Gulf Dunes (A Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited Company)

This month, we hosted our annual Gala Night, a joint celebration of the dedication, camaraderie, and team spirit that make us who we are. As an organization-level event, the evening brought together our Gulf Dunes family and our sister company, Desert Adventures Tourism (A Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited Company), for a night to remember. From team performances that lit up the stage to employee appreciation awards recognizing outstanding contributions, the event was a heartfelt tribute to the people behind our success. It was an evening filled with celebration, connection, and gratitude for the collective impact we make together. Here’s to achieving more milestones and creating even greater memories as one united team! Sumaira Isaacs, Salim Sikander, FCA, CIA, APA, Michelle Lucas, CHRP, CHRC, MSc HR Management #gulfdunes #miceprofs #employeeappreciation #employeeengagement #companyculture

Big congratulations to our Head of Corporate Events, Justin George for being recognized by the Eventex Awards as one of the Most Influential People in the Events Industry—not just regionally, but globally! These awards celebrate trailblazers in the events field, honouring those who bring creativity, vision, and innovative thinking to the industry. What makes this recognition special is that the winners are chosen by the events community itself, with votes from professionals around the world. Here’s a look at the incredible recognition Justin has received: 1.⁠ ⁠Top 100 Most Influential People in the Middle East 2.⁠ ⁠Top Most Influential Event Professionals for 2024 3.⁠ ⁠Top 100 Most Influential People in the Events Industry Worldwide A big thank you to everyone who voted for Justin! We couldn’t be prouder of this recognition, and the exceptional work he brings to Gulf Dunes and the MICE industry as a whole. 👏 See the full list of the most influential people in the events industry here: https://lnkd.in/d3ZXWw4Y Sumaira Isaacs, Salim Sikander, FCA, CIA, APA #eventex #eventexawards #eventpro #eventsindustry #topeventprofessionals #gulfdunes #miceindustry

We’re just weeks away from the 35th edition of IBTM Events in Barcelona and Gulf Dunes is excited to participate once again, this year alongside: ▶ Business Dubai  (Stand J60) – https://lnkd.in/dzWtpr-f ▶ Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau  (Stand K70) - https://lnkd.in/dhU8AR4u Representing us at IBTM will be our CEO, Peter Payet, and GM, Sumaira Isaacs, ready to connect and showcase our premier MICE offerings across the Middle East. If you’re attending and would like to explore how we can elevate your next meeting, conference, or event, we invite you to stop by our stands. Sumaira & Peter look forward to meeting you! Salim Sikander, FCA, CIA, APA #ibtm #ibtmworld #miceindustry #miceprofs #meetingsandevents #businessevents #gulfdunes

Our very own Head of Corporate Events, Justin George has been nominated for the Most Influential People in the Events Industry 2024 in the Event Professional category at the Global Eventex Awards! Justin has played a pivotal role in shaping our event strategies, and we’re proud to see his efforts recognized on a global stage. We’d love your support in helping him secure this prestigious honor. Here’s how you can vote: 1️⃣ Click the link: https://lnkd.in/djxs-MhG 2️⃣ Log in via Google, LinkedIn, or Facebook 3️⃣ Select the Event Professional category 4️⃣ Find Justin George under “J” 5️⃣ Hit the STAR ⭐ to cast your vote! Voting ends October 25—let’s get Justin the recognition he truly deserves! #miceprofs #miceindustry #eventprofs #guldunes #eventex #miceindustry

Gulf Dunes is proud to announce the establishment of our France-based office led by Pankaj Patpatia, our newly appointed Director of Sales for France and Benelux. 🇫🇷🇧🇪 Pankaj comes to us with over 20 years of extensive experience in the tourism and MICE sectors, providing invaluable insights and a nuanced understanding of various cultures shaped by his passion for cultural diversity and his multilingual abilities. Since 2008, he has excelled in leading Sales & Marketing for our Asia-Pacific Affiliate DMCs, Distant Frontiers and Asian Trails. He is now set to drive strategic business development initiatives in the region and elevate our innovative MICE offerings, including expertly curated conferences and events, across the Middle East, particularly in the UAE and Oman. We’re excited about all that is to come with Pankaj aboard and remain committed to enhancing our MICE solutions to meet the specific demands of the European market. Sumaira Isaacs, Salim Sikander, FCA, CIA, APA #businessexpansion #mice #micedmc #meetingsandevents #businessevents #miceprofs #gulfdunes 

Last week, we had the pleasure of participating in the Ru'ya Careers Fair, an event focused on creating job opportunities for local Emiratis. Alongside Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), we showcased the exciting career paths available in the tourism industry. As a leading MICE DMC, Gulf Dunes is proud to be a part of this thriving sector. It was an inspiring experience to connect with the next generation of talent and highlight how the tourism sector is evolving. With our sister company, Desert Adventures Tourism (A Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited Company) also represented, we were proud to be part of a collective effort to shine a light on the opportunities that make this industry so vibrant. Sumaira Isaacs, Michelle Lucas, CHRP, CHRC, MSc HR Management #ruya2024 #ruyacareers #travelandtourism #tourismindustry #careerfair #gulfdunes #MICEprofs

