Northstar

For more information visit www.dubaibusinessevents.com or email askdbe@dubaitourism.ae. 20 Jul-Aug 2017 MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS • MCMAG-ASIA.COM One of the major challenges for business travellers and their employers is staying connected, while also keeping on top of costs. A new technology being rolled out by hotels in Dubai could provide a solution, and add further momentum to the city's business events sector. 'handy' is an innovative in-room smartphone for hotels, which will give visitors to Dubai complimentary connectivity anywhere in the United Arab Emirates. Each smartphone will be customised for the hotel and provide travellers with unlimited internet, local and international calls. Available in Arabic and English, it will also help connect visitors with their destination through tailored city guides, promotions and pre-installed mobile applications, while allowing them to remain Staying Connected in Dubai A new service being introduced to hotels in Dubai will make it easier for business travellers to stay connected S P E C I A L F E A T U R E in contact with their hotel at all times, all for free during their stay in Dubai. Du, the UAE's integrated telecommunications service provider, has partnered with Hong Kong-based start-up Tink Labs Limited on the technology. The agreement was signed in May with the support of Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). "We want Dubai to be the rst in the world to provide visitors with the latest means of digital communication, making it easier for them to search, communicate and share their knowledge and unique experiences in Dubai," said Yousuf Lootah, Executive Director, Development and Investments, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. To begin, the smartphones will be offered at selected 4 and 5 star hotels. A pilot project has already been completed in association with Fairmont The Palm, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, The Westin and Dusit Thani in Dubai. The service is set to be bene cial for not only travellers, but also hotels in Dubai. They will be able to remain in contact with guests at all times, increase guests' satisfaction and provide an integrated TripAdvisor feedback system. 'handy' is already live in Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau, Bangkok, London, Milano, Rome, Istanbul, Barcelona and Paris, and according to Tink Labs covers 100,000 rooms and has helped connect 12 million global travellers. Dubai expects to offer free Wi-Fi across the emirate by the end of 2017, as the Government steps up efforts to make doing business easier. First launched in 2015 by Smart Dubai and Du in 200 locations in the emirate, it is available across more than 300, including its public transport network, today. Earlier this year, Dubai Airports upgraded the Wi-Fi service across all terminals at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport. With internet connection of up to 100mbps, it claims to offer the world's fastest free Wi-Fi connection at an airport. According to The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017, by the World Economic Forum, the United Arab Emirates ranks 15th globally for ICT readiness and joint rst for its 100% mobile network coverage. ' h a n d y ' s m artp h o n e

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