Latest news with #D33Agenda
Hi Dubai
11-06-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism Drives Unified Push for Tourism and Community Growth
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) convened more than 1,300 stakeholders at its first City Briefing of 2025 on 10 June, setting the stage for the next phase of tourism growth and community-focused initiatives. Held at the Coca-Cola Arena, the event aligned government and private sector leaders under the D33 Agenda to position Dubai as a top global destination. Dubai welcomed 7.15 million international overnight visitors between January and April 2025—a 7% year-on-year increase—building on its record-breaking 2024 performance. With tourism, hospitality, retail, and aviation all playing vital roles, DET highlighted collaborative strategies to sustain momentum. The event also spotlighted major milestones in accessibility and inclusion. Dubai became the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere, with over 70,000 individuals trained to deliver inclusive visitor experiences. The newly launched 'MyDubai Communities' digital platform further promotes social cohesion by connecting residents through shared interests. DET unveiled its latest global campaigns, including 'Dubai. That's How You Summer' and 'Find Your Story'—the latter featuring Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi—to attract new audiences and celebrate Dubai's diverse experiences. The return of Dubai Summer Surprises from 27 June to 31 August, along with a packed calendar of festivals and global events, is expected to drive visitor engagement through the second half of 2025. Meanwhile, Dubai's culinary sector continues to shine, with 119 restaurants now featured in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide, including the city's first three-starred venues. DET concluded the briefing with a strong call for continued collaboration, reinforcing Dubai's position as a global hub for tourism, innovation, and inclusive community development. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Hi Dubai
29-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai's D33 Agenda: Opportunities for Your Business
Dubai has long been a global beacon of ambition and rapid development. Building on this legacy, the emirate has launched its most comprehensive economic blueprint to date: the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. Unveiled by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, D33 is a strategic ten-year plan designed to double Dubai's economy by 2033 and firmly establish it among the world's top three global cities. For every business owner in Dubai, from burgeoning startups to established enterprises, D33 is a direct invitation to participate in an unprecedented era of growth and innovation. Understanding this agenda is key to unlocking new opportunities and strategically positioning your business for future success. What is the D33 Agenda, and What Does it Mean for Dubai? At its core, D33 is a commitment to accelerate Dubai's economic trajectory through innovation, sustainability, and enhanced global connectivity. It sets out audacious targets for the next decade, transforming various aspects of the emirate's economic landscape: The primary objective is to double Dubai's GDP, aiming for a total economic target of AED 32 trillion by 2033. This signifies a massive expansion across all sectors, creating a ripple effect of demand and opportunity. Foreign trade is projected to increase from AED 14.2 trillion to AED 25.6 trillion for goods and services, cementing Dubai's role as a global trading hub. This growth isn't just about volume; it's about diversifying trade partners and products. Dubai aims to attract an average of AED 60 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) annually, reaching a cumulative AED 650 billion over the decade. This influx of capital translates into new projects, advanced technologies, and more job creation across the emirate. Private Sector Empowerment: Private sector investments are targeted to rise from AED 790 billion to AED 1 trillion, highlighting their crucial role in the economy. This emphasises the government's trust in the private sector as the primary engine for growth. Digital Economy Catalyst: Digital transformation projects are expected to contribute an average of AED 100 billion annually to Dubai's economy, emphasising the shift towards a knowledge-based, digital future. This includes AI, IoT, blockchain, and advanced data analytics, fundamentally reshaping how businesses operate and interact with customers. These ambitious goals reflect a comprehensive strategy to create a dynamic, resilient, and globally competitive business environment, ensuring that growth is not just rapid but also sustainable and inclusive. Source: Official Government of Dubai / UAE Government sources How D33 Directly Benefits Your Business: Key Initiatives and Their Impact The D33 agenda is underpinned by 100 transformational projects, many of which offer tangible advantages and new avenues for growth for businesses across all sectors. Here's a look at how specific initiatives directly affect you: Streamlined Operations with the Dubai Unified License (DUL): What it is: The DUL, introduced through Law No. 6 of 2023, provides a unique commercial identity for all companies, whether based on the mainland or in a free zone. This single, verifiable identity simplifies cross-jurisdictional operations and enhances transparency. The DUL, introduced through Law No. 6 of 2023, provides a for all companies, whether based on the mainland or in a free zone. This single, verifiable