Category: Industry

ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), reaffirmed its commitment to further developing the emirate’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector with the renewal of its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China MICE Advisory Group at a signing ceremony on 21 November at Louvre Abu Dhabi.

The China MICE Advisory Group, a committee of key Chinese MICE trade partners and media, was established by ADCEB in 2019 to gain insights into MICE and business travel trends unique to the dynamic Chinese market. As the first-ever dedicated advisory committee in China created in partnership with ADCEB, its formation reflects ADCEB’s proactive approach to engaging with the growing outbound MICE sector from China.

The China market ranks among Abu Dhabi’s top source markets for tourism and MICE, reflecting a strong bilateral relationship. As the demand for outbound MICE in China increases, approac
hing levels comparable to the country’s outbound leisure market, a substantial surge in outbound Chinese MICE is expected in 2024.

Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director-General for Tourism, DCT Abu Dhabi, said, ‘Our thriving partnerships with China and a proven track record of attracting tourists and business travellers to Abu Dhabi underscores the strength of this partnership. This renewal will enable us to continue to share knowledge and strategically plan for our tourism future, in line with our commitment to promoting and preserving the emirate’s heritage, culture and tourism assets. Our continued collaboration empowers our efforts while significantly contributing to the growth of inbound visitors from China, solidifying Abu Dhabi as a destination of choice globally.’

As part of Abu Dhabi’s broader efforts to boost international MICE arrivals from China, the partnership aims to incentivise MICE visitors to prolong their stays in the UAE capital. Simultaneously, it seeks to promote awareness of the capital’s
distinctive attractions and its exceptional capacity for hosting world-leading business events.

In August 2023, the UAE officially joined the BRICS group, further amplifying its status and opening avenues for strategic trade partnerships, particularly with China. This membership brings enhanced economic cooperation and global business recognition, acting as a catalyst for business events and conferences in Abu Dhabi. The benefits span increased trade and investment opportunities, participation in multilateral platforms, and a diversification of international partnerships.

Chinese tourists with a valid passport can enter the UAE visa-free and stay for 30 days. Abu Dhabi businesses are incorporating an array of initiatives to support Chinese visitors, including seamless and convenient digital payment experiences. For example, the recent collaboration (October 2023) between WeChat Pay and Magnati has empowered businesses in Abu Dhabi to integrate WeChat Pay through the Magnati platform. In another development,
Alipay+ has been introduced in nearly 7,000 taxis across Abu Dhabi as of November 2023, courtesy of a partnership between Alipay+ and Payby/Astra Tech. This collaboration ensures that the Payby merchant network based in the UAE can now accept six partner e-wallets of Alipay+, catering to tourists from China, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, and Italy.

Abu Dhabi’s visibility on the global stage is on the rise, drawing businesses and investors and fostering knowledge and technology exchange. ADCEB, in parallel, is actively promoting the Advantage Abu Dhabi Meetings and Incentives 2.0 programme, targeted at corporates and intermediaries, offering value-added benefits to corporate groups choosing Abu Dhabi as their MICE destination. Elevating the overall experience for meeting planners and incentive groups, it positions Abu Dhabi as an attractive and convenient choice for both incentive groups and meeting planners.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI: The Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) has released a comprehensive report delineating the challenges impeding the growth of Dubai’s medical care sector, the strategic factors enhancing its competitiveness, and the opportunities available for women in this crucial industry.

The findings were drawn from the third industry-specific round-table meeting, focusing on the medical care services sector. The meeting featured Dr. Ibtisam Al Bastaki, Director of Investment and Partnership at the Dubai Health Authority, and council members active in the medical care field.

Key trends within the medical care sector were explored, pinpointing major challenges such as the necessity for detailed sector opportunity studies, clear policy and governance frameworks, strategies to retain qualified and skilled personnel, the vital role of public-private partnerships, development of mental health practice policies, and simplifying licensing procedures.

