Public virtual dialogue session on future of economy and tourism over the next 50 years

In response to the launch of the ‘Designing the Next 50 project’ by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai organized a virtual discussion session titled ‘The future of the economy and tourism over the next 50 years.’ It was aimed at involving all segments of the society in shaping the future of the tourism and economy sector in the UAE in the next 50 years, and was held in the presence of Dr. Colonel Omar Al Shamsi, Assistant Director General of the Entry and Residence Permits Sector, and a number of community members. The session forms part of the interactive initiatives between governmental and private sectors and individuals from the community, as part of the design project for the next 50 years. It called for a participatory approach to present ideas and suggestions and outline features of the future in all sectors and fields, through a set of activities and events supervised by the Supreme Committee for the preparation for the next 50. The session discussed two important axes on promoting tourism and the economy and consolidating the country's position as a leading and sustainable tourism destination at the regional and global levels. The first session focused on “What is your perception of the visa and residency system over the next fifty years” and while the second one focused on “How do you see the future of entry and exit mechanisms to the country's ports in light of technological developments, ‘’ The sessions gave rise to a set of ideas and proposals from various community members on improving entry and departure processes through all ports in terms of speed and accuracy, ensuring the security and safety aspects in the emirate, in addition to the entry and residence permits processes, which are based on issuing and creating Visas and residency. These ideas will be included and studied under the supervision of the Supreme Committee of preparation for the next 50 . Major General Muhammad Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency, Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, said that it is important to intensify national governmental and community efforts to participate in building the future of the UAE, by implementing the directives of the wise leadership to promote joint work between all federal and local government authorities in preparation for the next fifty years. It needs us to adopt a proactive approach that anticipates challenges to ensure a better future for the generations to come. Al Marri underlined that the session contributes to spreading the culture of future planning to generate innovative and creative ideas to develop work during the next five decades and benefit from positive results and creative ideas that help us move forward towards the achievement of the sustainable development goals. The Director General of GDRFA Dubai added that the UAE was able to consolidate its position on the tourism and travel landscape to become one of the most important and largest global touristic destinations. He noted that at a time when the world is witnessing the repercussions of the Covid 19 pandemic that affected various sectors, including tourism, the city of Dubai has successfully and efficiently surpassed the effects of the pandemic and was one of the first global cities to open its airports to receive tourists. He added that the Directorate is working continuously with its partners to provide all facilities, including procedures to ensure the health and safety of everyone.