Dubai Economy & Tourism Partners with Amadeus to Boost Travel Innovation

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has entered into a major agreement with Amadeus, a leading global company in travel technology. This new partnership aims to make Dubai a top hub for travel innovation by developing a system that allows for the rapid testing of new travel tech solutions. The goal is to improve visitor experiences and strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a world-class destination. The city already welcomed a record-breaking 18.72 million international overnight visitors in 2024, and this initiative aims to build on that success.

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The agreement, known as a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), was signed by His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), which is part of DET, and Maher Koubaa, Executive Vice President of the Travel Unit and Managing Director for EMEA at Amadeus. This partnership also supports Dubai’s long-term economic plan, the D33 Agenda, which seeks to strengthen the city’s position as a leading global center for both business and tourism.

DET and Amadeus have already been working together in several areas, including travel data analysis, digital advertising, and marketing for business-to-business travel. This new MoU will further expand their collaboration. As part of this agreement, Amadeus will establish a Centre of Excellence in Dubai, which will focus on improving travel experiences. Some key areas of focus include biometric technology for smoother travel, better airport management, secure and easy payment systems, and increasing air travel capacity. The initiative will also support startups and provide better travel data insights for hotels and tourist destinations.

Issam Kazim, CEO of DCTCM, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “This collaboration with Amadeus is a major step toward making Dubai a global innovation hub. It shows our dedication to using advanced digital solutions to improve the travel industry. Thanks to the vision of our leadership, we can continue to introduce new ideas that support Dubai’s long-term economic goals. Our city’s strong infrastructure, business-friendly policies, and strategic location make it the perfect place for developing new travel technologies. By combining Amadeus’ expertise with Dubai’s strong tourism sector, we will create more opportunities for businesses and startups, driving sustainable economic growth.”

Maher Koubaa, Amadeus’ Executive Vice President and Managing Director for EMEA, also shared his enthusiasm. He said, “We are thrilled to work with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism to help shape the future of travel. As a trusted partner, Amadeus is committed to supporting Dubai’s vision for growth and innovation. Our technology will help the city offer more personalized travel experiences, streamline services, and set new industry standards. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to making Dubai a leading force in travel technology.”

This collaboration comes at a time when the global travel industry is increasingly relying on technology to meet changing traveler demands and improve efficiency. Dubai has been actively investing in research and development, forming strong partnerships between the public and private sectors to drive progress. The initiative also aligns with Dubai’s D33 Agenda, which focuses on using innovation to boost economic development.

Amadeus is known for driving digital transformation in the travel industry, helping airlines, hotels, travel agencies, and airports improve customer experiences. Its technology connects different parts of the travel industry, offering smart tools for booking, data analysis, and overall efficiency. Through this partnership, Amadeus will continue to introduce new advancements that push the travel industry forward while contributing to Dubai’s vision of becoming a global leader in tourism and innovation.