Dubai unveils all-access pass for tourists
Packages starting Dh389 to be launched on May 16, allowing access to 33 attractions
Dubai is leaving no stone unturned to reach its target of attracting 20 million visitors by 2020. The emirate’s tourism authority yesterday launched Dubai Pass, a prepaid card that affords tourists access over 30 attractions in the city.
Available for redemption starting May 16, Dubai Pass will grant cash-free access to attractions such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Parks and Resorts, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Wild Wadi Waterpark, Ski Dubai, Desert Safari Tours, among others.
Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) said in a statement that the year-round pass is aimed at helping visitors and tourists “save money and make the most of their trip with family and friends”.
The packages start from Dh389 to Dh899 for a range of options, with a choice of 33 attractions offered in two bundles — Select (Dh399 for adult; Dh389 for child) and Unlimited (Dh899 for adult; Dh846 for child). The Select package, which allows one to choose limited attractions, is valid for seven consecutive days, while, Unlimited package, as the name suggests, offers one infinite choice of events and attractions, with three-day validity.
Additionally, visitors will also receive a 50 per cent discount on tickets to La Perle, the live entertainment show with acrobatics and aerial stunts, with every purchase, DTCM said.
The tourism body said that introduction of this pass follows the success of previous seasonal passes for Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) and Dubai Shopping Festival. The passes can be purchased online or at select sales desks across Dubai. Packages purchased online and selected for collection must be collected within six months of date of purchase.
There is no move to legalise gambling in Dubai, despite the imminent arrival of three of the world’s most famous hotel casino brands, according to the emirate’s most senior tourism official.
The MGM Grand, the Bellagio, and as of last week Caesars Palace, are all heading for Dubai, with the latter set to open this year. They are the second and fourth largest casino companies in the world by 2017 revenues.
None of the hotels here will however feature casinos, unlike their counterparts in Las Vegas.
Asked if there was any appetite for casinos, which are considered haram, or forbidden in Islam, Issam Kazim, chief executive officer of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), told Gulf News that Dubai was interested in preserving its Islamic culture.
“No [there is not a desire for casinos] … We need to bear in mind that there are cultural things that are a priority to us,” Kazim said.
Despite gambling being classed as one of Islam’s greater sins, some Muslim countries including Egypt, Tunisia, and Malaysia permit casinos.
“I believe the idea of Caesars Palace is to bring the theme that revolves around that, with the historical Roman elements, more than anything else,” he said, adding, “It’s about creating that sort of a destination and experience, more than about the casinos.”
In a wide-ranging interview with the tourism chief, who is responsible for executing the government’s now-famous strategy of attracting 20 million tourists to Dubai by 2020, Kazim made multiple references to the city’s attempts to “diversify” its approach to tourism.
Different demographic
The head of Dubai Tourism, a government authority, said that the push towards mid-scale hotels, reflected in the recent rise of Emaar’s Rove brand, and Jumeirah’s Zabeel House brand, which had been successful in attracting a different demographic to the five-star luxury resorts, while denying that overpriced tickets were the reason behind the poor performance of the city’s theme parks.
“It’s not the pricing. It takes time to become an integral part of the tourism offering. The newer theme parks are world class. Eventually, they will become as well-known as the Wild Wadi water park and other attractions like it,” Kazim said.
On the issue of how visas contribute to visitor levels, the senior official said that he would like to see India granted visa-on-arrival status.
“India for sure. That would be the easiest one for me to look at. Also, tie it in with transit passengers that are travelling with Emirates airline. Know which ones the visa will be a barrier for, because they’re right on your doorstep,” Kazim said.
He added that as part of the authority’s strategy, Dubai Tourism looks “at the top 10 or top 20 source markets” for visa-on-arrival status.
No [there is not a desire for casinos] … We need to bear in mind that there are cultural things that are a priority to us.” Issam Kazim (right) | Chief executive of Dubai Tourism