Tourism key component of UAE economy, says VP

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched the 3rd edition of the “World’s Coolest Winter” campaign during the UAE Cabinet meeting on Sunday.

This year’s “World’s Coolest Winter” campaign was launched under the theme of “Our Heritage” during the UAE Cabinet meeting chaired by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid in Al Zorah Natural Reserve in Ajman.

Sheikh Mohammed also met His Highness Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman.

“Today, I chaired a meeting of the Council of Ministers in Al Zorah Natural Reserve — Ajman during which we launched the new season of the domestic national tourism campaign, ‘World’s Coolest Winter in the World,’” Sheikh Mohammed said in a series of tweets.

“Ajman, the white sands, the Red Fort, the Masfout Mountains, and the valleys of Manama, is the starting point for the winter campaign this year.”

“Our Heritage” will the theme of the 2022 campaign, in favour of highlighting the rich Emirati values and culture and its distinct features that include hospitality, tolerance and solidarity.

“Today, in the Council of Ministers, we approved the launch of an integrated national plaform that represents a compass for investment in vital sectors such as financial technology, tourism, manufacturing, renewable energy, and others,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

The meeting was atended by Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance and Lt. General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior.

Sheikh Mohammed affirmed that tourism is a major component of the Emirati economy, where all federal and local entities partner to support this vital sector, stressing that the sector development needs cooperation between government and private sectors.

Highlighting Ajman as the starting point for the new season of the World’s Coolest Winter, His Highness noted “Ajman witnessed a tourism, economic, and urban transformation under the direction of my brother Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid. We are proud of the dedication of Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid and his brothers.”

Sheikh mo hammed added :“the world’ s cool est Winter campaign, sparked an increase in domestic tourism by 36 per cent in 2021, reaching 1.3 million domestic tourists. This year’s theme is “Our Heritage” will focus on spreading the Emirati values.”

Also, the Cabinet meeting approved the National Building Regulations and Standards, which includes sustainability guides for buildings, roads, housing, and a National Guide for Building Sustainability in operation and maintenance. The National Building Regulations and Standards will ensure reducing the use of materials and natural resources by 15 per cent, reducing the carbon footprint by 5 per cent, reducing energy in roads by 45 per cent, reducing energy in buildings and housing by 25 per cent, reducing water consumption by 16 per cent, in addition to supporting the green economy, and the welfare and comfort of the people of the UAE.

The Cabinet also approved the launch of a campaign that aims at cleaning the tourist landmarks and destinations in the UAE, in line with the International Volunteer Day.

The current edition of the campaign aims to support domestic tourism within the UAE and attract tourists from around the world to enjoy the warm winter by highlighting the key UAE tourism atractions and the most famous recreational, cultural and natural landmarks of the country.

Entities concerned with heritage and culture in the UAE will cooperate to provide a wide range of the programmes and activities that show the uniqueness of the Emirati heritage during the campaign period.

This year’s edition of the World’s Coolest Winter campaign celebrates the human element in every visit to the UAE, which is central to its status as a sought-ater global tourist destination with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and is reflected in its values of tolerance, inclusion and respect for every visitor from every background.

In its second edition that took place last year, thecampaignachieveddistinguishedresults,where Dhs1.5 billion in revenues were generated in one month, the number of local tourists increased to more than 1.3 million tourists, with an increase of 36 per cent compared to the first edition of the campaign, and an increase of 50 per cent in the number of hotel guests.

Mohammed launches 3rd edition of ‘World’s Coolest Winter’ drive; Ajman, the white sands, the Red Fort, the Masfout Mountains and the valleys of Manama, is the starting point for the winter campaign this year, says VP.