporation of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said last month: 'We are committed to further promoting Dubai's unique proposition as the dream destination for couples and those seeking to celebrate life's most cherished milestones.' In a statement last month following the second Dubai Wedding Symposium, the DCTCM said: 'Strategically located between East and West, the city offers unrivalled airline connectivity, with flights from Europe, Asia, and Africa in under eight hours, complemented by visa options including visa-on-arrival for over 50 nationalities. 'Dubai's appeal as a wedding destination is further enhanced by its world-class infrastructure, including a portfolio of more than 830 hotels and resorts, as well as a stunning array of backdrops for any kind of celebration. For venues, couples can choose from sparkling cityscapes, sandy beaches, lush gardens, rolling dunes, and more.' Shiv Kapoor and Jessica Chopra got married in Dubai in February using Ikigaii wedding planners for the five-day event. The British Indians could bring family from East and West to the ceremony held in the Lapita Dubai Parks and Resort. 'Dubai had everything we were looking for: incredible food, a vibrant atmosphere, comfort, perfect weather, and a touch of luxury,' Kapoor said. 'Everything just clicked and having wedding planners overlooking everything just gave us confidence.' As the number of destination weddings began to grow in 2020, Vaibbhav Arora co-founded Ikigaii, which now caters to 12 to 15 weddings a year, with some lasting as long as five days and with budgets in excess of Dh2 million. 'Most of our couples are from the UK or the US,' he said. 'The other countries from which couples come are Germany, India, and Australia.' Palm Jumeirah is the top requested destination for a celebration, he added. 'Dubai offers world-class venues, warm hospitality, and unbeatable value, especially for South Asian weddings where food and culture matter most,' he added. Rhiannon Downie-Hurst, founder of a dedicated wedding platform, agrees that Dubai offers the perfect setting for a luxury destination wedding. 'What makes Dubai stand out isn't just the glitz, it's also how easy the process can be,' she told KT LUXE. 'With world-class planners, multi-cultural vendor expertise, and stunning venues that require little dressing up, couples can craft once-in-a-lifetime celebrations without the stress. The weather, excluding summer, ease of travel for international guests, and the ability to blend multiple cultures into one celebration also play a huge part in its growing appeal.' Downie-Hurst has seen some of the most luxurious weddings take place in the Emirates, including couples hiring private islands and putting on huge drone shows and fireworks on the big day. She said that while official figures are not available, estimates suggest that the UAE's budding wedding industry already contributes billions of dirhams annually to the local economy. 'A single luxury wedding in Dubai can easily cost anywhere between Dh350,000 and over Dh10 million, depending on the scale, how many days, guest count, and so on,' she said, though smaller affairs can be as little as Dh80,000. According to Research and Markets' 2025 Destination Wedding Global Market Report, the destination wedding market is projected to grow from $48 billion (Dh176 billion) in 2025 to $137 billion (Dh503 billion) by 2029. 'Tourism authorities have noted thousands of destination wedding-related bookings annually, and many five-star hotels report 20–50 destination weddings per year, with peak seasons often booked in advance,' added Downie-Hurst. 'When you factor in venue spend, catering, décor, entertainment, bridal fashion, and guest tourism spend, the industry is a major economic contributor, not to mention a key part of the luxury tourism narrative.' India is one of the country's major source markets, she says, with couples hosting large, multi-day events across grand venues and palaces. It is also popular with couples from the UK who want to blend cultural traditions with contemporary luxury. She says couples from Nigeria and wider Africa are also known for extravagant celebrations, with hundreds of guests, while couples from Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States are drawn to Dubai's exclusivity and shopping scene. According to Tajrean Kashem, founder of Taj Raj Events, the average luxury wedding guest list ranges from 150 to 300, depending on whether it's a local or destination wedding. 'There is a higher demand for intimate weddings with 150-175 guests max. This helps couples stay within budget and spend on more luxurious elements for the events, especially when it's a multi-day wedding,' she told KT LUXE. Some of the most sought-after venues include Atlantis The Royal, Armani Hotel, Park Hyatt Dubai, and Bab Al Shams. Amirah Chaudhary and Safwaan Imtiaz married at the Ritz Carlton in JBR. Born and raised in the UK, they chose Dubai because they holiday at least once a year in the emirate. The safety, high quality service and five-star luxury played a huge part in the decision. 'Dubai definitely leans into the luxurious vibe, and we wanted to embrace that while still keeping things personal. A few standout touches we had were a sunset ceremony with a stunning beach backdrop, with the Dubai Eye in the background, a live violinist during our ceremony entrance, and fire breather performers and drummers when we did the second part of the wedding with our Asian outfits,' Chaudhary, of Pakistani heritage, said. She said the level of luxury she wanted is more accessible in Dubai than in the UK. 