Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
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| Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism | |
|---|---|
| Agency name | Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism |
| Native name | دائرة الاقتصاد والسياحة دبي |
| Formed | 2017 |
| Preceding1 | Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing |
| Jurisdiction | Dubai |
| Headquarters | Dubai International Financial Centre |
| Chief1 name | Issam Kazim |
| Chief1 position | CEO |
| Parent agency | Government of Dubai |
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism is the principal economic and visitor-attraction authority for Dubai tasked with promoting trade, investment and hospitality across the emirate. It was established to merge functions formerly handled by multiple entities and coordinates with regional and global institutions to position Dubai alongside Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Doha as a major Middle East hub for commerce, leisure and events. The department interfaces with international organizations and private firms to attract exhibitions, conferences and multinational headquarters to Jebel Ali, Dubai Marina, and the Dubai International Financial Centre.
History
The entity was created through a restructuring that consolidated mandates from the former Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and assorted economic development offices, following strategic directives issued by the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and directives from the Government of Dubai. Early milestones included the attraction of flagship events like Expo 2020 Dubai, alignment with projects such as Palm Jumeirah development plans, and engagement with sovereign investors including Mubadala Investment Company and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. The agency’s evolution paralleled regional initiatives from the Gulf Cooperation Council and bilateral trade dialogues with partners including China, India, United Kingdom, United States, Germany, France, Japan and South Korea.
Mandate and Functions
Its mandate covers destination marketing, investment promotion, sector regulation, and support for sectors such as aviation, hospitality and retail. Operational priorities include attracting multinational corporations like Amazon (company), Apple Inc., and Microsoft to establish regional hubs, supporting hospitality chains such as Marriott International, Accor, and Hilton Worldwide, and facilitating events run by organizers like Reed Exhibitions and Informa. The department develops policies that interface with infrastructure projects like Dubai Metro, Al Maktoum International Airport, and free zones such as Jebel Ali Free Zone and Dubai Internet City.
Organizational Structure
The organizational chart includes divisions responsible for investment promotion, tourism strategy, licensing and compliance, research and analytics, and marketing communications. Senior leadership coordinates with entities such as Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dubai World, DP World, Emirates Group, and municipal bodies including Dubai Municipality and Roads and Transport Authority. Advisory boards comprise representatives from multinational firms, sovereign funds like Investment Corporation of Dubai, educational institutions such as Zayed University and United Arab Emirates University, and heritage stakeholders from Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Economic Impact and Initiatives
The department drives initiatives intended to increase non-oil GDP by working alongside partners like Etihad Airways, Emirates, DP World and global consultancies including McKinsey & Company, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Deloitte. Programs target sectors exemplified by financial services in the Dubai International Financial Centre, logistics around Jebel Ali Port, and creative industries clustered in Dubai Design District. It has sponsored fiscal measures and incentives similar to those advocated by Dubai Free Zones Council to attract companies including Google, Facebook, and Siemens. Major initiatives also coordinate with international events such as World Expo and sporting fixtures like the Dubai World Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
Tourism Promotion and Marketing
Marketing campaigns leverage partnerships with airlines including Emirates Airline and flydubai, hotel groups like Jumeirah Group, and platforms such as Booking.com, Airbnb, Tripadvisor. The department promotes attractions including Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Frame, La Mer, and cultural venues such as Dubai Opera and the Dubai International Financial Centre Art Nights. It targets source markets ranging from China and India to Russia, Brazil, United Kingdom, Germany and United States through trade missions, participation at fairs like ITB Berlin, WTM London, and partnerships with travel associations including UNWTO and IATA.
Regulations and Licensing
Regulatory responsibilities cover licensing for hotels, tour operators, travel agencies, and events, aligning standards with international bodies like ISO and safety regulators including Civil Aviation Authority (United Arab Emirates). Licensing frameworks interact with free zone authorities such as Dubai Multi Commodities Centre and corporate registry systems that service investors from entities like HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Citibank. Compliance programs coordinate with labor and immigration policy stakeholders such as Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
Partnerships and International Relations
The department maintains bilateral and multilateral relations with national tourism boards, chambers of commerce and investment promotion agencies including Invest in France, UK Department for International Trade, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, India Trade Promotion Organisation, and regional partners like Qatar Tourism Authority and Ministry of Tourism (Saudi Arabia). Strategic alliances with global event organizers, airline alliances such as Oneworld and Star Alliance, and international financial institutions including the World Bank and International Monetary Fund support projects spanning hospitality, transport and urban development.