Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum yesterday visited the Arabian Travel Market, being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 4th to 7th May.

Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied during his tour by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chief Executive of Emirates Group, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, Khalifa Saeed Sulaiman, Director General of Dubai Protocol and Hospitality Department and Hilal Saeed al Marri, CEO of DWTC and Director General of Dubai Tourism and Commercial Marketing Department.

Sheikh Mohammed stopped at several national pavilions and stands, where he was briefed on the new developments and plans for tourism which has become a key source of income for many countries, including the UAE.

Sheikh Mohammed stressed the importance of air, land and sea transport sectors in bridging cultural gaps among nations of the world. He welcomed the visiting exhibitors and issued directives to provide all facilities to them as guests of the UAE.

Officials of the national carriers like Emirates and Flydubai presented to Sheikh Mohammed their expansion plans and their planned new routes.

Sheikh Mohammed welcomed all steps aimed at developing the country's tourism sector and expressed the hope that the sector will attract more family tourism from Arab, Muslim and friendly countries.

The event is being attended by 3,000 companies from 85 countries.