As we celebrate World Tourism Day, we at Gulf Dunes find this year’s theme, Tourism and Peace, to be incredibly significant. In the MICE sector, we recognize the vital role that travel and collaboration play in fostering understanding, connection, and harmony among diverse cultures. Tourism transcends borders, bringing people together to share ideas, experiences, and insights. When we convene for conferences, incentives, or exhibitions, we create platforms for dialogue and innovation, promoting a spirit of unity that can lead to lasting peace. As we reflect on the power of tourism, let us commit to making our gatherings not just events, but transformative experiences that cultivate understanding and goodwill. By prioritizing inclusivity, and community engagement, we can ensure that our industry contributes to a more peaceful future for all. Together, let’s harness the potential of MICE travel to connect, inspire, and uplift communities across the globe. 🌏✈️🤝 Sumaira Isaacs, Salim Sikander, FCA, CIA, APA, Michelle Lucas, CHRP, CHRC, MSc HR Management #worldtourismday #tourismandpeace #MICE #businessevents #gulfdunes #MICEprofs

As a global leader, the UAE is taking center stage in the Middle East’s MICE tourism sector. With a 50% market share in 2024, valued at $5.62 billion, Dubai's world-class infrastructure and luxurious offerings have made it a top destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. Projections indicate continued growth, with the UAE's MICE market expected to reach $8.58 billion by 2029. While Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman are also making significant strides in the MICE industry, the UAE's dominance is undeniable. As a MICE DMC operating in this region, we're witnessing firsthand the rapid growth and development of the sector and believe that the UAE is poised to remain a major force. Find out more about the Middle East’s MICE travel surge: https://lnkd.in/dwfMRmTH Sumaira Isaacs Salim Sikander, FCA, CIA, APA #MiceIndustry #MICE #UAE #MeetingsAndEvents #BusinessEvents #MICETourism 

We’re heading to IMEX America 2024 in Las Vegas from October 8-10, bringing a lineup of our latest offerings to the table! Our GM, Sumaira Isaacs and CEO, Peter Payet are eager to connect with new buyers and talk about all the exciting developments across our destinations including our new PCO solutions (GD+). Peter and Sumaira, will be on-site, at two different stands. You can find them at: 📍Dubai Tourism Stand – Bayside/E1417 (Sumaira) 📍DMC Network Stand (Our NA Representative Partners) – Bayside/D3010 (Peter) Want to connect? Buyers can book an appointment with us directly through the links below: 🔗 Dubai Stand: https://lnkd.in/dCqTqMs3 🔗 DMC Network Stand: https://lnkd.in/drf_vX8H We look forward to seeing you at IMEX! Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, DMC Network, LLC #IMEX #IMEXAmerica #IMEX24 #BusinessEvents #MeetingsAndEvents #MICE #MICEIndustry #EventProfs #GulfDunes

Gulf Dunes had the honour of planning and managing one of the largest workshop events for the CIS market that has taken place in Abu Dhabi - Unique Travel Fair - Arabian Edition. The three-day event was hosted outside of the Eastern European region for the first time ever, with over 120 tour operators and travel trade agents from the CIS region attending, who got to experience the best of Abu Dhabi as a top tourist destination and meet face to face with our top destination suppliers. The event kicked off with a glamorous cocktail reception at the Park Hyatt Saadiyat Island, setting the tone for a memorable experience. The following days featured workshops at the luxurious Saadiyat Rotana Villas & Resort, where attendees had the opportunity to learn about Abu Dhabi’s offerings and network with service providers. As part of the workshop, guests also experienced the culture and attractions of Abu Dhabi, including visits to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan and Ferrari World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, culminating in a spectacular closing gala dinner event at SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.   With our dedicated team at the helm, we are proud to have seamlessly managed the entire 3-day event. From selecting top venues to planning detailed itineraries and organizing engaging pre- and post-event fam trip experiences, every aspect was thoughtfully curated to leave a lasting impression. Special thanks to The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Miral Destinations, and Saadiyat Rotana for their invaluable support in making this event a standout in the world of MICE. Sumaira Isaacs, Samir Mehta, Peter Payet Salim Sikander, FCA, CIA, APA Tarek Al Ghar, Alexander Redzhebov, Rotana Hotels & Resorts   #UniqueTravelFair #GulfDunes #EventManagement #MeetingsAndEvents #MICEProfs #CISTourism #SaadiyatIsland #MICE #ExperienceAbuDhabi