Blog – Kenya Association of Travel Agents

Kenya Airways Set to Elevate In-Flight Dining Experience.

[Nairobi, Kenya, October 1, 2024] – Kenya Airways in collaboration with its customers is set to elevate
its in-flight dining experience following an exclusive Product Selection event held today at KQ’s Pride
Centre.
This unique gathering brought together select customers and culinary experts to sample a diverse array
of meals and drinks, all aimed at reshaping the airline’s onboard dining experience.
Allan Kilavuka, CEO of Kenya Airways, commented on the event, emphasizing that food is one of the
most memorable aspects of travel. He stated, “Kenya Airways is committed to transforming in-flight
dining from a routine necessity into an enjoyable experience that passengers can genuinely look forward
to.”

Kilavuka further emphasized the new upcoming menu, stating, “The new menu will showcase a
harmonious mix of global culinary influences and local flavors, guaranteeing that every guest discovers
something delightful to enjoy. Our goal is for our meals to be as thrilling as the destinations you’re
visiting.”
Sustainability is also a key focus of this initiative, with Kenya Airways planning to source ingredients
responsibly and support local producers. Kilavuka noted that this approach marries the culinary
experience with a commitment to environmental stewardship, enhancing the meal while contributing to
the well-being of the planet.
Attendees at the event were encouraged to provide feedback, which will help shape the future of Kenya
Airways’ in-flight offerings. This interactive experience underscores the airline’s dedication to passenger
engagement, making customers feel heard and valued in the decision-making process.
“Through this event, Kenya Airways is not only elevating its in-flight dining but also redefining what
travelers can expect from their journeys,” Kilavuka stated.
He added, “We aim to ensure that every aspect of your flight is enjoyable, from takeoff to landing,
leaving you with delicious memories long after the plane has landed.”
As Kenya Airways continues to innovate and refine its services, travelers can look forward to a dining
experience that captures the essence of hospitality and flavor, making every journey not just a means to
an end but a delightful part of the adventure.

Ends…

About Kenya Airways:
Kenya Airways (KQ), The Pride of Africa, is Kenya’s national carrier and a leading African airline on a mission to
propel Africa’s prosperity by connecting its people, cultures, and markets. We fly to 45 destinations worldwide, 37
of which are in Africa, connecting over 5 million passengers and over 70,000 Tons of cargo annually through the
Hub at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

As the sole African carrier in the SkyTeam Alliance, we open up a world of possibilities for our customers,
connecting them to over 1,060 destinations in 173 countries. We take pride in offering a delightful flying
experience with a caring African touch. Our exceptional African hospitality has consistently earned us global
recognition including the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards where we were honoured with the Best Airline
Staff and Best Airline Cabin Crew in Africa in 2024.
For more information, visit www.kenya-airways.com or call our 24-hour Customer Services Desk at +254 20 327

We are also available on X: @ KenyaAirways & @ KQSupport , Facebook: @ OfficialKenyaAirways, Instagram:
@ OfficialKenyaAirways Tiktok: @officialkenyaairways
For all media enquiries, please reach out to Kenya Airways Corporate Communications at
Corporate.communications@kenya-airways.com.

See Full press release here:

Exclusive Product Selection for Elevated In-flight Dining Experience – Press Release (1)Download

KATA Hails MKTE Tourism Expo as a Catalyst for Boosting Kenya’s 2.5 million Visitor Target.

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has praised the recently concluded Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) 2024 as a significant driver in helping Kenya achieve its goal of attracting 2.5 million tourists by the end of the year.

Speaking at the event, KATA Chairperson Dr. Joseph Kithitu highlighted MKTE 2024 as a pivotal platform for marketing Africa as a top travel destination. He encouraged industry stakeholders to continue participating in future expos to tap into emerging markets and keep Kenya at the forefront of global tourism.

“Kenya is the launchpad for Africa, and MKTE is the ideal platform for marketing the continent. With 1.8 million tourists already visiting Kenya by August, we are well on track to meet our target. Ongoing marketing efforts through expos like MKTE will showcase Kenya’s unique attractions to a global audience. The prospects are promising, and we anticipate an even bigger and better market presence at MKTE 2025,” said Dr. Kithitu.

