Emirates and DTCM's new US$20 million campaign promoting Dubai

Emirates and Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) have launched a new global campaign that celebrates different facets of Dubai.
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The US$20 million “See you in Dubai” campaign, one of Emirates’ largest to date, is created in partnership with DTCM to reach audiences across the globe, focusing particularly on markets in Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. 

“Dubai is a global hub and a global destination in itself.  From Emirates’ perspective, it is our unique differentiator. Our mission has always been to connect the Dubai to the world, and connect the world through Dubai,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline & Group. 

“Our dynamic home city is developing apace, in line with HH Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Vision 2020. Whether they’re new arrivals or they’ve been before, visitors to Dubai will always discover something new to enjoy and share in the emirate. Last year, Dubai welcomed more than 11 million visitors and our aim is to continue to grow these numbers by constantly enhancing every aspect of Dubai’s destination offering, making our city the top choice for all types of travellers from across the globe. Emirates and DTCM both continually showcase Dubai through every possible touch point – whether at international and industry events, sponsorships or through marketing campaigns. We believe our new campaign will contribute to enhancing Dubai’s appeal to even more visitors across the globe.” 

Across print, broadcast and outdoor media, the “See you in Dubai” campaign will highlight the familiar as well as the unexpected experiences that Dubai has to offer, conveying the spirit of this exciting global city that is always evolving.   

While most visitors are familiar with Dubai’s iconic landmarks such as the Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, the emirate provides plenty more attractions and experiences – ranging from a host of desert activities, to beautiful beaches and a wealth of water sports, to a growing arts and culture scene, and amazing cuisines that span the globe. 

The campaign also challenges traditional preconceptions of Dubai and shows how modern meets traditional. For instance, one creative shows a simple fish shack serving fresh ‘catch of the day’ against the beautiful backdrop of the Burj Al Arab – an unusual contrast between a top end resort and a basic dining option which can be found on one of Dubai’s pristine beaches. The shack, called Bu Qtair, was featured in celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain’s Travel Channel programme No Reservations, as a culinary find. It was originally part of a fishing village on the seafront. 

Another example of a great juxtaposition is a traditional Arabic dhow cruise featured in the stunning and ultra-modern Dubai Marina. Dhows are very much a part of Dubai’s trading roots and some of these still ply the Dubai Creek carrying goods to and from India, Iran and neighbouring ports like Muscat and Bahrain. 

Dubai’s success as a destination has been the result of many investments in its tourism infrastructure, with Emirates and aviation playing a critical role in this equation. 

Emirates is also a supporter of world-class events in Dubai that attract global attention and attendance including: The Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby 7s, The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, and the Dubai International Film Festival, to name a few.