identity simplifies cross-jurisdictional operations and enhances transparency. How it benefits you: Imagine a business operating from a free zone wanting to establish a physical presence or conduct direct sales on the mainland. The DUL aims to make this process seamless. Expect significantly reduced bureaucracy, faster business verification processes, and more efficient issuance of 'No Objection Certificates' (NOCs) and permits. For businesses, this means less time navigating administrative hurdles and more time focusing on core operations, potentially easing expansion between free zones and the mainland, and simplifying compliance for businesses with operations across different zones. It also streamlines Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures with banks and enhances credit assessment. Innovation and Testing with 'Sandbox Dubai': What it is: A centralised platform designed for regulatory modernisation , allowing businesses to test and commercialise new technologies, products, and services in a controlled environment with temporary regulatory relief and adaptive supervision. A centralised platform designed for , allowing businesses to test and commercialise new technologies, products, and services in a controlled environment with temporary regulatory relief and adaptive supervision. How it benefits you: If you're in a rapidly evolving sector like FinTech, HealthTech, GreenTech, or Artificial Intelligence (AI), Sandbox Dubai offers a unique opportunity to refine your solutions without immediate full regulatory burdens. For instance, a FinTech startup can test a new blockchain-based payment system, or a HealthTech company can trial a remote patient monitoring device, receiving guidance from regulators. This reduces risk, accelerates market entry, and positions Dubai as a global hub for pioneering technologies, attracting talent and investment in innovative solutions. Global Market Access via Dubai Future Economic Corridors: What it is: This initiative strategically expands Dubai's trade partnerships by establishing robust economic corridors with high-growth regions like Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, through enhanced connectivity and infrastructure. This initiative strategically expands Dubai's trade partnerships by establishing robust like Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, through enhanced connectivity and infrastructure. How it benefits you: For trading companies and businesses looking to expand internationally, these corridors unlock vast new consumer bases and supply chains. You can leverage Dubai's robust logistics and strategic location to export goods and services to these emerging markets or source competitively priced products. This includes opportunities for supporting African startups and SMEs, expanding partnerships through Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) with Asian nations, and collaborating on green energy projects or agricultural exports with Latin American countries, thereby diversifying your market reach beyond traditional partners. Unprecedented Support for SMEs and Startups: What it is: D33 positions SMEs as the backbone of Dubai's economy, with targeted programs to identify and support 400 high-potential companies to scale globally. A key component is the "Dubai Traders Project," designed to empower local SMEs in the digital economy. D33 positions SMEs as the backbone of Dubai's economy, with targeted programs to identify and support to scale globally. A key component is the designed to empower local SMEs in the digital economy. How it benefits you: Reduced Costs & Red Tape: Expect new tax incentives (including potential longer tax holidays and lower corporate tax rates for eligible businesses in strategic sectors like technology and green energy), simplified licensing systems, and digital portals for faster registration and reduced setup fees. This lowers the barrier to entry and ongoing operational costs. Access to Funding: Programs like Dubai Next (a crowdfunding platform by Dubai SME) and various government grants, low-interest loans, and venture capital support are in place. The "Dubai International Growth Initiative" further allocates AED 500 million to accelerate the global expansion of Dubai-established SMEs by facilitating access to new markets. Digital Empowerment: The Dubai Traders Project , in partnership with e-commerce giants like Amazon and Noon, offers onboarding incentives, enhanced visibility, and comprehensive training for SMEs to effectively compete and thrive in the online marketplace. This helps traditional businesses transition to digital platforms and boosts online sales. Mentorship & Capacity Building: Access to expert guidance, tailored training programs, and support from entities like Dubai SME (Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprise Development) to enhance operational excellence, improve business practices, and expand market presence. Focus on High-Growth Industries and Talent Attraction: What it is: D33 prioritises growth in key future-facing sectors like AI, advanced manufacturing, the digital economy, green energy, healthtech, and logistics. It also emphasises attracting global talent and top universities. D33 prioritises growth in key future-facing sectors like AI, advanced manufacturing, the digital economy, green energy, healthtech, and logistics. It also emphasises attracting global talent and top universities. How it benefits you: Businesses in these sectors will find a highly conducive environment for investment, research and development, and expansion. The focus on talent attraction ensures that a steady