
Arabian Travel Market 2025 Draws Record-Breaking Global Attendance in Dubai
Held from April 28 to May 1 at Dubai World Trade Centre, the event welcomed more than 2,800 exhibitors, with 81% representing international markets. Organised by RX Global, this year's edition revolved around the theme 'Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow's Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,' focusing on cross-border collaboration and the future of tourism.
The exhibition was inaugurated by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and visited by key UAE leaders, including H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who reviewed highlights of the 2025 edition.
ATM 2025 saw strong regional growth, particularly from Asia, which posted a 20% year-on-year rise in participation. Other regions also showed gains, with Africa up 21%, the Middle East 19%, and Europe 17%. Top international visitor markets included India, Türkiye, the UK, and Egypt.
Technology and innovation took center stage with a 26% expansion in ATM Travel Tech and the debut of a Start-Up and Innovation Zone featuring 21 pioneering companies. The hotel sector also grew by 12%, showcasing all major international chains.
The expanded conference program featured over 70 sessions and more than 200 speakers, including a newly launched Business Events Stage as part of the IBTM@ATM zone, reflecting the growing role of business tourism in the global travel ecosystem.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
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Al Etihad
10 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Mohammed bin Rashid launches new strategic planning cycle aimed at achieving ‘We the UAE 2031 Vision'
6 July 2025 18:20 DUBAI (ALETIHAD)His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, affirmed that proactiveness, future readiness, and strategic planning are key pillars of the distinguished governance model adopted by the UAE model further strengthens the country's global standing in terms of government efficiency and excellence, supports comprehensive and sustainable development across diverse sectors, and accelerates the achievement of targets to advance national visions and Highness said: 'We have launched the new strategic planning cycle for the Federal Government for 2031. This plan prioritises artificial intelligence in government planning, process simplification, resource optimisation, and enhanced financial efficiency. 'While in the past government success was measured by regulatory strength and comprehensive procedures, today it hinges on regulatory agility, streamlined processes, and intelligent resource management, a significantly more complex undertaking. Tools and priorities change, but the unwavering commitment to serve the people of the UAE remains constant,' His Highness added. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed directed teams across ministries and federal government entities to begin developing government strategies based on more innovative and flexible foundations, incorporating artificial intelligence and future technology solutions to accelerate the achievement of goals outlined under the 'We the UAE 2031' Vision.'His Highness issued the directives while launching the new strategic planning cycle titled 'Towards Achieving We the UAE 2031 Vision' in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; His Excellency Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; and Her Excellency Huda Al Hashimi, Head of Strategy and Government Innovation for the UAE Government. Pivotal Phase The new strategic planning cycle marks a pivotal phase in developing strategic planning methodologies within the federal government, aligning plans for governmental work with the We the UAE 2031 Vision through a more intelligent, agile, and responsive approach to change. The new cycle involves 38 federal entities and brings together key public officials, including directors of strategy, future planning, and finance. It adopts the concept of proactive strategic planning as a core component, and is built on key principles including integrating strategic planning with artificial intelligence, simplifying procedures and optimising resource utilisation, activating national initiatives through federal entities' plans, and adopting smart planning to achieve financial efficiency. In this context, the Prime Minister's Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs organised a strategic workshop attended by directors of strategy from ministries and federal government entities. The aim was to introduce salient features of the new cycle, which has been shortened from five years to three years to seamlessly keep pace with rapid global changes and ensure the highest levels of flexibility and capability to accommodate regular plan updates – enhancing government readiness and proactiveness in facing workshop discussed the strategic importance of the new planning model as a pioneering step toward building a smarter, more agile, and proactive planning cycle that reinforces the UAE's leadership as a global model for the government of the future. It also supports the ability of government entities to contribute to the realisation of the nation's future vision. Core ComponentThe workshop reviewed the concept of strategic intelligence underpinning the new cycle and its importance as a core component of the government planning system. It highlighted its role in enabling more effective decision-making through the adoption of advanced analytics, accurate data, and future forecasting tools – allowing decision-makers to understand change and develop proactive plans with integrated performance indicators linked to future challenges and opportunities. The workshop also emphasised the enhancement of performance efficiency and accelerating execution through the updated planning cycle model, which calls for simplifying procedures and reducing administrative requirements, enabling entities to focus on implementing strategic projects rather than daily operational tasks. Collective Quest Participants explored the main features of the new cycle, including innovation, integration among entities, and future readiness, by promoting collective thinking and close cooperation between strategy and finance directors to ensure policy and project alignment with national vision workshop also reviewed the efforts of federal entities to translate the objectives of the We the UAE 2031 Vision into actionable national initiatives and strategies that contribute to building a prosperous and sustainable future. It highlighted several major strategies launched in recent months, most notably the National Cybersecurity Strategy and the National Investment discussed the importance of adoption of new models based on proactive planning and big data analysis to enable entities to anticipate changes and respond to challenges with speed and efficiency. Huda Al Hashimi, Head of Strategy and Government Innovation for the UAE Government, outlined key efforts by federal entities to translate the goals of the We the UAE 2031 Vision into tangible national initiatives and strategies that contribute to building a prosperous and sustainable future. On the occasion, she also recalled various national strategies introduced during the previous planning cycle that had actively boosted future planning, bringing along significant national benefits.