'The hospitality industry here in Dubai is so geared towards high-end events, you get more value for your money in terms of service and wow-factor,' she said. 'Things like outdoor beachfront venues would obviously be a huge logistical challenge and cost in the UK, but are much more streamlined in Dubai. It really made the whole celebration feel effortlessly special.' Since 2022's legal reforms, Abu Dhabi has managed to steal away weddings from destinations such as Cyprus, which has long been a hotspot for the region's mixed marriages, allowing couples to wed in Las Vegas-style civil ceremonies within just 24 hours. There have been 40,000 couples from 200 nationalities coming to wed in the capital, showing potential for the emirate to also develop its own wedding market. 'Abu Dhabi's civil marriage law has transformed how expats get married in the region. It allows couples — whether residents or tourists — to marry with just a passport, regardless of their religion or where they live,' said Hesham Elrafei, a UAE-based legal expert. 'This progressive law introduced express same-day weddings, interfaith marriages, prenups, and will registration — making the process fast, modern, and inclusive.' It's enough to make a couple say: 'I do'.
Mid East Info
13-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Dubai Airports' Learning at Work Week building a future-ready workforce, one session at a time - Middle East Business News and Information
Unpacking the future of travel with Dubai Airports, DCTCM leaders, and futurist and author, Thomas Koulopoulos on the 'giga trends' shaping how we will work futurist and author, Thomas Koulopoulos on the 'giga trends' shaping how we will work Over 35 speakers, 20 dynamic sessions, and 1000 employees at Dubai Airports' largest Learning Week yet Dubai, United Arab Emirates,May 2025: Dubai Airports, the operator of the world's busiest international airport, Dubai International (DXB), and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC), is marking Learning at Work Week 2025 with a series of interactive sessions, workshops, and thought-leadership engagements under the theme 'Connect to Our Future'. The initiative reinforces Dubai Airports' commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and empowering its workforce to shape the future of aviation. This year's event, running from 12 – 16 May in alignment with the Global Learning at Work Week, brings together industry experts, guest speakers, and employees from across the organisation to exchange insights and explore the evolving landscape of the travel industry. With over 35 industry experts and thought-leaders, 20 dynamic sessions, and 1000 employees participating, this year's Learning Week is Dubai Airports' largest to date. A key highlight of the week is a fireside chat with Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, and Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), as they discuss the evolving guest experience and the power of collaboration in positioning Dubai as a leading global hub. Futurist and author, Thomas Koulopoulos, a professor at Boston University, will also share his perspectives on the future of community and connectivity, with a focus on the 'giga trends' shaping how we will work, live, and play in the years to come. Meshari Al Bannai, Chief People Officer of Dubai Airports, said: 'Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and Learning at Work Week reflects our commitment to nurturing a culture of growth, curiosity, and continuous development. By investing in our talent and creating meaningful learning opportunities, we aim to empower our people and reinforce our position as an employer of choice.' He added: 'This year's Learning Week has been carefully designed to directly connect our people with essential skills, insights, and conversations that are relevant to their professional growth and the future of our industry.' The week-long programme features immersive learning experiences and expert-led sessions, highlighting forward-looking development perspectives from leading organisations including Cranfield University, Emirates, Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET), Gallup, among others. Structured around three core pillars: Inspire, Grow, and Share, the programme is designed to empower employees through thought leadership, future-ready skills, and cross-functional collaboration. Dubai Airports' ongoing development initiatives include the Open Learning Hub, a digital platform offering over 5,000 on-demand courses, and a calendar of more than 300 annual training programmes covering leadership, digital transformation, accessibility, wellbeing, and other areas. Earlier this year, Dubai Airports received the 2025 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award for its employee engagement strategies. The Learning Experience team was also honoured with the prestigious Brilliance in Learning and Development Award at the HR Brilliance Awards, recognising the impact and success of last year's Learning at Work Week. About Dubai Airports: Dubai Airports operates both of Dubai's airports, Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC). As an integrator, Dubai Airports works to balance the interests of all stakeholders to maintain aviation growth, protect operational resilience and ensure that service providers collaborate to provide a safe and secure service and improve customer experience whilst maintaining a sustainable business. In 