HH SHEIKH MOHAMMED DIRECTS THE SETTING UP OF A DUBAI CONVENTION BUREAU

His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Minister of Defense and Chairman of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), issued directives to DTCM Director General, Khalid A. bin Sulayem to commence the setting up of a Dubai Convention Bureau under the umbrella of the DTCM. The Bureau will market and sell the Convention Center, which will be operated by the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) and will open in 2003 to coincide with the IMF Summit.

Mr. bin Sulayem commented that the setting up of the Dubai Convention Bureau will be an excellent tool to position Dubai as a world class convention city and will enhance the efforts which were undertaken by the DTCM in promoting meetings and incentives over the years.

"I am extremely delighted with the set-up of the Dubai Convention Bureau which I see as an excellent facility that will encourage business tourism into Dubai,' said Mohammed Alabbar, Vice Chairman of the Dubai World Trade Center. He also added that the DWTC would be building, within the same premises, a four star Novotel hotel, a two star Ibis hotel and a new office tower.

Mr. bin Sulayem added that the bureau, which will be part of the DTCM operation, will have sales and marketing representation in all the fourteen offices of the DTCM worldwide, in addition to its main base in Dubai. "Both the DTCM and DWTC are working hand-in-hand on a marketing plan to develop a strategy that integrates a commitment to increasing meeting and convention business to our city," Mr. bin Sulayem concluded.