More residents rely on Dubai Calendar for weekend plans
dubai — Almost 280,000 people have downloaded the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing’s Dubai Calendar app, since its creation, with downloads steadily picking up speed since the app was revamped in December, according to Moaza Alyouha, VP, Brand and Marketing Operations.
In an interview with Khaleej Times, Alyouha noted that, in the last few months alone, the app has been downloaded approximately 123,000 times.
“Our analysis has shown that most of our users are UAE residents. So the majority of our marketing campaigns are directed towards people living in Dubai,” she said. “The Dubai Calendar app is doing very well. Since we launched, we’ve seen high levels of engagement from our users, especially with regards to repeat ticket sales.”
According to Alyouha, at any given time there are about 150 events listed on the app, with 35 new events added each week.
Additionally, Alyouha noted that the app fits into Dubai’s larger “Smart City” strategy.
“The app was completely revamped in December 2016, resulting in an easy-to-use ‘one stop platform’ that truly complements the Smart City initiative,” she said. “The innovations were in response to consumer demand and have provided our users with an enhanced online experience. For example, people can now use the app to not only explore Dubai’s packed calendar of events, but also purchase tickets quickly and securely through the app’s purchasing platform, without having to check multiple sites. Additionally, users can now instantly connect with friends through the app to share details of events and exclusive offers.”
As a sign of the app’s success, Alyouha noted that it won the ‘Best m-Government Service’ at the recent Hamdan Bin Mohammad Smart Government Awards.
“Our success is also the result of the fantastic offers and access to high profile events that are exclusive to Dubai Calendar app,” she said. “For example, we are the only platform where people could register for and buy the pre-sale tickets for Dubai’s inaugural ‘Tomorrowland festival’, which is being held on July 29… These highly sought-after tickets went on sale on April 10 and we received great response.”
Looking to the future, Alyouha said “we are continually looking to innovate and improve the experience we offer Dubai Calendar app users.”
“The next stage for us is to completely customise and personalise the app. User preferences and purchase history will be used to tailor event suggestions, making the
The next stage for us is to completely customise and personalise the app. User preferences and purchase history will be used to tailor event suggestions.” Moaza Alyouha, Brand and Marketing Operations, Dubai Calendar
search process simpler and more streamlined,” she said.
“We will also continue to secure exclusive ticket deals for high profile events, in the same way we did with Tomorrowland and the Justin Bieber concerts. Additionally, we always welcome user feedback and there is a function within the app where people can make suggestions and requests for new functions and updates.”