DCT Abu Dhabi and Miral launch new destination vision and strategy for Saadiyat Island

ABU DHABI, The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, today unveiled Saadiyat Island’s new vision, strategy and brand, positioning it as a leading beach, nature and cultural destination, which bolsters the emirate’s tourism sector and supports the diversification of Abu Dhabi’s economy.

This new strategy is set to attract travellers seeking transformative, luxury experiences and drive Saadiyat Vision 2025 which aims to grow domestic, regional, and global visitor numbers, supporting the development of Abu Dhabi’s tourism ecosystem. Saadiyat Island is expected to attract 19 million visitors and contribute AED 4.2 billion in direct tourism revenue by 2025.

As with the strategy, the island’s campaign ‘One Island. Many Journeys.’ and new brand have been designed to capture the essence of Saadiyat and underpin its wealth of offerings. The logo, inspired by the island’s name and the Arabic letter ‘S’, taking the form of the letter in a modern calligraphy style, represents both the island’s rich culture and its modern offerings.

Saleh Mohamed Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Saadiyat Island is undoubtedly one of Abu Dhabi’s finest treasures. It is unmatched anywhere in the world for its stunning natural beaches, world-class arts, cultural, educational, wellness, sporting and F&B experiences. This natural island is home to amazing wildlife and luxury hotels alike and there truly is something for everyone to enjoy, seamlessly fitting into Abu Dhabi’s wider strategy as the destination of choice for global travellers.

We look forward to elevating awareness of Saadiyat’s enriching experiences as part of Abu Dhabi’s wider offering. From culture and entertainment to amazing landmarks and natural landscapes – all within close proximity to one another – Abu Dhabi is a must-visit destination.”

DCT Abu Dhabi recently appointed Miral to oversee the destination management strategy of Saadiyat Island. The two entities have been continuously collaborating on growing the tourism sector in Abu Dhabi, the success of which has led to this renewed partnership.

By showcasing a diverse array of cultural experiences that appeal on a global level, Saadiyat has become a beacon in the cultural tourism ecosystem, which this new partnership seeks to further advance.

Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral, said: “We are honoured and excited to be spearheading Saadiyat Island’s new strategy to position Saadiyat as the destination of choice, providing visitors with enriching luxury experiences. With such a unique offering, from diverse cultural institutions including the iconic Louvre Museum, to pristine white beaches and undisturbed wildlife, Saadiyat Island is well-positioned to boost Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector.”

The island’s ‘One Island. Many Journeys.’ campaign will highlight Saadiyat’s array of offerings, from a world-leading Cultural District, fine dining restaurants, luxury hotels and resorts, and upcoming high-end retail outlets, to a diverse and amazing wildlife ecosystem as well as world-class educational institutions.

Saadiyat is home to the first international outpost of the iconic Louvre Museum, with three more world-class museums set to open in the coming years. The forthcoming Abrahamic House, a future global beacon for tolerance and understanding, will cement the island as a one of the world’s leading cultural centres.

A centre of educational excellence, the prestigious New York University Abu Dhabi is located on the island offering a fully integrated liberal arts and science academic programme. The island also hosts an international outpost of the renowned Berklee School of Music which has an established history of producing Grammy award winners.

With five luxurious waterfront resorts comprising global brands Park Hyatt and St. Regis as well as regional pioneers Jumeirah, Rotana and Rixos, Saadiyat Island will be the destination of choice for discerning travellers. For those seeking an even more exclusive experience, a boutique villa retreat is located on Nurai Island which can be reached in 15 minutes by speedboat from its private pier on Saadiyat Island.

Visitors with a keen interest in sustainability, conservation and responsible tourism can experience Saadiyat’s diverse ecosystem of protected wildlife and marine life which includes endangered hawksbill turtles, humpback and bottlenose dolphins, the native Arabian gazelle and over 300 species of birds.

Saadiyat also hosts a year-round programme of cultural, lifestyle, golf, wellness and culinary events and activities, all within one unique, secluded location.

Source: Emirates News Agency

UAE, Greece trade exchange increase by 67% in 2021

ABU DHABI, The value of trade exchange between the UAE and Greece increased by 67 percent, amounting to over AED2 billion, compared to AED1.2billion in 2020, according to the figures from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), in 2021.

The figures also showed that the top five commodities imported from Greece in 2021 included petroleum and oils obtained from minerals worth AED510 million, tobacco valued at AED134 million, aluminium sheets and plates at AED77 million, building stones at AED67 million, and medicines at AED65 million.

Raw aluminium topped the list of top five commodities exported to Greece last year, valued at AED244 million, while telephones, including telephones for cellular networks or other wireless networks, topped the list with a value of AED124 million.

The figures also showed that the trade exchange between the two countries in 2012 amounted to AED772 million, which increased to AED907 million in 2013. In 2014, this figure was AED841 million, rising to AED991 million in 2015.

In 2016, the value of trade between the two countries amounted to over AED1 billion, and, in 2017, it increased to AED1.18 billion, further rising to AED1.5 billion in 2018 and AED1.67 billion in 2019.

Source: Emirates News Agency

GDP of Emirate of Fujairah reached AED 22 billion: Statistical Yearbook 2021

FUJAIRAH, The GDP of the Emirate of Fujairah reached AED 22 billion while the Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 107.03, according to estimates by the Fujairah Statistics Centre (FSC).

The Statistical Yearbook of Fujairah 2021, which contains 15 chapters of vital sectors’ figures, put the total population of the Emirate of Fujairah at 302,418 people.

Foreign direct trade stood at AED3,750 million and amounted to AED6,467 million through the emirate’s free zone, the Yearbook said.

Figures showed that the emirates hotel establishments welcomed 834,152 guests and flights through Fujairah International Airport totaled 12,758.

The emirates houses 14 banks and 11 money exchange houses.

Workforce in both federal and local governments stood at 16,607. There were 68 public and private schools with a student body of 43,635.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Sharjah-Europe Businesswomen Forum to discuss visions to increase women’s contributions to the national economy

SHARJAH, The Sharjah-Europe Businesswomen Forum is scheduled to start tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) headquarters, bringing together an elite group of high-profile CEOs, experts, entrepreneurs, and renowned speakers to encourage women to start their own businesses, promote an entrepreneurial culture, and increase women’s contributions to the national economy.

Held under the theme “Women’s Entrepreneurship: Be one of them”, the event will be organized by the SCCI in cooperation with the European Women’s Association (EWA).

The first panel discussion, titled “Mapping Sharjah’s Startup Ecosystem,” will examine methods to encourage and empower female entrepreneurs in Sharjah’s business sector in the presence of subject-matter experts, CEOs, and senior executives.

The event will also feature multiple workshops, the first of which will focus on innovative mechanisms for financing women entrepreneurs’ ideas, and the second on how to network like a pro.

Two further sessions will be held to discuss how to pitch to investors and the importance of speaking up in order to stand out (Public speaking workshop on how to speak with impact). The forum will conclude with a “Firechat” in which participants can ask their business role model anything.

The forum will provide Emirati businesswomen with an ideal platform to meet with their European counterparts, share expertise, and learn about the best practices for establishing, managing, and developing businesses by opening communication channels with European women’s business communities as well as discovering new horizons of joint work.

The conference will also examine the UAE’s experience in empowering and supporting Emirati women, who hold prominent roles in a variety of critical industries, including business.

Furthermore, the SCCI will shed light on Sharjah’s most important economic components, its distinctive investment opportunities, and the emirate’s competitive business climate provided to businesswomen and developing enterprises wishing to expand their operations in regional markets from Sharjah.

Source: Emirates News Agency