Page 97 - AJMAN TOURISM PR REPORT - February 2025

2/26/25, 10:40 AM Ajman Tourism Development Department organises panel discussion to discuss groundbreaking tourism innovations in Arab World
intelligence, augmented reality, and the Internet of Things, into tourism projects to enhance visitor
experiences. It addressed how innovation can propel the sustainable growth of the sector and boost the
competitiveness of tourism destinations. Speakers also discussed strategies to expand and diversify
tourism offerings to provide visitors with one-of-a-kind experiences, in addition to highlighting successful

tourism models from across the Arab world.

H.E. Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi further explained how the UAE is actively working to cement its
status as a leading global tourism hub through a comprehensive strategy that prioritises innovation, in
line with global trends and the rapid advancements in the industry. H.E. Alhashmi added, "This session

reflects our wise leadership's emphasis on sustainability and economic diversification as core strategic
priorities, which aligns with the UAE Centennial 2071 vision to position the country as the world’s most
innovative and sustainable tourism hub. In this regard, the ATDD is integrating innovation across all its
initiatives to advance national and regional objectives, with a particular focus on enhancing visitor

experiences through cutting-edge technologies such as digital tourism and artificial intelligence.”

The session was also attended by entrepreneurs in the tourism sector, including Patrick Antaki, Vice
President of Operations for the Middle East at Valor Hospitality; Rasha Youssef, Founder of Fafla Travel;
and Darren Derieh, Founder of Turhal Al-Asayel Travel and Tourism Experiences. Participants showed

great interest in the discussion, actively sharing their thoughts and experiences on global best practices.
The session concluded with several key recommendations for driving innovation in Arab tourism,
promoting collaboration between government and private entities to promote innovation-driven tourism
projects, adopting modern digital solutions to improve tourism services, encouraging entrepreneurship
in the sector, and introducing specialised training programs to empower tourism professionals with

advanced technological skills.

In line with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, which seeks to increase the tourism industry's contribution to
the national economy and promote sustainable tourism development, the department aims to accelerate
the sector's growth by establishing a vibrant environment that encourages new ideas and supports
entrepreneurial innovation.

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