Attendees unanimously agreed on the need to integrate technology and
innovation to bolster the sector’s competitiveness and growth. They emphasized the necessity for strategic alliances between private enterprises and prominent government bodies like the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) and Dubai Silicon Oasis to advance the concept of smart hospitals. Additionally, digital medical service startup owners highlighted the importance of engaging with broader population segments for effective health management.

The attendees recognized the increasing demand for mental health and rehabilitation services. They emphasized the critical need for investments in future trends that will solidify Dubai’s reputation as a leading destination for medical tourism and a centre for medical expertise and talent.

Participants also spoke highly of the collaboration between public and private sectors and its role in enhancing Dubai’s health sector performance, particularly in areas such as dialysis, rehabilitation centres, physiotherapy, and post-traumatic treatment management. The
y lauded this partnership, describing it as a cornerstone for serving all professionals in the health sector and stimulating private sector investments in healthcare.

Dr. Ibtisam Al Bastaki emphasised that it is no surprise to anyone that Dubai’s endeavours to promote healthcare standards and services have been significant. These efforts have been instrumental in establishing Dubai as a renowned destination for medical tourism globally, particularly in specialized areas such as plastic surgery, dentistry, fertility treatments, rehabilitation centres, psychological care, and orthopedics.

Dr. Al Bastaki highlighted that it is the innovation in medical services that distinguishes Dubai, positioning it at the forefront of cities utilizing modern technology to meet medical needs and provide exceptional care to the residents of the Emirate of Dubai.

For her part, Nadine Halabi, Business Development Manager at DBWC, noted that the discussions during the round-table meeting were interactive and productive. They he
lped paint a clearer picture of the medical care sector, outlining its opportunities as well as challenges and acting as a roadmap for advancing innovative medical practices in Dubai.

Halabi added that the issues discussed were highly important for boosting the competitiveness of DBWC members. She reaffirmed that the Council is committed to providing resources that facilitate investment in members’ capabilities and skills, which includes introducing them to essential expertise and information needed for developing their businesses and honing their skills in a globally competitive work environment. Halabi noted that the Council is constantly organizing specialized business workshops that cater to the needs of all members.

During the discussion, attendees explored the workforce challenges within the industry, including the retention of nurses, the return on investment in capacity building, standardization of salaries and licensing procedures, and the necessity for clear career pathways. A range of solutions w
ere proposed to tackle these issues, notably the introduction of incentives, offering golden visas, and developing comprehensive plans to retain trained medical professionals.

These discussions fall under the Dubai Business Women Council’s initiatives designed to heighten the business acumen of businesswomen, entrepreneurs, and professionals in the community. The series aims to boost market study skills, identify opportunities, and explore mechanisms to capitalize on them effectively.

Source: Emirates News Agency

SHARJAH: The highly anticipated Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) 2024, which opens its doors to thousands of guests and attendees this weekend, continues to build on its stellar speaker lineup with the likes of Andrés Iniesta Luján, and the Spacetoon Family. While hailing from sectors as diverse as sports and art, these icons share a passion for being extraordinary.

It is their passion for excellence which fuelled remarkable careers and inspiring stories, which they will be sharing with thousands of attendees of the two-day festival themed ‘Our Shared Canvas’, which is taking place on February 3 – 4 in Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP).

Andres Iniesta Luján, a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for UAE Pro League club Emirates, gained immense fame during his time with Barcelona from 2002-2018 and with the Spanish national team from 2006-2018. He will be leading an insightful QA, powered by Sharjah Islamic Bank, on the first day of SEF 2024, sharing his lif
e’s journey as a young football player who realized his dream of being a 9 time winner of FIFA FIFPro World XI and reaching the top and becoming one of the greatest midfielders of all time.

Adding to the vibrant lineup, the Spacetoon Family, consisting of five talented members, will hold a captivating concert filled with nostalgia and childhood memories.