Boosting Global Exposure

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO June Chepkemei, the event host, underscored the importance of the expo in elevating Kenya’s position as a preferred destination. The expo attracted over 180 international buyers from 35 countries, along with 4,000 delegates and 417 exhibitors.

“This exceptional turnout has greatly boosted our tourism industry. International buyers experienced Kenya’s diverse offerings firsthand and established valuable partnerships with local stakeholders, positioning Kenya to attract more visitors,” said Chepkemei. She reaffirmed KTB’s commitment to providing platforms that enable Kenya’s travel trade to access global markets cost-effectively.

Collaborations and Talent Development

In addition to engaging international buyers, MKTE 2024 fostered collaboration between tourism boards across Africa, discussing strategies for repositioning the continent’s travel fairs to match globally established exhibitions.

The expo also focused on growing the industry’s talent pipeline, with representatives from 17 universities present to discuss ways to nurture young talent. Chepkemei emphasized that such partnerships are crucial for creating jobs and opportunities for youth in the sector.

New Direct Flights from Asia to Nairobi

KATA CEO Nicanor Sabula commended the strategic move by AirAsia X (AAX) to introduce direct flights connecting Kuala Lumpur to Nairobi. This initiative is expected to enhance connectivity between Asia and Africa, driving tourism growth in both regions.

“The Asia-Pacific market is becoming increasingly important for Kenya, with over 320,000 tourists visiting in 2023. This new direct connection will stimulate economic growth, create opportunities for local businesses, and further position Kenya as a key destination for global travellers, particularly from Asia,” said Sabula. The flights, set to begin on November 15, 2024, will operate four times weekly.

Expanding Kenya’s Tourism Segments

A key highlight of the expo was the launch of the Digital Nomad Work Permit and the Transit and Long Connection Travellers Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) by President William Ruto. These initiatives aim to attract digital nomads and long-haul travellers, offering them the chance to explore Kenya’s diverse attractions seamlessly.

With these innovations and ongoing efforts, Kenya’s tourism sector is poised to continue its upward trajectory, positioning the country as a global tourism powerhouse.

Air France to launch free ultra-high-speed Starlink connectivity onboard all aircraft.

Air France is revolutionising its onboard WiFi service. From 2025 onwards, the airline will progressively roll-out an ultra-high-speed connectivity service for a ‘ground-like’ experience. This new service, completely free-of-charge in all travel cabins, will be accessible to customers by logging into their Flying Blue account. Over time, this WiFi service will be made available onboard all the airline’s aircraft, replacing the current offer.

Air France has chosen Starlink for high-speed, low-latency connectivity. During their flight, customers will be able to stay in touch with friends and family, follow all the world’s news live, play video games online, and stream TV, films, and series. The service will be accessible from smartphones, digital tablets, and laptops, and each customer will be able to connect several devices simultaneously.

Customers will be able to access the service by logging into their Flying Blue account, the Air France-KLM Group’s loyalty program. Those who do not yet have a Flying Blue account can create one free-of-charge onboard and in just a few clicks.

As of the summer 2025 season, Air France will gradually equip all its aircraft with this cutting-edge technology, including its regional fleet. During this transitional period, the airline will continue to offer a connectivity service onboard aircraft that are not yet equipped, including a free ‘Message Pass’ for Flying Blue members and a paid offer that covers other needs.

Ben Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, will talk exclusively at FTE Global – the “CES of Aviation” – taking place in Los Angeles on 28-30 October 2024. He will share insights on the airline’s future plans and strategies for continued growth.

Source: Future Travel Experience

Everything We Know About Kenya’s New Digital Nomad Visa.

Bryan Obala

Kata_kenya

Kenya is the latest country to announce a visa specifically for digital nomads.

The East African country’s President, William Ruto, reportedly made the announcement on October 2. According to Nation, the leader shared the exciting information at the Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2024 in the country’s capital, Nairobi. Discussing the “Digital Nomad Work Permit,” Ruto briefly outlined what traveling and expat remote workers can expect.

The Digital Nomad Work Permit will be “specifically designed to welcome global digital professionals, allowing them to live and work in Kenya while enjoying the country’s natural beauty and high-quality lifestyle,” Ruto reportedly said. “Kenya can be your home, where you and your family can experience the wonders of magical Kenya every day. All while serving clients from anywhere in the world on your digital platform.”

