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His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, today officially inaugurated Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, signalling the commencement of the 30th edition of the Middle East’s biggest travel and tourism exhibition.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed affirmed that Dubai, under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has transformed into a major investment hub and a launch pad for regional and global companies, enabling them to establish and promote various economic activities.
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The task before the UAE's travel and hospitality industry is a straightforward one - how can the gains and favourable trends that came together in the last two years be sustained?
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Building new hotels and adding more aircraft are two obvious answers. Because there is no denying the swell of demand that exists from the world over to travel to and stay in the UAE. And there is more to it than just the ongoing geopolitics. Above, visitors at Emirates stand on the day one of Arabian Travel Market 2023 at Dubai World Trade Centre.
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Those hotels are certainly being built. And at varying levels of opulence and customised services attached to them. Above, visitors at Abu Dhabi stand.
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Dubai has its One&Only One Za'beel and Ras Al Khaimah has its Wynn. Abu Dhabi is curating its share of memorable experiences on Yas Island and elsewhere. (Kevin Hart, the Shaq and now, Jason Momoa would attest to that.)
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In Saudi Arabia, the 'giga' rush continues. If Giga projects were what took everyone's breath away with their sheer expansiveness, this year's ATM shows how the developments will fit the various pieces to create an integrated tourism industry for the Kingdom. Above, visitors looking at new business class seats by Saudia airlines on the first day of ATM 2023.
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Holiday homes are taking on more importance in other emirates, with Ajman being the latest to confirm a defined set of rules. A welter of options opens up for the visitor to the UAE shores, and so does all manner of pricing.
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Meanwhile, anticipation builds up for a Saudi entity that's just come into being - Riyadh Air. How will this new airline, launch dates for which are yet to be announced, shape or reshape the Gulf's airline industry?
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That will take a little longer to come into sight, but for now, Arabian Travel Market 2023 has an answer to every other industry crystal-gazing exercise.
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Visitors getting photographed at Kyrgyzstan pavilion.
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Visitors at Abu Dhabi stand on the day one of Arabian Travel Market 2023.
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Indian Ambassador Sanjay Sudhir visiting Air India pavilion on the opening day of ATM 2023.
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