SCST begins visit to UAE (with photos)
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The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, started her visit to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) yesterday (April 28, Dubai time).
In the morning, Miss Law had a fruitful exchange with the UAE Minister of Sports, HE Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, where they shared their visions and identified common ground in advancing their cities as global hubs for major international sporting events, professionalising the sports industry, leveraging sports as a key economic driver, and fostering unity among community through sports participation. Miss Law introduced Hong Kong’s commitment to nurturing elite sports talents by providing comprehensive support and professional training for local athletes. Miss Law also highlighted the vibrant horse racing culture in Hong Kong. HE Dr Al Falasi shared similar efforts made and policies implemented by the government of the UAE to develop sports in the country. Miss Law extended her invitation to HE Dr Al Falasi to visit Hong Kong to explore further opportunities for sports co-operation and exchange.
Miss Law then paid a courtesy call on the Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai, Ms Ou Boqian. During the meeting, she reported on the recent work of the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) and outlined plans to fostering collaboration and building stronger connections between Hong Kong and the Middle East. Ms Ou shared her insights into the UAE’s cultural and tourism landscape, highlighting potential opportunities for cooperation between the two regions. She emphasised that Hong Kong has competitive advantages in high-end tourism, horse racing tourism, and yacht tourism, which presented significant potential for further development.
In the afternoon, Miss Law attended the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, a leading international event for the Middle East’s hospitality industry. She toured various pavilions, engaged with local trade representatives, and explored potential collaborations between Hong Kong’s tourism sector and the Middle East market. During the event, Miss Law witnessed the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding at the Hong Kong Pavilion between the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and two major travel agents in the Middle East, Musafir.com and Almosafer International Travel and Tourism Company, which aimed to establish a framework for future co-operation.
Miss Law also met with the Group Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways, Mr Engr Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, and the Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of the Emirates, Mr Adnan Kazim, in the pavilion at the ATM. They discussed strengthening partnerships to promote Hong Kong as a premier travel destination for Middle East markets.
In the evening, a dinner reception was co-organised by the CSTB, the HKTB, and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai. The event welcomed around 70 guests, including key partners from the Middle East’s tourism industry, along with distinguished travel trade leaders and industry representatives from Hong Kong. In her opening remarks, Miss Law highlighted Hong Kong’s multifaceted tourism offerings, which catered to visitors of all ages and interests. She also pointed to the new Kai Tak Sports Park as an exciting development that will host world-class sports and entertainment events. She underscored Hong Kong’s commitment to becoming a Muslim-friendly destination, reiterated Hong Kong’s eagerness to deepen ties with the Middle East, not only by welcoming visitors from the region but also by encouraging more Hong Kong people to explore the Middle East for both leisure and business.
Miss Law will continue her visit to the UAE today (April 29, Dubai time).