Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), yesterday announced exciting new technological updates and applications at the GITEX Technology Week, the largest information and communications technology event in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. Taking place from 16 – 20 October 2016, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai Tourism will use the event as a platform to showcase the latest innovations in enhancing visitor experience across the city including the interactive Visit Dubai app. The innovative Dubai360 Virtual Reality experience, new paperless inspection system will also be on display.

Addressing Dubai Tourism’s participation, HE Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) said: “In a fast-paced, increasingly connected world that revolves around technology, we are committed to transforming Dubai into one of the smartest cities in the world. We have seen new ideas and applications continue to influence the tourism industry and shape the preferences of the global traveller. Recognising this trend and its potential, we are striving to stay one step ahead and use new developments as a powerful tool to reach our goal of welcoming 20 million visitors per year by the end of 2020.”

With the launch of new features on Dubai Calendar’s digital platforms, Dubai residents and visitors can now explore the city’s year-round event listings through a more streamlined process. The latest application upgrade includes an in-app portal which allows users to purchase event tickets directly without needing to access multiple third-party platforms. Additionally, the optimised app will provide users with integrated access to Google Maps and push notifications, offering a more efficient and hassle-free experience.

Following the launch, His Excellency Almarri added: “Dubai’s year-round events calendar is one of the key initiatives that helps make the city a leading entertainment destination and recognised by the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) as the 2016 World Festival and Event City. Dubai Calendar has been designed with the primary objective of ensuring that visitors and residents alike experience all that the city has to offer. The creation of an easier consumer experience is at the heart of the improvements to the Dubai Calendar website and app, which is a one-stop digital library to the city’s multiple events, all in the palm of your hand.”

Also unveiled yesterday was Dubai Tourism’s new smart inspection system, providing inspectors with a paperless tool that automates inspections of tourism establishments in the city. Designed to accelerate the review process while maintaining the high quality of the city’s popular landmarks, the system allows for the easy location of establishments within Dubai, access to relevant information, collection of evidence and seamless reporting. The devices have been designed with a robust backend management process, integrating the inspection team with management and the establishment, featuring a powerful live tracking mechanism and an effective reporting system for informed decision making.

Also displayed prominently at the stand is the DUBAI360 Virtual Reality experience, which recently generated considerable interest as part of a large experiential activation in London’s Waterloo Station. Using the latest in technology to promote Dubai’s destination offering, the three-minute clip virtually transports people to the top of the Burj Khalifa, immediately followed by a thrilling motorbike ride over desert dunes, a deep dive into the Dubai Aquarium, a glance at one of Dubai’s beautiful beaches and a plunge into the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf for a myriad of water sports.

Visitors to the Smart Dubai Government Establishment stand will also have the chance to explore elements of the Visit Dubai Application and website, such as a trip planner to create customised itineraries; a comprehensive map of Dubai; a ready list of over 13,000 places to visit in the city; and other useful information for visitors including cultural considerations, offers and deals.

Dubai Tourism is part of the Smart Dubai Government Establishment stand at GITEX Technology Week, and is located in Sheikh Saeed Hall S2-A21 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.