By Staff Reporter
Dubai has reinforced its status as one of the world’s busiest events destinations, with tourism leaders highlighting how the emirate’s long-term development strategy continues to drive growth across tourism, hospitality, retail, and investment sectors.
Speaking during the first quarterly partner meeting of 2026 at the Dubai Opera, officials from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) said lessons learned from the 2008 global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic have strengthened the city’s ability to respond rapidly to challenges while maintaining close collaboration with private-sector partners.
Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), reaffirmed Dubai’s commitment to the ambitious Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), describing it as a data-driven roadmap focused on sustainable economic expansion and sector diversification.
Kazim outlined four key tourism objectives: increasing international visitor arrivals, extending the average length of stay, boosting visitor spending, and encouraging repeat travel to the emirate.
He emphasized the critical role played by Emirates and flydubai in supporting Dubai’s global connectivity, noting the aviation sector’s remarkable flexibility during periods of disruption. According to Kazim, authorities have previously coordinated runway operations within 15-minute intervals to safely suspend and resume flights when necessary.
Highlighting Dubai’s economic resilience, DET officials referenced the government’s earlier financial support measures, including an initial AED 1 billion stimulus package that was later expanded to AED 2.5 billion. The programme provided vital support to retailers, hospitality operators, small and medium-sized enterprises, and the events industry.
Kazim added that international investor confidence in Dubai remains strong, with global business leaders regularly visiting the emirate to assess its safety standards, infrastructure, and investment environment firsthand.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Alkhaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), confirmed that Dubai’s events and retail calendar will remain active throughout the summer season. He announced a new 12-week retail promotion beginning on July 2, offering shoppers who spend more than AED 500 at participating outlets a weekly opportunity to win a residential property in Dubai through a digital draw.
The announcements underscore Dubai’s continued focus on leveraging major events, tourism, and retail initiatives to strengthen its position as a leading global destination while supporting long-term economic growth.
Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)