2024, DXB welcomed a total of 92.3 million guests, the highest annual traffic in its history. DWC embodies Dubai's vision for the future of aviation. With expansion plans announced in May 2024, involving a record investment of US$35b, DWC aims to reshape the aviation landscape. Over the next decade, DWC will accommodate 150m passengers annually, eventually expanding to 260m passengers and 12m tonnes of cargo. With five runways, futuristic design and seamless intermodal connectivity, DWC aims to revolutionise global air travel, setting new standards for efficiency and passenger experience for the next 50 years. High-resolution images of DXB are available here: Media Library For recent updates, refer to our official social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitteror hashtags: #DubaiAirports #DXB #DubaiWorldCentral.
Zawya
12-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai Airports' learning at Work Week building a future-ready workforce, one session at a time
Unpacking the future of travel with Dubai Airports, DCTCM leaders, and futurist and author, Thomas Koulopoulos on the 'giga trends' shaping how we will work Over 35 speakers, 20 dynamic sessions, and 1000 employees at Dubai Airports' largest Learning Week yet Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai Airports, the operator of the world's busiest international airport, Dubai International (DXB), and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC), is marking Learning at Work Week 2025 with a series of interactive sessions, workshops, and thought-leadership engagements under the theme 'Connect to Our Future'. The initiative reinforces Dubai Airports' commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and empowering its workforce to shape the future of aviation. This year's event, running from 12 – 16 May in alignment with the Global Learning at Work Week, brings together industry experts, guest speakers, and employees from across the organisation to exchange insights and explore the evolving landscape of the travel industry. With over 35 industry experts and thought-leaders, 20 dynamic sessions, and 1000 employees participating, this year's Learning Week is Dubai Airports' largest to date. A key highlight of the week is a fireside chat with Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, and Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), as they discuss the evolving guest experience and the power of collaboration in positioning Dubai as a leading global hub. Futurist and author, Thomas Koulopoulos, a professor at Boston University, will also share his perspectives on the future of community and connectivity, with a focus on the 'giga trends' shaping how we will work, live, and play in the years to come. Meshari Al Bannai, Chief People Officer of Dubai Airports, said: 'Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and Learning at Work Week reflects our commitment to nurturing a culture of growth, curiosity, and continuous development. By investing in our talent and creating meaningful learning opportunities, we aim to empower our people and reinforce our position as an employer of choice.' He added: ' This year's Learning Week has been carefully designed to directly connect our people with essential skills, insights, and conversations that are relevant to their professional growth and the future of our industry.' The week-long programme features immersive learning experiences and expert-led sessions, highlighting forward-looking development perspectives from leading organisations including Cranfield University, Emirates, Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET), Gallup, among others. Structured around three core pillars: Inspire, Grow, and Share, the programme is designed to empower employees through thought leadership, future-ready skills, and cross-functional collaboration. Dubai Airports' ongoing development initiatives include the Open Learning Hub, a digital platform offering over 5,000 on-demand courses, and a calendar of more than 300 annual training programmes covering leadership, digital transformation, accessibility, wellbeing, and other areas. Earlier this year, Dubai Airports received the 2025 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award for its employee engagement strategies. The Learning Experience team was also honoured with the prestigious Brilliance in Learning and Development Award at the HR Brilliance Awards, recognising the impact and success of last year's Learning at Work Week. About Dubai Airports Dubai Airports operates both of Dubai's airports, Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC). As an integrator, Dubai Airports works to balance the interests of all stakeholders to maintain aviation growth, protect operational resilience and ensure that service providers collaborate to provide a safe and secure service and improve customer experience whilst maintaining a sustainable business. In 2024, DXB welcomed a total of 92.3 million guests, the highest annual traffic in its history. DWC embodies Dubai's vision for the future of aviation. With expansion plans announced in May 2024, involving a record investment of US$35b, DWC aims to reshape the aviation landscape. Over the next decade, DWC will accommodate 150m passengers annually, eventually expanding to 260m passengers and 12m tonnes of cargo. With five runways, futuristic design and seamless intermodal connectivity, DWC aims to revolutionise global air travel, setting new standards for efficiency and passenger experience for the next 50 years.
