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business district and primarily Hispanic residen- Business travelers can also enjoy a plethora SkiftX: How is Abu Dhabi taking the needs of the capital, but has been conserved to preserve
tial neighborhoods, where locals and visitors can of unique activities outside of the halls and locals into consideration in how it develops its rich historic value. It will also feature new
explore local art and culture. conference rooms, such as the theme parks of its public spaces and infrastructure? exhibition spaces with the very latest technology
Yas Island, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the heritage and will serve as a focal point for the community
On a more global scale, the Saadiyat Cultural of Qasr Al Hosn, the magnificence of the Sheikh Al Dhaheri: As the city continues to build assets and a new option for meetings and events.
District in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates Zayed Grand Mosque, the aforementioned and capabilities to enhance the Abu Dhabi
is home to world-class cultural facilities, ranging Falcon Hospital, the sprawling Al Ain Oasis, and experience for both residents and visitors, much The core mission of the Department of Culture and
from The Louvre Abu Dhabi to The Guggenheim our famed desert safaris, as well as the Emirati of the new infrastructure that’s being developed Tourism – Abu Dhabi is to promote and protect
Abu Dhabi. In effect, the region is designed to Experiences initiative. has to serve a dual purpose. Not only do these the heritage sites that embody this history of our
bring the East and West closer together around places have to offer new and unique venues for region so that they can inform future generations
arts and culture defining how people interpret SkiftX: What are some common misconcep- business events, but these venues have to offer and engage the communities in which they sit.
place to define their identities. tions about the city? something for residents to engage with after This goes hand-in-hand with our remit to position
business is “concluded.” Abu Dhabi’s product Abu Dhabi as a destination of distinction, which
This is transformative placemaking on an unprec- Al Dhaheri: There are a lot of misconceptions strategy, for instance, is to develop several is attractive to meeting and event planners and
edented level, bringing together governments, about safety in this region. According to a recent distinct districts, with clear value propositions business and leisure travelers.
private industry, cultural organizations, and local survey from CEOWORLD magazine, Abu Dhabi for visitors across all three regions of the Emirate.
community groups to create a new narrative for is actually the safest city in the world. Numbeo, For example, Manarat Al Saadiyat at Saadiyat
the region. a website that curates global data about cities Island is one such identified district. It not only
and countries, also found that it had a crime provides a unique venue for business-related
index of just 11.74 –– any city below a score of 20 events, but also serves as a cultural and artistic
is considered very safe. Also, while Abu Dhabi is hub for Abu Dhabi residents year-round through
often associated with high-end luxury, it does exhibitions, workshops, and outreach projects,
not mean the city is overly expensive for tourists. as well as internationally renowned events such
Many hotels offer affordable packages and room as Abu Dhabi Art.
rates to visitors, especially outside of peak season.
To learn more about how Abu Dhabi is bringing SkiftX: How does this new development
these different groups together and what the SkiftX: How is the city adapting to meet balance the local heritage and culture while
city’s new narrative means for meeting planners the unique needs of meeting planners and still innovating and looking toward the future?
and attendees, SkiftX spoke to Sultan Al Mutawa attendees?
Al Dhaheri, executive director, tourism sector, of Al Dhaheri: Manarat Al Saadiyat is one good
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture & Tourism: Al Dhaheri: As part of the Department of Culture example. Another is Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest
and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the structure in the city of Abu Dhabi. It recently
SkiftX: How is Abu Dhabi differentiating itself Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau has launched its opened after being completely renovated as a
from other cities in the region, such as Dubai, Advantage Abu Dhabi program, an incentive tourism and cultural destination in the heart of
when it comes to meetings and events? initiative designed to increase Abu Dhabi’s value
proposition and provide support through the
Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri: The appeal of entire event planning cycle.
Abu Dhabi as a preferred destination for meeting
and event organizers can be mainly attributed to This financial injection fund works to incentivize
the quality services, facilities, and unique visitor and inspire local, regional, and international
experiences it offers. entrepreneurs, institutions, and the business
community to anchor a variety of best-in-class
The facilities are located in some of the biggest events in Abu Dhabi.
and best hotels in the world, including Emirates
Palace, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, St. Regis Hotel Abu Dhabi already offers accessibility, safety,
Saadiyat Island, and the Yas Hotel, as well as the affordability, support, and a uniqueness of location
purpose-built Abu Dhabi National Exhibition and innovative venues with cutting-edge technol-
Centre (ADNEC) –– the most modern facility of ogy. We’re adding to the infrastructure through
its type in the Arabian Gulf. There are also some further developments which are designed to Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri
stand-out alternative venues, such as the Abu enhance the holistic Abu Dhabi experience, as Executive Director, Tourism Sector,
Dhabi Falcon Hospital and the state-of-the-art well as provide new and unique venues to hold Department of Culture & Tourism - Abu Dhabi
Yas Marina Circuit. business events.

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