influx of a highly skilled and diverse workforce is available, crucial for innovation and growth. Collaborations with leading educational institutions can also drive specialised expertise and R&D partnerships, fostering a knowledge-based economy. For example, if you're an AI startup, you'll benefit from a rich talent pool and dedicated accelerators. If you're in sustainable manufacturing, you'll find incentives and a supportive regulatory framework. (Source: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai SME & Dubai Media Office) Aligning Your Business Strategy with D33 To truly capitalise on the D33 agenda, consider these actionable steps: Embrace Digital Transformation: Regardless of your industry, investing in e-commerce, AI-driven solutions, or cloud-based operations can significantly enhance efficiency, reach, and competitiveness. For instance, a small retail business can leverage the Dubai Traders Project to expand its online footprint, while a service provider can adopt AI for enhanced customer service and data analytics. Regardless of your industry, investing in e-commerce, AI-driven solutions, or cloud-based operations can significantly enhance efficiency, reach, and competitiveness. For instance, a small retail business can leverage the Dubai Traders Project to expand its online footprint, while a service provider can adopt AI for enhanced customer service and data analytics. Innovate and Adapt: Look for opportunities to pilot new technologies or business models. The government's openness to innovation means you have a supportive ecosystem for testing and refining new ideas. Consider how your business can leverage technologies like blockchain for supply chain transparency or IoT for operational efficiency. Look for opportunities to pilot new technologies or business models. The government's openness to innovation means you have a supportive ecosystem for testing and refining new ideas. Consider how your business can leverage technologies like blockchain for supply chain transparency or IoT for operational efficiency. Think Globally, Act Locally: While D33 fosters global trade, remember to optimise your local presence and contributions. The "Made in Dubai" initiative encourages local production and branding, while leveraging trade corridors allows you to expand your market reach beyond the UAE. While D33 fosters global trade, remember to optimise your local presence and contributions. The "Made in Dubai" initiative encourages local production and branding, while leveraging trade corridors allows you to expand your market reach beyond the UAE. Prioritise Sustainability: Integrate eco-friendly practices into your operations and offerings. D33's commitment to a green economy means sustainable businesses will increasingly find favour, not only from a regulatory perspective but also from environmentally conscious consumers and investors. This could involve using renewable energy, reducing waste, or sourcing sustainable materials. Integrate eco-friendly practices into your operations and offerings. D33's commitment to a green economy means sustainable businesses will increasingly find favour, not only from a regulatory perspective but also from environmentally conscious consumers and investors. This could involve using renewable energy, reducing waste, or sourcing sustainable materials. Leverage SME Support: Actively engage with Dubai SME and other government entities. Their programs are specifically designed to provide the financial, advisory, and market access support you need to scale. Don't hesitate to inquire about grants, training workshops, or export assistance. Actively engage with and other government entities. Their programs are specifically designed to provide the financial, advisory, and market access support you need to scale. Don't hesitate to inquire about grants, training workshops, or export assistance. Invest in Your Workforce: Align with Dubai's push for a highly skilled talent pool by investing in training, upskilling your employees, and creating attractive environments for top professionals. This includes tapping into programs that support Emiratisation and developing specialised skills needed for future industries. Align with Dubai's push for a highly skilled talent pool by investing in training, upskilling your employees, and creating attractive environments for top professionals. This includes tapping into programs that support Emiratisation and developing specialised skills needed for future industries. Stay Informed: Regularly check official government sources like the UAE Government portal ( Dubai Media Office ( and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism ( for the latest updates on D33 initiatives and regulations. Attending official webinars or events related to D33 can also provide invaluable insights. The Dubai Economic Agenda D33 is a powerful testament to the emirate's vision for a prosperous and innovative future. By understanding its pillars, leveraging its transformative projects, and strategically aligning your business, you can unlock unprecedented opportunities for growth and contribute to Dubai's ascent as a global economic powerhouse. Also Read: DWTC Drives Dubai's Economic Growth with Record-Breaking Events in 2024 The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) played a pivotal role in boosting Dubai's economy in 2024, contributing AED22.35 billion to the emirate's GDP through a dynamic slate of business events. Dubai Chamber Collaborates with Department of Economy and Tourism to Engage Business Councils on D33 Economic Vision The Dubai Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), hosted a focused roundtable discussion for Business Councils to outline the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). Dubai SME Revolutionizes Entrepreneurial Landscape with Significant Milestones in 2024 The Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME) had a landmark year in 2024, marking significant strides in nurturing Emirati entrepreneurship and solidifying Dubai's position as a leading global business hub.
