Bringing Travel into the Future at Skift Global Forum East
Dec 7, 2023
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His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism, speaks with Skift's CEO on Dubai's emphasis on security, efficiency, hospitality, and wellness. They discuss the 20-minute city concept, Dubai's 2040 master plan, and efforts in improving walkability. Additionally, they explore the growth and potential of the Middle East region, including the positive impact of the World Cup in Qatar.
Dubai's success in tourism is due to its focus on resident happiness and clear plans for growth.
Dubai prioritizes wellness, sustainability, and innovation to create a thriving and environmentally conscious city.
Deep dives
Dubai's Success in Tourism and Economy
Dubai's success in tourism and driving the economy is attributed to factors such as security, healthcare, and infrastructure. The city's focus on the happiness of its residents and clear, numbers-driven plans have made it an attractive place to live and work. The leadership's commitment to efficiency and hospitality has created an environment where both commerce and tourism thrive. Dubai's emphasis on satisfaction, authentic experiences, and attention to small details have helped it become a top destination for tourists worldwide.
Dubai's Focus on Wellness and Sustainability
Dubai has prioritized wellness and sustainability initiatives to create a city focused on the well-being of its residents and visitors. The government has invested in infrastructure to promote fitness and movement, with initiatives such as the Dubai Fitness Challenge and cycling tracks. The city also aims to become carbon neutral by 2050 and has implemented measures to track and reduce carbon footprint. Sustainability is seen as a collaborative effort involving hotels, the tourism sector, and government regulations, with initiatives like reducing single-use plastic and promoting water filtration systems.
Dubai's Approach to Innovation and Collaboration
Dubai embraces innovation and collaboration, recognizing the importance of staying ahead in emerging industries. The city has established leadership roles and entities dedicated to AI, crypto, and other technologies, ensuring they permeate through all sectors. Dubai actively encourages startups and provides a conducive ecosystem for them to thrive, attracting international talent and driving innovation in travel tech. The collaboration between the private and public sectors has been instrumental in Dubai's growth, and the city sees itself as a hub for startups and a center for innovation in the Middle East.
As we prepare to return to Dubai on December 12-14, we're revisiting a few of the most popular sessions.
This episode of the Skift Travel Podcast is a rebroadcast of a session that took place at Skift Global Forum East in December of last year: His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism, speaks with Rafat Ali, Founder & CEO of Skift, on the topic of "Bringing Travel into the Future".
Visit live.skift.com for info on how to attend or view Skift Global Forum East 2023.
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