UAE Moments
12 hours ago
- UAE Moments
Do You Qualify for a New Stimulus Check in 2025?
Do You Qualify for Another Stimulus Check? The topic of stimulus checks continues to spark discussions among taxpayers even in 2025. Many are curious about potential new payments under proposals from government officials or wondering about unclaimed payments from previous stimulus rounds issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Below is a detailed breakdown of stimulus check amounts, eligibility criteria, and updates on their status. Understanding the First, Second, and Third Stimulus Checks First Stimulus Check The first stimulus payment, issued in March and April 2020, provided up to $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for married couples. In addition, families received $500 for each qualifying child under the age of 17. Second Stimulus Check The second round of payments, issued by January 15, 2021, included up to $600 per individual, $1,200 for married couples, and $600 for each qualifying child under 17. Third Stimulus Check The third stimulus check, issued between March and December 2021, increased the payment to $1,400 per eligible individual. Married couples filing jointly also received $1,400 for each qualifying dependent. Claiming Unclaimed Stimulus Payments The opportunity to claim the first and second stimulus payments has now passed. Taxpayers who were eligible for the third stimulus payment, however, had until April 15, 2025, to file their 2021 tax return and claim the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit. This deadline marked the three-year period for claiming tax refunds or stimulus payments. If you believe you missed out on any stimulus payments, working directly with the IRS or consulting a reputable tax professional is the best course of action. Remember, any unclaimed stimulus payments after the deadlines automatically become the property of the U.S. Treasury. No appeals or extensions are offered. Speculation Surrounding a Fourth Stimulus Check Recently, rumors about a fourth stimulus check worth $2,000 have surfaced on social media and certain unverified websites. However, there is no official confirmation from Congress or the IRS about these claims. Taxpayers should approach such information with caution, as it may be misinformation or even an attempt to defraud. Trump's DOGE Dividend Plan In February, former President Donald Trump discussed a possible $5,000 stimulus payment to taxpayers, referred to as a 'DOGE dividend,' during a summit in Miami. This proposal involved utilizing 20% of the savings identified by Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). However, Trump has yet to provide further details or outline specific plans for implementing this idea. Beware of Stimulus Check Scams The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued warnings about scams related to stimulus checks. Some scammers pretend to be the IRS and send fake text messages, claiming eligibility for payments like the $1,400 tax rebate. Always verify the authenticity of such communications directly with the IRS to avoid falling victim to fraud. Tracking Your Tax Refund Taxpayers eager to know the status of their federal refunds can rely on several tools and methods offered by the IRS. Below are steps to ensure you stay informed and avoid unnecessary delays. Expected Timeline for Receiving Tax Refunds Electronic Filing: If you filed your federal taxes electronically and included your banking information, direct deposits are typically processed within 21 days. Paper Filing: Refunds sent by mail can take approximately six to eight weeks to arrive. Keep in mind that submitting your return does not guarantee immediate acceptance. Once accepted, you will receive a "Refund Sent" notification when checking your tax return status online, signaling that your funds are on the way. How to Check Your Refund Status Online Option: "Where's My Refund" Tool The IRS provides an online tool called "Where's My Refund" that allows taxpayers to track the status of their refunds. This tool is updated daily, and you can begin using it 24 hours after electronically filing your return. Visit the "Where's My Refund" page on the official IRS website. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount stated on your return. The tool will display one of three statuses: Refund Received (processing), Refund Approved (preparing to issue refund), or Refund Sent (on its way). Once approved, refunds processed via direct deposit may reach your bank account within just days. Phone Support If preferred, you can check on your refund status by contacting the IRS at 800-829-1954. IRS Refund Schedule for 2025 For taxpayers who electronically filed their returns by April 15, 2025, the estimated direct deposit dates for federal refunds are May 6 or June 16 (if sent via mail).