Dubai Eye
02-05-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
Sheikh Ahmed explores fintech collaboration with PayPal
The President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority held talks with Mrs. Suzan Kereere, President of Global Markets at Paypal exploring potential avenues of collaboration in the evolving digital payments sector. In a statement shared on social media platform X, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who also holds the position of Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, highlighted the alignment between Dubai's digital ambitions and PayPal's global expertise. 'Our discussions reaffirmed a shared commitment to supporting Emirates' ambitious vision,' he said. 'With Dubai at the forefront of digital transformation, we look forward to driving meaningful growth through impactful collaboration.' The meeting comes as Dubai accelerates its D33 Agenda, an initiative aimed at positioning the emirate as a global hub for innovation and the digital economy. Sheikh Ahmed emphasized such partnerships are critical to shaping the future of fintech and expanding the scope of digital services across the region.
Tourism Breaking News
01-05-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Visa Sign Strategic Collaboration to Drive Tourism Growth
Post Views: 107 The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Visa to facilitate further increases in international tourism inflows and elevate the visitor experience across the city. The MoU will harness Visa's data-driven insights to optimise marketing campaigns, streamline tourism services, and deliver tailored promotions for visitors. The collaboration aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai's position as a leading global destination for business and tourism, and highlights the robust public-private partnerships that continue to drive the tourism sector's exceptional growth, evidenced by a robust Q1 performance in 2025. Dubai welcomed 5.31 million international overnight visitors in the first three months of this year, up 3% on the same period last year. The MoU was signed at the Dubai stand at ATM by His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, and Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for GCC – Visa. Under the agreement, Visa will support DET's strategic objectives by leveraging VisaNet – the world's largest global payments network – to provide in-depth data-driven insights into visitor journeys, spending behaviours, customer preferences, seasonal trends and digital adoption. These analytics will empower DET to craft targeted marketing campaigns and customer-centric initiatives, ensuring seamless and enriching experiences for tourists. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: 'Visa has been a driving force behind Dubai's vibrant tourism ecosystem, empowering travellers with seamless, secure, and innovative payment solutions at every step of their journey. This collaboration brings together DET's market insights and destination expertise and Visa's vast global network and data intelligence – creating new pathways to engage travellers, inspire visitation, and deliver exceptional experiences across every touchpoint. It also underlines the strength of public-private partnerships, which remain a cornerstone of Dubai's economic success, driven by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. As we work to deliver the goals of the D33 Agenda, our collaboration with Visa will further elevate Dubai's global visibility, enrich the quality of our tourism offering, and create greater value for our visitors, residents and businesses alike. Together, we're paving the way for increased visitation and unforgettable moments that showcase our city as a must-visit destination.' Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for GCC – Visa, added: 'We are thrilled to partner with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to provide Visa's unique insights into global travel and tourism trends. These insights will enable DET to make informed decisions on campaigns and initiatives that will help drive more international tourist inflow to Dubai. Our commitment extends beyond data-driven insights; with our best-in-class security infrastructure and a US$10 billion investment in innovation over the last five years, we also aim to create seamless and secure experiences for tourists. Visa's partnership with DET not only reinforces Dubai's position as a global leader in tourism, commerce, and innovation, but also creates significant opportunities for local businesses and the broader UAE economy.' Visa's insights will guide initiatives to simplify travel and tourism services, enhancing accessibility and convenience for visitors. Additionally, Visa will support DET with marketing activities and exclusive promotions for cardholders across its network, spanning more than 200 markets worldwide and including major hotel chains, airlines, and retailers. These efforts will amplify the reach of Dubai's tourism operators, from malls and hotels to entertainment providers, generating opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses to engage with a global audience.
