
Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais meets with leading French travel and tourism tech companies
H.E. underlines importance of technology in her vision to develop a sustainable and responsible tourism sector
Abu Dhabi: H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General elect of the United Nations Tourism for the 2026–2029 term, held a series of meetings with representatives of leading French travel and tourism technology companies. The discussions focused on advancing innovation and integrating cutting-edge technologies in the sector. Participants emphasized the critical role of digital solutions in improving service efficiency and strengthening the sector's readiness to adapt to rapid technological shifts. The meetings were held on the sidelines of Her Excellency's participation in VivaTech 2025 in Paris, held under the theme "The New Frontiers of Innovation."
The meetings are part of Her Excellency's ongoing efforts to foster dialogue with the private sector in the tourism industry, in preparation for her assumption of office as UN Tourism Secretary-General early next year.
Her Excellency said: 'Technology is a key pillar in my vision to develop a sustainable and responsible tourism sector both regionally and globally, given its vital role in creating innovative tourism models based on global best practices. It further improves quality of life while maintaining privacy and offering outstanding tourism experiences to visitors and tourists around the world.' H.E. emphasised the importance of increasing private‑sector investment in digital solutions that support tourism sustainability and building an integrated digital infrastructure that enhances operational efficiencies in tourism.
During the discussions, Her Excellency underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships between the UN Tourism and private tourism companies to develop new initiatives and projects that facilitate mobility and communication across countries, and improve tourism destinations, particularly in light of challenges such as climate change and evolving travel and tourism trends.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Zawya
20 minutes ago
- Zawya
Mohammed bin Rashid announces changes to UAE government
Following consultations and approval of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, announced today changes to the UAE government. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said, 'Following consultations with my brother, His Highness the President, and with his approval, we announce today changes to the UAE government as follows: establishment of a Ministry of Foreign Trade in the UAE government and appointment of Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi as Minister of Foreign Trade, and renaming the Ministry of Economy to Ministry of Economy and Tourism led by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri.' He added, 'We also announce that the National Artificial Intelligence System will be adopted as an advisory member in the Council of Ministers, the Ministerial Development Council, and all boards of federal entities and government companies starting from January 2026 to support decision-making in these councils, conduct real-time analyses of their decisions, provide technical advice, and enhance the efficiency of government policies adopted by these councils across all sectors.' His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said, "The world is undergoing a comprehensive transformation phase… scientifically... economically... and socially... our goal is to prepare today for the coming decades... our goal is to ensure continued prosperity and dignified life for future generations."


Zawya
20 minutes ago
- Zawya
Gross banks' assets up by 1.9% to $1285.1bln at end of March: CBUAE
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) announced the increase in money supply aggregate M1 by 0.4%, from AED982.4 billion at the end of February 2025 to AED986.2 billion at the end of March 2025. The increase was due to AED5.1 billion growth in currency in circulation outside banks, overriding the AED1.4 billion decrease in monetary deposits. The money supply aggregate M2 increased by 3.3%, increasing from AED 2,360.3 billion at the end of February 2025 to AED2,437.7 billion at the end of March 2025. M2 increased because of an elevated M1, and AED73.8 billion increase in Quasi-Monetary Deposits. The money supply aggregate M3 also increased by 2.9%, from AED2,811.7 billion at the end of February 2025 to AED2,893.7 billion at the end of March 2025. M3 increased due to the growth in M2, and AED4.5 billion increase in government deposits. The monetary base increased by 2.0%, from AED816.6 billion at the end of February 2025 to AED833.1 billion at the end of March 2025. The growth in the monetary base was driven by increases in currency issued by 4.1% and in reserve account by 62.0%, overriding the decrease in banks & OFCs' current accounts & overnight deposits of banks at CBUAE by 64.2% and in monetary bills & Islamic certificates of deposit by 6.3%. Gross banks' assets, including bankers' acceptances, increased by 1.9% from AED4,632.2 billion at the end of February 2025 to AED4,719.4 billion at the end of March 2025. Gross credit increased by 1.6% from AED2,204.3 billion at the end of February 2025 to AED2,240.0 billion at the end of March 2025. Gross credit increased due the combined growth in domestic credit by AED19.5 billion and foreign credit by AED16.2 billion. The growth in domestic credit was due to increases in credit to the; public sector (government-related entities) by 0.2%, private sector by 1.4% and non-banking financial institutions by 1.9%, while credit to the government sector decreased by 0.3%. Banks' deposits increased by 2.3%, from AED2,871.5 billion at the end of February 2025 to AED2,936.4 billion at the end of March 2025. The increase in bank deposits was driven by the shared growth in resident deposits by 2.4%, settling at AED2,687.8 billion and in non- resident deposits by 0.4%, reaching AED248.6 billion. Within the resident deposits; government-related entities deposits increased by 4.3%, private sector deposits increased by 3.1% and non-banking financial institutions deposits increased by 5.1%, while deposits to the government sector decreased by 2.3%, by the end of March 2025.


Arabian Business
an hour ago
- Arabian Business
Certified Collectibles Group opens Dubai office as comics, trading cards and autographs grow as alternative investment category
Dubai collectors and memorabilia investors will be able to authenticate valuables and trade items with greater security after the Certified Collectibles Group (CCG) officially opened its first full-time office in the Middle East. The opening comes as trading cards, rare currencies, comic books and sports cards are increasingly viewed as tangible assets with investment value. Located in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) the major expansion for the global collectibles powerhouse provides on-the-ground access in the UAE for the grading and authentication of: Coins Paper money Comic books Magazines Trading card games (TCGs) Sports cards Non-sports cards Certified Collectibles Group in Dubai The new location enables collectors and dealers in the region to submit their prized items directly to CCG Middle East, the Group's regional affiliate. All submissions will be securely transported to CCG's global headquarters in Sarasota, Florida, for expert grading, then returned to Dubai—fully insured and tariff-free under a Temporary Importation under Bond (TIB) procedure. Arafaat Ali Khan, CCG Managing Director, Middle East, said: 'The extraordinary interest expressed by collectors and dealers at the shows and the calibre of collectibles entrusted to us for grading are strong indicators of the market's potential. 'I am excited to contribute to its advancement as we make the services of the CCG companies more accessible.' CCG brands now available in the UAE, include Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) for coins, tokens and medals; Paper Money Guaranty (PMG) for banknotes; Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) for comic books, magazines and trading cards; James Spence Authentication (JSA) for autograph verification. Autographed comics and trading cards can now be submitted, with autographed memorabilia services to follow soon. CCG is the first global third-party collectibles grading company to establish a permanent office in the Middle East. The Group's move follows enthusiastic response at recent events like Middle East Film and Comic Con in Abu Dhabi and The Currency Fair in Dubai, where collectors lined up to submit items for evaluation. Services now available online via dedicated UAE websites and collectors across the region can now explore services and prepare submissions at the dedicated portals. – For coins, tokens and medals – For paper money – For comics and magazines – For trading card games, sports and non-sports cards Steven R. Eichenbaum, CEO of CCG, said: 'CCG is proud to be the first major third-party grading service to accept submissions full-time in the Middle East. 'This expansion is reflective of our commitment to adding value, trust and transparency to the world of collectibles by making expert certification available to collectors and dealers everywhere.' With more than 100m collectibles certified since 1987, CCG's expansion into the UAE aligns with growing demand from a rising generation of collectors across the Middle East. The new Dubai office gives regional enthusiasts easier access to the same globally trusted standards relied on by collectors in the US, UK, Germany, and China. This launch further cements Dubai's role as a global hub not just for finance and art—but now also for authenticated and graded collectibles, a fast-growing niche within alternative investments.