What Else Do We Know About Kenya’s Digital Nomad Work Permit?

Euro News reports that eligibility will require a valid passport, proof of remote work, a clean record, and evidence of accommodations in Kenya. An applicant’s annual income requirement will allegedly have to be at least $55,000. The government has not yet clarified when they will release applications, set deadlines, or determine the visa’s duration. It’s unclear if Kenya’s Digital Nomad Work Permit will lead to citizenship for applicants who want it.

Ruto revealed that a new electronic travel authorization system will be introduced for travelers passing through Nairobi, alongside the visa. Once registered via the authorization system, people will be able to leave the airport and explore Kenya’s capital during flight layovers.

The president reportedly boasted about Kenya’s booming influx of travelers and tourism in recent years. Describing the country as a “top global destination” with stunning terrains, wildlife, nightlife, and more, Ruto also highlighted the country’s “incredible diversity, with over 40 distinct cultures.”

There are currently only a few African countries that offer digital nomad visas, including Namibia, Cape Verde, and Mauritius.

Kenya Airways Operates First Flight Under European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Certification.

On 13^th September 2024, Kenya Airways successfully operated its first flight fully staffed by accredited crew under the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Flight KQ554 from Nairobi to Kinshasa, today, marked this significant milestone for the airline, joining a select group of African carriers that have achieved this prestigious certification.

The crew are part of a 71 Kenya Airways personnel who have completed rigorous training to obtain the EASA Attestation Certificate, demonstrating their proficiency in managing safety and service functions on European registered aircraft.

“We are proud to have a significant portion of our cabin crew successfully complete the EASA training program, demonstrating their proficiency in meeting the rigorous requirements of this internationally respected certification,” the Chief Operating Officer, George Kamal, stated. “This accomplishment exemplifies Kenya Airways’ leadership in the African aviation industry and our preparedness to match international standards.”

The EASA Certification equips the KQ team to effectively manage safety and service operations on European registered aircraft during ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) operations. This reinforces the airline’s commitment to providing world-class aviation services and adhering to the highest international safety standards. “This milestone places our cabin crew in an advantageous position, benchmarked against global standards, and showcases our operational excellence,” notes Pauline Kihara, Head of In-Flight Services and Catering. “By aligning with one of the best regulatory frameworks in the world, we not only enhance the capabilities of our cabin crew but also strengthen the confidence of our passengers in the safety and quality of our services.”

The addition of EASA certification marks a new chapter in the history of Kenya Airways as the airline continues to strive to meet and exceed global standards. It also highlights the airline’s success in aligning ACMI operations with its regulations and standardizing cabin services. EASA compliance reaffirms Kenya Airways’ longstanding commitment to passenger safety and solidifies its position as a leading and innovative airline on the global stage.

AirAsia X executives visit KATA after opening the first sales office in Africa.

Bryan Obala

Kata_kenya

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) is delighted to announce a courtesy visit from the Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia X Mr. Benyamin Ismail and the Group Chief Commercial Officer of AirAsia Group Mr. Paul Carroll. The high-level delegation met with KATA board members to discuss the recent opening of AirAsia’s inaugural sales office in Africa, the upcoming inaugural flight to Nairobi on November 15, and the exciting opportunities available for travel agents to partner with the airline.

During the meeting, AirAsia executives expressed their enthusiasm for the African market and highlighted the potential for significant growth in the coming years. They emphasized the airline’s commitment to providing affordable fares and exceptional customer service, making it an attractive option for both leisure and business travelers.

KATA board of directors welcomed AirAsia’s expansion into Africa and expressed their support for the airline’s initiatives. They discussed the potential benefits of partnering with AirAsia, including increased revenue streams, access to new markets, and opportunities for professional development.

The meeting also focused on the support that travel agents can provide to AirAsia in promoting its services and attracting customers. KATA pledged its commitment to working closely with the airline to ensure a successful launch and ongoing partnership.

As AirAsia prepares for its inaugural flight to Nairobi, the airline’s presence in Africa is expected to have a significant impact on the continent’s tourism industry. With its affordable fares and extensive network, AirAsia is poised to become a major player in the African aviation market.