In addition, SEF 2024 will host esteemed speakers such as HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar Al Saud, President of the International Esports Federation (IESF); Mohammed Al Abbar, founder of EMAAR Properties; director and filmmaker Nadine Labaki; Steven Bartlett, founder of ‘Social Chain’ and popular podcast ‘The Diary of a CEO’; Chris Barton, the visionary behind Shazam; renowned content creator Hassan Aboflah Suleiman; human rights advocate and entrepreneur Jessica Kahawaty; and celebrated travel content creator Joe Hattab, among others.

The festival, which features over 200 speakers and 50+ events designed to unlock fresh ideas and collaboration, is organised
by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), which has consistently fostered innovation and growth opportunities for its thriving community of entrepreneurs, through a series of programmes, initiatives and collaborations.

Source: Emirates News Agency

SHARJAH: Expo Centre Sharjah (ECS) and the Italian Artex group, an institutional member of the World Crafts Council and organiser of the Italian stand at the 53rd Watch Jewellery Middle East Show, discussed expanding joint efforts to attract a higher number of Italian exhibitors to future editions of the Show, boosting participation at the stand to more than 60 companies. The two sides also touched on enhancing the Sharjah business community’s engagement in Italian exhibitions.

During the Watch Jewellery Middle East Show, hosted by ECS through February 4, Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, met with Sauro Servadei, Communication Director, Internationalisation Area, Artex, and several officials from both sides. The meeting reviewed the outcomes of Italian companies’ participation in the Show over the last several years and discussed the event’s role in boosting the presence of Italian companies in UAE markets, raising their market shares.

The officials also discussed organising joint events a
nd providing investors and exhibition visitors from both countries with high-level services and advantages. They explored the possibility of cooperating to encourage Italian exhibitors to take part in the second Emirates Perfumes and Oud Exhibition, which will be organised by ECS from October 4 to 13, 2024.

Saif Mohammed Al Midfa welcomed the visiting delegation, noting that Artex has been one of the Show’s main partners for over 20 years, playing a key role in increasing the turnout of Italian companies. Through participating, these companies have witnessed numerous successes and watched their sales grow. Al Midfa especially attributed this to the Italian jewellery sector’s famous gold craftsmanship and premium-quality jewellery, which make it a top choice for numerous Gulf and Emirati consumers.

For his part, Sauro Servadei expressed his pleasure in the magnificent turnout at the Italian pavilion, where Italy’s finest and most famous companies and brands have gathered alongside elite designers and big nam
es in Italian gold and jewellery. He highlighted the pavilion’s opulent jewellery selection, which reflects the refinement and excellence of the Italian industry.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI: dnata has announced that it partnered with Visit Barbados as it aims to attract more travellers from the GCC region.

The official tourism authority of the Caribbean island country is reporting an impressive 32 percent increase in travellers from the GCC in 2023, compared to the previous year.

Latest passenger arrivals demonstrate notable growth in travel to Barbados from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

Visit Barbados has appointed Dubai-based dnata Representation Services as its exclusive sales, marketing, and PR representative in the GCC, to bring the latest news, exclusive rates, bespoke itineraries and more from the destination to travellers in the region.

Rakhi Purohit, Head of Representation Services at dnata, commented, ‘We are proud to partner with Visit Barbados and look forward to promoting the island as a high-value, sophisticated and multi-faceted destination.’

Barbados Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, said, ‘Barbados presents an alluring long-haul
holiday destination from the GCC.’

Source: Emirates News Agency

SHARJAH: In a commitment to fuel technological innovation and entrepreneurial advancement, the multinational real estate development company, EMAAR, has announced its partnership with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF), organised by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), and taking place from 3-4 February 2024.

This multifaceted partnership includes sponsoring the ‘Startup Town’, one of 5 dedicated zones within the festival which will feature the ‘Founder Stage’, hosting talks and discussions from local and global experts. EMAAR will extend its partnership further by sponsoring the Tech Track for the anticipated SEF Pitch Competition, providing a platform for startups to showcase their ideas and ventures. Additionally, this renowned company will also be hosting one of the workshop halls at SEF 2024 providing specialised workshops and masterclasses from global authorities.

Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar Properties, said: ‘We are thrilled to be a part of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festiva
l 2024. It’s more than just a partnership for us; it’s a chance to be at the heart of innovation and entrepreneurship. With EMAAR’s sponsorship of the ‘Startup Town’ and the Tech Track, we’re setting the stage for tomorrow’s business leaders. This is where ideas meet opportunity, and we’re proud to support these bright minds as they shape the future of business in the UAE and beyond.”

Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sheraa, commented on the partnership, saying, ‘EMAAR’s contribution towards promoting entrepreneurship has been an instrumental force, and is a prime example of how corporate support can power the greater entrepreneurial ecosystem, igniting a vibrant culture of innovation and enterprise across the UAE and beyond. Their valued partnership is a crucial component of SEF 2024, the region’s largest entrepreneurship festival, and it is through such profound and enduring commitments that initiatives such as this festival thrive. SEF also provides a globally visible platform that shows the true impact that corpor
ate partnerships can have on entrepreneurship as we form collaboration through common goals, and collectively empower the growth of future-defining ventures.’

The ‘Startup Town’ at SEF 2024 will serve as a vibrant mini-ecosystem, featuring engaging discussions, pitch competitions, workshops, and direct feedback from industry leaders. Within this founder-focused space, dedicated areas will facilitate networking, mentorship, and showcase emerging startups from across the region, and the exclusive ‘Investor Lounge’ will offer startups unique opportunities for one-on-one conversations with leading investors and accomplished founders.

Additionally, EMAAR’s Startup Town will exemplify the power of collaboration through the ‘Canadian Pavilion,’ hosted by Toronto Metropolitan University’s ‘DMZ,’ and the ‘EDT Tech Pavilion ,’ hosted by ED Partners, dedicated to envisioning the future of the education sector, will showcase leading startups from Canada and the EdTech industry, respectively.

The Founder Stage will be
a nucleus of insightful talks, discussions, and activities, curated to revolve around founder-centric themes. Attendees will be able to gain invaluable knowledge on raising capital, scaling startups, cofounder dynamics, and industry-focused topics, presented by the world’s leading minds.

Notably, attendees have the unique privilege to glean insights from H.E. Mohamed Al Abbar, EMAAR’s founder, in a talk titled ‘Towering Success: What it Takes to Build a Business Empire,’ where he will share his journey to becoming a titan in the business world and what it takes to excel in creating a successful enterprise.

EMAAR’s influence will extend beyond established businesses, with sponsorship of the SEF Pitch Competition’s Tech Track, enabling emerging startups to pitch to industry experts for a chance to secure funding and support through a grant of AED 50,000, along with other exciting perks.

The five pioneering startups in the Tech Track will be HireSmart AI, AR Engineering, Holofair, Jalebi, and Viewit – embodyi
ng the technological ingenuity that will be showcased at SEF 2024, and a testament to EMAAR’s commitment to nurturing emerging talents and propelling them onto the global stage.

In a holistic approach, EMAAR will also sponsor one of the workshop halls at the SEF Academy, where experts from various fields impart essential skills to future leaders. Attendees can anticipate gaining practical insights, honing valuable skills, and navigating the nuances of entrepreneurship from industry experts. The workshop format aims to create an interactive and collaborative learning environment, fostering an exchange of ideas and experiences that will resonate with participants long after the festival concludes.

The 7th annual Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival is set to captivate audiences from February 3-4 at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP). Under the theme of ‘Our Shared Canvas,’ this celebration of entrepreneurship promises an immersive experience as SEF 2024 becomes a hub of ideas and opportu
nities, featuring an impressive lineup of 200 speakers from 15 different countries. For more details and to secure your participation, please visit www.sharjahef.com.

Source: Emirates News Agency