Arabian Business
25-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai welcomes more tourists in Q1, 2025, up 3% YoY: DCTCM
Dubai welcomed more tourists in the first quarter of 2005, posting a three per cent rise in tourist arrivals on an annual basis. The uptick in the first quarter comes following a 9 per cent jump in tourist visits in 2024, according to Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Dubai sees rising visitors ' We had about 18.72 million (overnight visitors) that came into Dubai. And so far, the first quarter of this year is 3 per cent ahead, which means we keep raising the benchmark,' Issam Kazim, CEO of DCTCM, told a press conference on the occasion of unveiling plans on the forthcoming Arabian Travel Market (ATM). Kazim said Dubai is proud to continue its long-term strategic collaboration with the internationally renowned Arabian Travel Market as its host destination. 'The success of Dubai's tourism sector is a testament to visionary leadership and the strength of longstanding public-private partnerships – a model that continues to propel us forward. 'Major events like ATM are pivotal to our tourism strategy, as we look beyond traditional tourism pathways by driving innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and new economic opportunities,' he said. Kazim said the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism will be joined by more than 125 stakeholders at ATM 2025, showcasing its dynamic ecosystem and the collaborative spirit that defines the city's approach to tourism. 'Together, we look forward to engaging with global leaders and industry experts, exchanging insights, exploring transformative trends, and forming new partnerships that will shape the future of travel and tourism,' he said. The high-profile annual tourism event brings together professionals and leaders from all travel sectors and verticals including leisure, business events (MICE), luxury and corporate travel sector. The event, which is expected to secure $2.5 billion in industry deals, enables participants to forge global networks and discover emerging opportunities and innovations in the travel and tourism ecosystem. ATM to showcase tourism trends ATM 2025 will showcase over 2,800 exhibiting companies with 17 per cent from the Middle East and 83 per cent from the rest of the world, and is expected to welcome 55,000 attendees from 161 countries. The 32nd edition of ATM will focus on the theme: 'Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow's Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity', exploring how the future of tourism will be shaped by connectivity across borders, industries, and communities. The theme will be reflected across all show verticals, from the ATM Conference programme and ATM Travel Tech to exclusive networking events and the diverse portfolio of global exhibitors showcased. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director for the Middle East, Arabian Travel Market, said connectivity is increasingly recognised as the driving force behind the future of travel and tourism. 'Tourism evolves as the world connects, and now, more than ever, collaboration among key stakeholders, including governments, airlines, travel agencies, hospitality leaders, and local communities, has become essential to shaping a thriving and more sustainable industry,' he said. Curtis said this year's show is expected to see notable growth in participation from key regions, including Asia, which is the fastest-growing region at ATM with a projected 20 per cent year-on-year increase in exhibitors, the Middle East, which has increased by over 15 per cent and Europe, up by over 12 per cent.