We see potential in this partnership and believe AirAsia‘s entry into the Kenyan market will create opportunities for our members, including new revenue streams and professional development, opening access to 150 underserved destinations and enhance connectivity. Air Asia will operate 4 flights a week and target 150,000 passengers annually.
Others present were Allenie Caccam Business Growth Head and Siew Lee Group Head of Sales and Distribution.

Ethiopian Airlines -Ethiopian Aviation University

Ethiopian Aviation University calls for international applicants for a cabin crew training program.

Our Basic Cabin Crew Training provides the perfect foundation, where training will be provided on airplane mock-up devices by expert instructors with an emphasis on safety and customer service. Get ready to take off for an exciting journey through the skies! Begin your aviation journey today!

Application Deadline: 31, October 2024

Apply Now: eau.edu.et

Email: etauinfo@ethiopianairlines.com | eaainfo@ethiopianairlines.com

Ethiopian Aviation Academy (EAA) is the largest and most modern aviation academy in Africa recognized as ICAO Regional Training Center of Excellence. To train aviation professionals from classrooms to full flight simulator training, EAA offers leading industry standard training for pilots, aircraft technicians, cabin attendants and ground services staff both for initial and recurrent students. The Leadership & Career Development Center is also training thousands in Management and Leadership Skills.

Our cabin crew training simulates real-time scenarios with training aircraft designed for emergency drills and service trainings. Our pilot training school uses light aircraft for its basic training with dedicated simulators. Full flight simulators of all fleets Ethiopian operates are available for flight training. Virtual Maintenance Trainers (VMTs) and various workshops feature our aircraft maintenance training. Beyond these, our academy develops standard training packages including e-learning and virtual classroom trainings. Trainee services include a trainee’s cafeteria, dormitories, an administration complex and a plush new auditorium. The academy plans to take in 4,000 students a year in its training programs.

In line with the rapid growth of Ethiopian Airlines Group, Ethiopian Aviation Academy has been upgraded to Ethiopian Aviation University, which will enable it to provide a broader range of educational programs and increase the level of expertise in the Aviation Industry. The University has been accredited by the Ethiopian Higher Education Relevance and Quality Agency (HERQA), to offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various aviation and hospitality fields.

Ethiopian Aviation University has been accredited by Ethiopian Higher Education Relevance and Quality Agency to offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various aviation and hospitality fields.

Currently, the University offers various aviation courses such as BSc in Aeronautical Engineering, Aviation Maintenance Engineering, Aviation Management & Operations, BA in Tourism & Hospitality Management, MSc in Data Science, MBA in Aviation Management. The University also offers Diploma and Certiﬁcate Programs in Aircraft Maintenance Technician, Pilot Training, Cabin Crew and Commercial Training, Leadership & Career Development, Catering Training in addition to ICAO and Online Courses. Ethiopian also owns training facilities in other regional cities of the country including in Hawassa, Dire-Dawa, Bahir-Dar and Mekelle.

Link to website https://corporate.ethiopianairlines.com/eaa

About Ethiopian

Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is one of the fastest-growing airlines brand globally and the continent’s largest airline brand. In its seventy-eight years of successful operations, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian’s fleet category consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900 and De Havilland Q400.

Ethiopian is also pursuing multi-hub strategy through hubs in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways. Having achieved its strategic plan (Vision 2025) ahead of time, Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan Vision 2035 that will see it become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world. Ethiopian has been champion in various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for seven consecutive years among others. The airline has been a Star Alliance member since 2011 and has been registering more than threefold growth in the past 10 years.

For more at: www.ethiopianairlines.com

+254 701 223 493 , 0701 223 970, +254 723 786 649,

Bruce House, Ground Floor, Muindi Mbingu Street, P.O. Box 42901 – 00100,Nairobi, Kenya,

Travelport’s renewed distribution agreement with Delta Air Lines confirms NDC integration

LANGLEY UK – Travelport, a global technology company that powers travel bookings for hundreds of thousands of travel suppliers worldwide, announced it has signed a multi-year renewal agreement with Delta Air Lines, including NDC content. The top U.S. airline is collaborating with Travelport on the integration of its NDC solution into Travelport+ to support Delta’s selling and servicing transformation.

