• Event convened 120+ luxury hospitality brands and ultra-luxury travel trade representatives for a four-day programme of networking and immersion in Abu Dhabi’s diverse tourism portfolio

Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral have hosted the first-ever Middle Eastern edition of the prestigious LOOP BEYOND BORDERS luxury travel fair. Held from 15 to 19 September at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas in Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara in Al Dhafra, the event welcomed distinguished high-end travel professionals from across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Bringing together over 70 ultra-luxury agencies and more than 60 suppliers, the event provided a platform for participants to engage in meaningful discussions, network, and explore new opportunities for collaboration in the luxury travel sector. Across four days, attendees conducted over 60 one-on-one appointments with key tour operators and agents from 16 countries, showcasing Abu Dhabi’s world-class hospitality, cultural heritage, and high-end travel offerings. Exclusive networking events included an evening at Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi and an unforgettable '1,001 Nights' experience at Qasr Al Sarab’s Royal Pavilion.

Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Hosting the Middle East’s inaugural LOOP BEYOND BORDERS event reaffirmed Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier destination for luxury travellers. The event showcased the emirate’s remarkable hospitality, cultural richness, and unparalleled luxury experiences, while strengthening our partnerships across Central and Eastern Europe and beyond.”

With a notable increase in travel interest from CEE and CIS markets, LOOP BEYOND BORDERS reinforces Abu Dhabi’s commitment to being a leading global luxury destination. The event also supported DCT Abu Dhabi’s broader efforts to contribute to the UAE’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to welcome 39.3 million visitors annually by 2030.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.

By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae

For more information, please contact: DCT-B2B@hillandknowlton.com

About Miral

Miral is the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, contributing to the growth of the leisure and entertainment industry and the City’s economic diversification. It conceives, creates, operates, and manages immersive destinations and experiences that attract visitors from across the world and create unforgettable memories, accelerating the realisation of the Emirate’s tourism vision and growth.

Responsible for the development of Yas Island and overseeing Saadiyat Island's Destination Management Strategy, Miral’s portfolio of world-class assets incorporates entertainment, leisure, culture, sport, dining, retail, and hospitality experiences, aiming to deliver millions of memorable moments for residents and international guests alike. These include SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina, and Yas Bay Waterfront, home to the UAE’s largest indoor multi-purpose venue Etihad Arena, amongst others. Miral also has several projects being developed on Yas Island and across the emirate, including teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and a Harry Potter-themed land within Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.

Miral encompasses three subsidiaries: Miral Destinations, which promotes unique destinations; Miral Experiences, which operates a diverse portfolio of world-class, award-winning immersive experiences; and Yas Asset Management, which operates and manages a portfolio of vibrant destinations including F&B, retail, marinas and hospitality properties across Yas Island. For more information, visit www.miral.ae