Emirates Partners with Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism to encourage more visits and boost tourism to the emirate

Dubai UAE

Sallam Sallam

Emirates and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost tourist numbers across the airline’s global network. The new partnership is part of the airline’s commitment to promote tourism to the UAE by aligning activities with other tourism partners and capitalising on opportunities to encourage visitors to experience more than one destination in the UAE during their stay.  

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at Arabian Travel Market by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer and H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism, at DCT Abu Dhabi.

Under the MoU, Emirates and DCT Abu Dhabi will work closely to explore and implement promotional activities as well as bespoke packages for tour operators and the wider travel trade in key markets across the airline’s network to encourage visits to Abu Dhabi as part of their overall UAE holiday. The two partners will also collaborate on advertising and cross promotional marketing campaigns, familiarisation programmes for travel trade and media, as well as promotional competitions. 

Adnan Kazim, Emirates Chief Commercial Officer said: “We are delighted to be working closely with DCT Abu Dhabi to help boost visitation. We are well-positioned to support the development of tourism to Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE through our network of nearly 130 global destinations. We are committed to promoting our home base, the UAE, as a travel and tourism hub, with its rich array of attractions and line-up of experiences and events that showcase the best of what all seven emirates have to offer. Our partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi will promote sustainable growth of inbound visitors and ensures they are able to experience the capital’s unique cultural landmarks, modern family attractions and beautiful natural landscapes.”

HE Saleh Mohamed Saleh Al Geziry, the Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi said, “As we announce this strategic partnership with Emirates, we look forward to working together to cement Abu Dhabi’s position as a must-visit destination. From thrills and adventures that can be found at our captivating experiences and theme parks such as Warner Brothers Abu Dhabi, to leading museums such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We can’t wait to share our Abu Dhabi story with the world.”

Tourism is one of the key pillars of the UAE Economy. It also plays a large role in the diversification of the country’s economy. In 2021, the Emirates Tourism Council was formed to strengthen the UAE’s tourism portfolio, through collaboration across all local tourism authorities and departments in the emirates with the aim to enhance the UAE’s position as a preferred global destination.  The UAE’s tourism sector is expected to contribute to 5.4% of the nation’s total GDP, or AED 116.1 billion (USD 31.6 billion) and is forecasted to support over 1 million jobs by 2027. 

 About Emirates 

Emirates is the world’s largest international airline helping to connect Dubai to the world, and the world to Dubai. In 2021, the airline rebuilt its global network, and today operates close to 130 destinations, on over 140 Boeing 777s and more than 60 A380s. Living up to its ‘Fly Better’ promise, Emirates continues to lead the industry in customer care initiatives, including providing generous and flexible booking options, supporting loyal Skywards members as they back to the skies, digital on ground initiatives and comprehensive health and safety measures across the travel journey. 

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the DCT Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the DCT Abu Dhabi’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture, tourism and creative industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.