As part of Dubai's Tourism Vision 2020, approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, Dubai plans to attract 20 million visitors per year by 2020. Dubai is renowned for raising the bar and making the impossible happen. EXPO 2020 will bring a huge influx of international visitors into the UAE and the hospitality industry plays a vital role in securing Dubai's position as one of the world's premier tourism hubs.

To help realize this vision, HITEC®, the world's largest hospitality technology exposition and conference brand is debuting in the Middle East, with Dubai as the host city.

HITEC Dubai, co-produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) and Naseba, will feature an expo floor with over 40 technology providers showcasing the latest innovations; and a summit for hospitality decision makers and technology providers to conduct business.

HITEC Dubai's Advisory Council has meticulously crafted an educational session with panel discussions, tech talks and workshops that allow hoteliers to discuss solutions that will transform their operations. Smart rooms, loyalty by blockchain, PMS, sustainable technology, all cloud hotels and smart data analytics are just some of the many topics being covered as part of the agenda.

HITEC Dubai's Advisory Council Chairman and Jumeirah Group CIO, Marwan Al Ali, noted "technology enhances guest experience, reduces costs and increases profitability – all of these are paramount to the region leading up to mega events like Expo 2020 and beyond. I invite all key hospitality stakeholders to make the best use of HITEC's debut to the Middle East."

Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), the principal authority for the planning and marketing of tourism in Dubai, is responsible for helping to realize Tourism Vision 2020 and has also officially endorsed HITEC Dubai.

"Technology has become the central nervous system of all leading economic drivers in the region including the hospitality industry," said Naveen Bharadwaj, production director at Naseba. "We are pleased to receive the endorsement of DTCM for HITEC Dubai, an impact-driven technology show for knowledge sharing, product show-casing and deal-flow within the hospitality industry."

"Several Middle Eastern stakeholders have attended HITEC in North America over the years and we are very glad to follow their requests and bring HITEC to Dubai for the benefit of the wider industry," said Frank Wolfe, CEO at HFTP. "DTCM's endorsement underlines the government's commitment to industry-wide adoption of technology and innovation."

For more information, contact Sharath Ravi on +971 44 55 79 13 or email at [email protected].