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai DET, Visa collaborate to drive tourism growth
DUBAI: The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Visa, a global leader in digital payments, to facilitate further increases in international tourism inflows and elevate the visitor experience across the city. Signed during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, the MoU will harness Visa's data-driven insights to optimise marketing campaigns, streamline tourism services, and deliver tailored promotions for visitors. The collaboration aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai's position as a leading global destination for business and tourism, and highlights the robust public-private partnerships that continue to drive the tourism sector's exceptional growth, evidenced by a robust Q1 performance in 2025. Dubai welcomed 5.31 million international overnight visitors in the first three months of this year, up 3 percent on the same period last year. The MoU was signed at the Dubai stand at ATM by His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, and Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for GCC - Visa. Under the agreement, Visa will support DET's strategic objectives by leveraging VisaNet – the world's largest global payments network – to provide in-depth data-driven insights into visitor journeys, spending behaviours, customer preferences, seasonal trends and digital adoption. These analytics will empower DET to craft targeted marketing campaigns and customer-centric initiatives, ensuring seamless and enriching experiences for tourists. Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said, 'Visa has been a driving force behind Dubai's vibrant tourism ecosystem, empowering travellers with seamless, secure, and innovative payment solutions at every step of their journey. This collaboration brings together DET's market insights and destination expertise and Visa's vast global network and data intelligence – creating new pathways to engage travellers, inspire visitation, and deliver exceptional experiences across every touchpoint. It also underlines the strength of public-private partnerships, which remain a cornerstone of Dubai's economic success, driven by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. As we work to deliver the goals of the D33 Agenda, our collaboration with Visa will further elevate Dubai's global visibility, enrich the quality of our tourism offering, and create greater value for our visitors, residents and businesses alike. Together, we're paving the way for increased visitation and unforgettable moments that showcase our city as a must-visit destination.' Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for GCC - Visa, added, 'We are thrilled to partner with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to provide Visa's unique insights into global travel and tourism trends. These insights will enable DET to make informed decisions on campaigns and initiatives that will help drive more international tourist inflow to Dubai. Our commitment extends beyond data-driven insights; with our best-in-class security infrastructure and a US$10 billion investment in innovation over the last five years, we also aim to create seamless and secure experiences for tourists. Visa's partnership with DET not only reinforces Dubai's position as a global leader in tourism, commerce, and innovation, but also creates significant opportunities for local businesses and the broader UAE economy.' Visa's insights will guide initiatives to simplify travel and tourism services, enhancing accessibility and convenience for visitors. Additionally, Visa will support DET with marketing activities and exclusive promotions for cardholders across its network, spanning more than 200 markets worldwide and including major hotel chains, airlines, and retailers. These efforts will amplify the reach of Dubai's tourism operators, from malls and hotels to entertainment providers, generating opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses to engage with a global audience.
