Issam Kazim: Dubai welcomes international travelers

Chief Executive Officer at Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM) Issam Kazim shared his insight on the Russian tourism market and the current situation in the Emirate.

What are your expectations for the Russian tourism market with the resumption of international flights between Russia, CIS and the UAE?

Dubai is ready to welcome tourists from all our source markets including Russia in line with the staggered and tentative restart of travel across the world. Dubai Tourism will continue with its multi-pronged engagement with the trade in Russia, as well as 360 integrated campaigns to further highlight the city’s multi-faceted touristic appeal, as well as showcasing it as one of the world’s safest destinations.  We are also encouraged by the resumption of passenger flights between UAE, Russia and CIS countries including Emirates and flydubai, further enhancing the prospects for attracting more tourists from these markets. With the gradual opening of markets we will focus on the key elements that have ensured the industry’s success in the past – our commitment to creating unique value and delivering the best guest experience. As we further consolidate the industry momentum that is underway, we also expect to see good progress in the last quarter of 2020 based on strong growth strategies that we have adopted to accelerate momentum ahead of the full reopening of the sector.

What are the precautionary measures applied in the Emirate to ensure the health and safety of the tourists and residents?

Dubai and the UAE are fortunate to have very decisive leadership in tackling the pandemic with the health and safety of people being made the number one priority right from the start of the outbreak.  Dubai has established a wide range of protocols to protect its residents and visitors including stringent preventive measures across all tourism touchpoints. An effective testing and tracing programme launched by the UAE has led to more than 11 million screenings by October 2020, making it one of the top countries in terms of responding to COVID-19 and carrying out the highest number of tests per million people. To recognise and foster industry-wide compliance, Dubai Tourism rolled out the ‘DUBAI ASSURED’ stamp to certify and recognise hotels and retail establishments, F&B outlets and attractions that have implemented all public health protocols for the prevention and management of COVID-19. Dubai’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and safety in line with international best practices also received a strong endorsement from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which gave the city a ‘Safe Travels’ stamp in recognition of the stringent  measures taken to combat COVID-19.

How do you keep on developing the Emirate to impress the foreigners? Any new attractions or landmarks coming up soon that you would like to highlight?

Dubai Tourism continues to work closely with its stakeholders and partners to explore ways of boosting tourism growth through a coordinated approach by showcasing the diversity of offerings, to ensure that Dubai remains at the forefront of the world’s leading travel destinations. Some of the recent developments in Dubai’s tourism landscape are:

The Pointe, Dubai’s premier lifestyle and dining destination by Nakheel Malls, is gearing up to launch the world’s largest fountain. ‘The Palm Fountain’, Palm Jumeirah’s latest waterfront attraction, will attempt to break a Guinness World Records™ title on Thursday, 22 October 2020, during its inaugural launch event. Spread over 14,000 sq meters of sea water, the fountain’s super shooter will stand tall at 105 metres and come alive with over 3,000 LED lights. The Palm Fountain will have 20 bespoke shows with five different shows running daily between sunset to midnight (7pm to 12am) while swaying to an array of popular songs including Khaleeji, pop, classic, international and more. Each show will last for three minutes and will be performed every 30 minutes.

The final piece of the facade of the iconic Museum of the Future, considered the world's most innovative building, was recently installed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The Museum will be a prominent display of futuristic architecture. The 17,000 sq m facade is made up of 1024 robot-made pieces and features some special quotes of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The Museum of the Future is considered an unparalleled urban icon around the world and won the Tikla International Building Award for its unique architectural model.

Ain Dubai, which is expected to be completed in December of this year, will be the world’s tallest observation wheel. Standing at over 210 metres high, the structure will be over 200 percent taller than the first ever Ferris wheel, demonstrating Meraas’ continuous desire to push the boundaries of what’s possible with modern engineering and construction. Located on Bluewaters Island and accessible from the Island, the Ferris wheel design is bordered by shopping malls, restaurants, residences and a souk. Ain Dubai showcases Dubai's beautiful coastline and Dubai Marina's impressive skyline, as well as views of the city's famous landmarks such as Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Khalifa. Its base will serve as an entertainment zone with a large LED screen mounted on the wheel.