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Mohammed opens Arabian Travel Market 2012

Mohammed bin Rashid inspects the DTCM pavilion

UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated the 19th edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) at the Dubai World Trade Center today.

following the ribbon cutting ceremony marking the official opening of the leading travel event, Sheikh Mohammed toured various pavilions accompanied by Dubai Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chief Executive of Emirates Group Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

The travel and tourism event draws its importance from unlocking business potential within the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. Tourism destinations from the Middle East and around the world showcase a diverse range of accommodation options, breathtaking tourism attractions and new airline routes.

Beginning his tour, Sheikh Mohammed stopped at the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) pavilion where he was briefed on efforts to boost tourism in the UAE through the department’s offices in Germany and France.

Next stop for Sheikh Mohammed was the Meydan pavilion where future plans to turn Nad Al Sheba area into an exceptional tourist attraction were unveiled. Unique hotels, resorts in addition to sports and entertainment city-like facilities will be built in Meydan.

Sheikh Mohammed was keen to visit the pavilions of national carriers in the UAE as he stopped at the stands of Emirates airlines, Etihad Airways and flydubai, and was briefed on the latest services and future projects.

Sheikh Mohammed’s tour included the pavilions of participating Arab countries where he visited the stands of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Lebanon, Egypt and Kuwait. He also stopped at local pavilions including Sharjah and Ajman before moving on to observe participations by India, Thailand, Indonesia, Argentina, Nigeria and many  other countries.

During his tour in the mega event, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on projects by Dubai Properties Group, Jumeirah Group, Port Rashid and DTCM.

Sheikh Mohammed met with tourism ministers from participating countries and high-profile officials welcoming them to the UAE. He stressed the importance of bolstering tourism ties between countries of the world as a cornerstone for developing social and cultural bonds.

Highlighting the significance of the Arabian Travel Market, Sheikh Mohammed underlined that the UAE will remain a bridge linking east with west and a platform for countries to showcase their cultural heritage

The four-day 2012 ATM event saw the participation of 250 exhibitors from around 90 countries.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Director General of the Dubai Department of Information Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Minister of Youth, Culture and Community Development Abdul Rahman Mohammed Nassir Al Owais, Director of Dubai Ruler's Court Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shebani, Director General of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing Khalid Ahmed bin Sulayem in addition to heads of government departments.

Monday, April 30, 2012