The authorities in Dubai merged tourism and economy departments hoping to reach the target of attracting 25 million tourists in 2025.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has issued a decision to merge Dubai Economy and Dubai Tourism into one entity under the name ‘Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism’.
His Highness also issued a decision appointing Helal Al Marri as Director-General of the newly formed Department.
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His Highness said: “The newly formed Department seeks to support the economic and tourism transformations taking place in the emirate. It will adopt the same competitiveness and efficiency of the private sector and work together with it on various development projects.”
“Dubai’s economy has witnessed different phases of development throughout its history, which has helped shape the city’s current status as a model for economic development and a preferred destination for tourism. Today, our ambitions have grown bigger and our priorities have changed. Raising our global competitiveness requires new ways of thinking,” His Highness added.
His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, complemented the move and said it will enhance competitiveness of the emirate. He said in a tweet, “ During the previous period, the two departments played a pivotal role in consolidating Dubai as an economic and tourist capital. The next stage requires a high competitiveness of the Emirate, which requires complete harmony between the two sectors.”
The new department’s goals will be to expand foreign trade and reach 25 million tourists in 2025 and further enhance the UAE’s development.
The new department will encourage private sector companies and family businesses to list in Dubai’s financial markets and stock exchanges.
It will also work to attract 100,000 companies in three years, promoting an increase in the added value of the industrial sector by 150 per cent in five years and expanding foreign export markets for local products by 50 per cent. (AW)
