Dubai: All major events taking place in Dubai will be available online in a single web platform that will help business visitors and tourists make informed decisions on when to visit Dubai, it was announced on Monday.
Called Dubai Calendar, the web portal will create a comprehensive information pool and an official point of reference on events and promotions in Dubai.
The Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE), a branch of the Department of Economic Development (DED) has launched an online calendar highlighting all events and attractions happening during the year.
In focus: Arabian Travel Market
"The Dubai Calendar will fill the current information void by presenting an official point of reference for events organised across Dubai in addition to enabling government and private sector entities to benefit from this comprehensive information pool," said Laila Suhail, CEO of DEPE.
DEPE organises the Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises every year that help boost the emirate's tourism and retail sectors.
The move comes a few weeks after the Dubai Government expanded the mandate of DEPE to allow it to promote all events that take place here.
This new initiative aims to enhance Dubai's position in the tourism sector as well as inform residents about the events in the UAE.
The site will showcase all events including cultural, musical and sport event as well as conferences and festivals that take place throughout the year in Dubai.
According to Suhail, as well as informing tourists and residents, the calendar will also benefit all players in the industry. "This endeavour will benefit residents, visitors, event organisers, travel consultants, and even retailers. Event organisers will be able to list their events in the official events listing of Dubai and take benefit of wider exposure. Additionally, travel consultants will obtain lead time to create value-added travel packages; retailers will have the opportunity to create exclusive campaigns and align them to events, while tourists will be able to plan their holidays in advance and make the best of what Dubai has to offer," she said.
Impact
Sami Al Qamzi, director general of the DED, said the new website would affect sectors such as retail and events and its benefits would be felt across the economy.
"The retail sector has always been a big contributor to Dubai's economy and combining retail with the events sector opens up ways of exploring how to target and tap into various visitor segments. A majority of travel decisions are based on information and as far as information on retail and events is concerned, the Dubai Calendar will fulfil this need," said Al Qamzi.
Their marketing campaign will be supported by various government entities such as Dubai Sports Council (for sports events), Dubai World Trade Centre (for MICE activities) and Emirates airline. Various companies in the private sector will also be able to take advantage of the new calendar.
"This product is owned by the whole government of Dubai so government entities will be playing a major role in promoting it. This is a 12-month product that will have to be promoted actively every month. We're targeting local, regional and international markets," said Suhail.
