01 April 2008 - The massive investments in Dubai’s travel and tourism sector and the innovative leisure and entertainment concepts of DUBAILAND®, a member of Tatweer, will be extensively spotlighted at the 8th Global Travel and Tourism Summit 2008 in Dubai.

DUBAILAND® is the Platinum Partner for the event to be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on 21-22 April, 2008.

The Summit, which is debuting in Dubai this year, is organized by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). It will provide an ideal opportunity for DUBAILAND® to network with top tier executives of the world’s most prominent travel and tourism companies, industry leaders, heads of state, senior government officials and media representatives.

Built around the theme of ‘World Citizens’, the event will highlight the travel and tourism sector’s crucial role in generating wealth and employment, preserving the world’s natural and cultural assets, and harnessing economic growth. As effective drivers of all these factors in Dubai, DUBAILAND® is seen as an ideal partner of the upscale international event.

Mohammed Al Habbai, CEO of DUBAILAND®, said: ”Forums like the Global Travel and Tourism Summit will significantly enhance Dubai’s status amongst all other global tourism destinations while paving way for industry influencing trends and developments in the region.

“Dubai is one of the few cities in the world that have successfully leveraged the continuous growth of the tourism and hospitality sectors. The six million tourists who visited Dubai in 2006 bear a strong testimony to the emirate’s far-reaching international appeal. As the world’s most ambitious leisure, tourism and entertainment destination, DUBAILAND® will use the summit as a platform to spread awareness about its diverse components while seeking to multiply the tourist numbers to Dubai and the UAE.”

Set in a unique format, the Global Travel and Tourism Summit 2008 will engage participants in meaningful dialogue on issues that affect global travel and tourism companies. Simultaneously, it will raise awareness on the global social and economic role of the travel and tourism sector, drawing significant broadcast and media attention from across the world.

The three billion sq ft DUBAILAND®, when completed, will play a crucial role in attracting 15 million tourists as envisioned by Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, and generating niche employment opportunities. It also focuses on natural conservation as reflected by its health and nature resorts such as Al Sahra Desert Resort, and Al Barari Gardens.

Unique theme parks, rides, cultural adventures and other avenues of entertainment will be key components of DUBAILAND®, which will boast projects such as Universal City DUBAILAND®, Marvel Theme Park, DreamWorks Animation Park, HIT Entertainment’s ‘Little Big Club,’ Six Flags DUBAILAND® Theme Park, Dubai Sports City, City of Arabia, Motor City, Aqua Dunya and The Dubai Wheel.