“We value our long-term partnership with Travelport and are pleased to extend our full content agreement, as well as make Delta’s NDC technology solution available to all of Travelport’s agency customers,” said Jeff Lobl, Managing Director, Distribution Strategy and Agency Sales Programs at Delta Air Lines. “Together, we aim to create value by ensuring customers are presented with the best options to fit their needs for a better, more personalized shopping experience.”

To help agencies solve challenges with comparing NDC offers alongside traditional content, Travelport recently debuted its Content Curation Layer (CCL). Travelport’s CCL uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning (ML) to sift through aggregated, multi-source content and return the right range of accurate, highly intuitive search results that are normalized and easier for agents and travelers to understand. CCL is the latest enhancement to the Travelport+ platform, simplifying the delivery of retail-ready content from partners like Delta and presenting tailored options to agency customers and the end-traveler.

“Our renewed agreement with Delta underscores our shared commitment to modernizing travel retail for agents and travelers with a seamless, personalized shopping and servicing experience,” said Damian Hickey, Global Head of Travel Partners at Travelport. “As we prepare for the future delivery of Delta’s NDC content, our ability to deliver multi-source content in a retail-ready way ensures that agents and travelers will be able to easily shop and compare all of Delta’s product offerings in one place.”

Source: Travel Daily News.

To learn more, read Travelport’s full press release

Travelport press release – Delta renewal NDC_FINAL (2)Download

Dubai Calendar unveils exciting line-up of events for October 2024

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai Calendar, the city’s official event listings platform, has unveiled a diverse range of events for October 2024, showcasing thrilling sports competitions, captivating live performances, and engaging community activities. October promises a month filled with unforgettable experiences for all, including shows by global music icons and thrilling athletic performances that will have everyone on the edge of their seat. From the legendary British band Kasabian to the Grammy Award winner Calvin Harris, and the dazzling performance of Cinderella on Ice, prepare for a month filled with excitement and entertainment like never before!

Below are Dubai Calendar’s top picks of upcoming events for October:

COMMUNITY

Global Village

Date: 16 October – 11 May

Location: Global Village

About: Global Village is reopening its gates for its 29th season. Featuring 26 pavilions with 3,500 displays from countries near and far, visitors can pick up traditional handicrafts and snacks from more than 200 eateries. Highlights include mesmerising fire-breathing performances, star-studded concerts, and exhilarating stunt shows, ensuring there is something exciting for everyone.

Gault and Millau Culinary Innovators

Date: 24 – 26 October

Location: ICD Brookfield Place

About: Prepare for an extraordinary culinary experience as Dubai’s talented chefs unite for Gault&Millau’s inaugural Culinary Innovators showcase. This unique event, a first of its kind in the UAE, brings together 12 of Dubai’s most acclaimed chefs for a spectacular three-night pop-up.

SPORTS

Dubai Basketball Club

Date: 22 September – 31 May

Location: Coca-Cola Arena

About: Grab your seats as Dubai’s new basketball team begins its 2024/5 season. Get courtside as Dubai Basketball takes on reigning ABA League champions Crvena Zvezda (Red Star) from Serbia. Led by renowned Head Coach Jurica Golemac, Dubai’s roster includes players from across the world, including the United States and the Philippines.

Dubai Muscle Show

Date: 25-27 October

Location: Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai

About: Join the latest edition of the Dubai Muscle Show, the Middle East’s leading fitness and bodybuilding platform. Highlights include the Dubai Muscle Classic with the FMG International’s first women’s contest, intense boxing and Muay Thai matches, and inspiring talks with bodybuilding legends.

Dubai Active

Date: 25-27 October

Location: Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai

About: Start the Dubai Fitness Challenge with Dubai Active. Enjoy workouts with celebrity trainers, watch boxing and MMA, and explore more than 400 brands.

Cancer Awareness Cycle or Walk

Date: 26 October

Location: Meydan Cycle Track

About: Put your best foot forward for the latest edition of Cycle or Walk For Life and plan a family day out. This community event aims to bring people together to spread awareness about cancer while enjoying live entertainment by local bands, dance groups, motivational speakers, a kids’ zone and festive food stalls.

Plus500 City Half Marathon

Date: 27 October

Location: Gate Village, Dubai International Financial Centre

About: Experience stunning views at the Plus500 City Half Marathon racing through Downtown Dubai’s iconic landmarks like Burj Khalifa and Emirates Towers. Choose between 21km, 10km, or 5km routes, and enjoy a scenic run with friends and family.