The National
21 hours ago
- The National
Samsung Unpacked preview: What to expect amid AI push and rising competition
Samsung is expected to unveil its new foldable smartphones at its Unpacked event, as it seeks to regain leadership in a market it once dominated and expand its AI ambitions across lines of its mobile devices. The South Korean company is widely anticipated to launch the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7, along with a more affordable Fan Edition version of the Flip, at its second 2025 Unpacked in New York, on July 9. Samsung has not officially confirmed the names of the devices. Design refinements expected The new models are expected to be thinner and lighter, featuring a reinforced hinge, improved durability and upgraded cameras − including a 200 megapixel primary sensor − as well as a sleeker design inspired by the Galaxy S25 series, according to leaks and industry reports. The devices are also expected to run on One UI 8, Samsung's latest Android-based interface, which is anticipated to include visual refinements and tighter integration with Galaxy AI. First introduced with the Galaxy S24 series in early 2024, Galaxy AI offers tools such as real-time translation, summarisation, and AI-powered photo editing. Entry-level foldable to broaden appeal The Fold7 is rumoured to retain its book-style form factor but in a slimmer build, while the Flip7 is expected to offer a larger external display and improved AI features. The addition of a Fan Edition version of the Flip would mark Samsung's first attempt to offer a more accessible foldable, aimed at users with smaller budgets. Foldables continue to command a premium due to their complex engineering and limited production scale. The Galaxy Z Fold7 is expected to launch at around $1,899, with the Flip7 priced from approximately $1,099. The Fan Edition variant is anticipated to retail for around $740 − roughly $250 less than the standard Flip − which could help Samsung garner more interest from consumer with lower spending power. By comparison, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is priced from $1,299, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199. "The foldables market is clearly moving beyond its niche status in 2025," Muhannad Al Teneiji, founder of the Wealth Training Centre and Matrix for AI Applications, told The National. "Foldable phones are expected to make up 5.9 per cent of global smartphone sales, and the segment is growing much faster than the broader smartphone market, at over 21 per cent annually." He added that maturing design, greater durability, and cost reductions are helping foldables move beyond the premium-only segment. Despite consistent improvements in hardware, pricing remains a key barrier to widespread adoption. While the Flip line has generally been seen as the more affordable option, it still sits above many standard flagship devices. Whether the FE variant can shift that narrative depends on how much functionality it retains. "Price is still an important barrier," said Mr Al Teneiji. "The Galaxy Z Flip launch price keeps it in the premium category and out of reach for many buyers. A more affordable model, using cost-cutting measures such as a cheaper chipset and lower general specs, could bring the price down and help expand the market." Competition intensifies Samsung's urgency to innovate is driven by rising competition. According to Counterpoint Research, foldable smartphones accounted for only 1.5 per cent of total smartphone sales in Europe in the first quarter of 2025, growing just 4 per cent annual, as consumers remain cautious about pricing, durability, and long-term value. Samsung's market share in the European foldables segment dropped to 41 per cent in Q1 2025, down from 56 per cent a year earlier. Motorola has since overtaken Honor to become the second-largest player in the region with 15 per cent market share, followed by Honor at 13 per cent. Globally, Huawei continues to dominate, driven by strong demand in China, which is the largest market for foldables. All this is piling pressure on Samsung to deliver the wow-factor at Unpacked and reassert its leadership. "Huawei overtook Samsung in foldables in early 2025, reaching 35 per cent global share and dominating China with over 76 percent," said Mr Al Teneiji. "Samsung's upcoming Unpacked lineup could help it regain ground globally, especially outside China. However, reclaiming the top spot in China will be much harder due to Huawei's strong local momentum and brand loyalty." AI at centre of Samsung strategy Beyond hardware, Samsung's broader strategy is increasingly focused on AI. Galaxy AI is expected to be a key component of the new devices, offering features across communication, productivity and photography. "Samsung is making AI a real selling point with its foldable smartphones," William Santo, chief technology officer at Kaiko, told The National. Features such as real-time translation, note summarisation, AI photo editing and voice transcription are becoming more valuable and accessible, marking a shift from marketing hype to practical integration, he added. "While AI is a nice-to-have feature right now, it's going to be a must-have in one to two years," Mr Santo said. "Smartphones could increasingly turn into a fully featured AI assistant, efficient and emotionally intelligent, acting as a copilot for communication, navigation, search, and more." Smartphones of the future could go beyond being simple devices and could turn into an operating system for life: a way to connect to the hardware in more meaningful and helpful ways. The devices of the future could also adapt new ways of interacting with the fast-evolving technology that has become so integral to everyday life, he added. "Users are paying more attention to AI features when choosing phones in 2025," said Mr Santo. "About one-third say AI makes them want to upgrade sooner." However, traditional factors such as battery life, camera, and screen quality are still a priority for a majority of users, he added.