Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, published photos from his tour of the Hatta region on Friday.
Sheikh Mohammed wrote on his Twitter account, “From my tour today in Hatta... Tourism in the homeland is a support for the people of the homeland... and exploring the homeland is an exploration of identity… its roots... and ancestors... and the limits that a person can reach within his homeland."
Sheikh Mohammed continued, “My tourism is in my country ... my country is the most beautiful ... my country is the sweetest ... my country has the warmest feeling... may God protect my country, the Emirates.”
Last week, Sheikh Mohammed approved the new UAE Strategy for Domestic Tourism that aims to develop a comprehensive scheme to regulate the local tourism sector in a solid collaboration among the relevant local and federal entities.
Sheikh Mohammed explores the vast expanse of Hatta.
He revealed a new unified tourism identity, as part of the UAE Nation Brand, to establish the country’s status as an ideal tourist destination locally and globally, and to share its inspiring story with the world.
Sheikh Mohammed launched the first federal domestic tourism campaign titled "World’s Coolest Winter" to invite the public to explore the hidden gems of the seven emirates. The 45-day campaign, overseen by the Ministry of Economy in collaboration with local tourism entities and supported by the UAE Government Media Office, aims to highlight the major landmarks and attractions that distinguish every emirate and contribute to the UAE as a single destination.
Sheikh Mohammed interacts with residents in Hatta.
Sheikh Mohammed said promoting the UAE as a single tourist destination with diverse attractions and experiences boosts the country’s tourism sector as an integral part of the national economy.
Sheikh Mohammed invited citizens and residents of different age groups, interests and backgrounds, to rediscover the UAE’s landmarks, reconnect with nature and share their experiences on social media platforms.
Sheikh Mohammed revels in the beauty of Hatta.
The UAE Strategy for Domestic Tourism was launched with a vision that recognises the importance of developing a comprehensive federal scheme to regulate the UAE’s local tourism sector.
In line with the ongoing massive winter campaign that aims to highlight UAE’s hidden gems, the World's Coolest Winter Challenge was launched in collaboration with du to encourage the people to share their outdoor experiences in UAE on social media, for a chance to win.
UAE nationals and residents are invited to post snaps of their winter experiences on social media for a chance to win Dhs25,000-Dhs50,000.
The contest runs from the 15th of December 2020, till the 25th of January 2021, in two phases
The #WorldsCoolestWinterChallenge will reward the posts that best capture the charm of touristic, natural and cultural landmarks across the UAE.
The first phase will reward two posts weekly with cash prizes worth Dh25,000 each for four weeks starting from December 15, 2020 until January 14, 2021, while the second phase will offer two grand cash prizes worth Dh50,000 each over 10 days starting from January 15 to January 25, 2021.
At the end of the challenge, du will publish the stories of the winners, along with the journey that inspired their submissions.