Dubai Fitness Challenge

Date: 26 October – 24 November

Location: Citywide

About: Get ready for the 2024 Dubai Fitness Challenge. Complete 30 minutes of daily activity for 30 days with free classes and events in yoga, cycling, high-intensity interval training, and more. Join the fun and get fit!

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Cinderella on Ice

Date: 4-6 October

Location: Zabeel Theatre, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

About: Enjoy a dazzling performance of Cinderella on Ice with stunning skating and thrilling manoeuvres by the Imperial Ice Stars. Book your tickets now for this enchanting retelling of the classic tale.

Tamer Ashour and Elissa live

Date: 11 October

Location: Coca-Cola Arena

About: Get ready for a night of Arabic music as Lebanese sensation Elissa and Egyptian composer Tamer Ashour light up the stage at Coca-Cola Arena. Elissa, dubbed the ‘Queen of Emotions’, promises a captivating performance as she entertains fans with endless hits like Baddy Doub and Betghib Betrouh. Meanwhile, Ashour will mesmerise with favourites including Zikrayat Kaddab, Ekhtarna Leh, Thania Wahda, and Enta Ekhtart.

Umm Kulthum & The Golden Era

Date: 12-13 October

Location: Dubai Opera

About: Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring melodies of the late Egyptian singer, Umm Kulthum, in an unforgettable show at Dubai Opera. The evening promises to be a true spectacle where her celebrated performances will unfold on stage, enhanced by a live orchestra. Watch the digital and real worlds merge in an elevated ambience during this show.

Kasabian live

Date: 13 October

Location: Coca-Cola Arena

About: Get ready to rock with legendary British band Kasabian at Coca-Cola Arena. Watch them belt out their top songs such as Fire, Club Foot, and L.S.F.

L.A. Dance Project – Romeo & Juliet Suite

Date: 17-18 October

Location: Dubai Opera

About: Dance meets cinema and theatre in a captivating adaptation of Shakespeare’s iconic Romeo & Juliet. This innovative ballet brings the Bard’s tragic love story to life in a contemporary setting.

Eric Prydz HOLO live

Date: 18 October

Location: Expo City Arena

About: Swedish DJ Eric Prydz is bringing his sensational show HOLO to Dubai for the first time. This show will headline technological and musical innovation that merges music and 3D holographic projections for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Tyga live

Date: 19 October

Location: Coca-Cola Arena

About: It will be an evening filled with beats as globally-acclaimed rapper Tyga performs live at Coca-Cola Arena. The American star gained popularity for his repertoire of hits and celebrated collaborations with international names like Drake and Justin Bieber. Hear him belt out chart-topping singles like Taste, Swish, and The Motto.

Romesh Ranganathan live

Date: 25 October

Location: Coca-Cola Arena

About: Romesh Ranganathan’s 2022 show in Dubai was a sold-out success, so grab your tickets early for his upcoming performance. The stand-up comedy star gained popularity thanks to stints on numerous TV shows like The Apprentice: You’re Fired!, Play to the Whistle, and A League of Their Own.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor live

Date: 26 October

Location: Dubai Opera

About: Get ready for an evening that pops with Sophie Ellis-Bexter at Dubai Opera. The singer, songwriter and pop icon of the 2000s will perform her greatest hits including Murder on the Dance Floor and Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love).

KT Tunstall live

Date: 26 October

Location: The Tent, Bla Bla Dubai

About: Dubai fans have the chance to catch Scottish musician KT Tunstall live at Bla Bla Dubai. On the night, you can expect to hear her perform hits like Suddenly I See, Hold On, and 1000 Years.

Calvin Harris live

Date: 26 October

Location: Ushuaia Dubai Harbour Experience

About: Get a taste of Ibiza right here in Dubai as Grammy Award winner Calvin Harris marks the opening concert at Ushuaia Dubai Harbour Experience. Get ready to dance to hits like Summer, Feel So Close, and How Deep Is Your Love, while a special guest appearance by Tyson O’Brien makes it an unforgettable experience.

DJ Liu x Barasti

Date: 26 October

Location: Barasti Beach

About: It’s raining beats at Barasti as DJ Liu brings his epic set of deep house and future house music straight from Tomorrowland to Dubai. This electronic music star has been making waves in the international circuit and will now spin top tunes at the beachfront destination.

Dubai Calendar allows residents and tourists to discover all the events, festivals and experiences Dubai has to offer. For more information, please visit: www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dubai-events-calendar.

-Ends-

About Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)

With the ultimate vision of making Dubai the world’s leading commercial centre, investment hub and tourism destination, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is mandated to support the Government in positioning the emirate as a major hub for global economy and tourism, and in boosting the city’s economic and tourism competitiveness indicators, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy and consolidate its position among the top three global cities over the next decade.

Under this remit, DET is driving efforts to further enhance Dubai’s diversified, innovative service-based economy to attract top global talent, deliver a world-class business environment and accelerate productivity growth. Additionally, DET is supporting Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to live and work in by promoting its diverse destination proposition, unique lifestyle and outstanding quality of life, overall.

DET is the principal authority for planning, supervising, developing and marketing Dubai’s business and tourism sectors. It is also responsible for licensing and classifying all types of businesses, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. The DET portfolio includes Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), Dubai Business Licence Corporation (DBLC), Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), Dubai SME, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) and Dubai College of Tourism (DCT).

About Dubai Calendar

Dubai Calendar, the official listings platform for events in the city, is managed by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an entity of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). A free resource online and via a dedicated mobile app, Dubai Calendar is the city’s go-to guide that allows residents and tourists to discover all the events, festivals and experiences Dubai has to offer, from arts, culture and education to food, sports and shopping. With more than 1,200 events per year, and new listings added every week, Dubai Calendar is an all-access pass to ‘what’s on’ in Dubai. For more information about events taking place across Dubai, please visit: www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dubai-events-calendar.

Source: Zawya.

New agreement to boost medical tourism and investment in Dubai.

Dubai: The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost the emirate’s medical tourism sector.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority, signed the MoU in the presence of several officials from both sides.

Areas of cooperation

The MoU aims to enhance mutual cooperation to implement a range of strategic initiatives that support and achieve the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. This includes attracting investments to accelerate the growth of the healthcare sector in the emirate and showcasing the best healthcare services available including digital health, supporting business development for potential investors, and accelerating their business growth journey.

It covers investor-related services such as business registration, as well as providing logistical and organisational support in accordance with regulations and each party’s jurisdiction.

Under this MoU, the two parties will work to build and establish a broad network of international partners to support Dubai’s economy by attracting local and foreign investors to the healthcare sector in the emirate. They will contribute to enhancing medical tourism by promoting opportunities for official delegations to visit healthcare facilities in Dubai, in accordance with the facilities’ regulations.

Additionally, they will work to advance the exchange of knowledge and research in the healthcare sector, as well as explore potential investment opportunities.

The parties will also support activities related to the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme, which is overseen by DET. This programme aims to attract international conferences and meetings to the city, as well as enhance collaboration in local and international events designed to promote and market the emirate. Both parties will focus on attracting major global medical conferences and strengthening cooperation in the fields of exhibitions and workshops related to medical tourism.

Growth in medical tourism

A recent report by DHA revealed that Dubai attracted 691,478 medical tourists from around the world last year, with their healthcare expenditures surpassing Dh1.034 billion – outperforming 2022 figures, when 674,000 medical tourists spent Dh992 million.

In addition, the indirect revenues from medical tourism last year exceeded Dh2.305 billion, fuelling significant contributions to Dubai’s GDP by driving growth across key sectors such as aviation, hotels, hospitality, telecommunications, and beyond

Almarri stated: “The signing of this MoU with the Dubai Health Authority is a step in this direction and will strengthen our ability to build relationships with a wide network of partners to attract a significant segment of the target audience. We look forward to working together to attract investments for pioneering projects in the healthcare sector, host major global medical conferences and meetings, and make Dubai the preferred destination for travellers seeking top-quality services.”

Al Ketbi said: “Dubai has leveraged all its resources, including advanced infrastructure, technology, smart solutions, systems, legislation, and facilitation, to create promising investment opportunities in the healthcare sector and provide a secure healthcare environment. This, in turn, has attracted a significant number of international hospitals and leading specialised centres to choose Dubai as their base, as well as individuals seeking a high quality of life and well-being.”

Source: Gulf News