Inayat-ur-Rahman, Gulf Today

The Republic of San Marino for the first time ever showcases the unique attractions and heritage in the UAE during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM).

Republic of San Marino’s Minister for Tourism and Expo, Federico Pedini Amati told Gulf Today that they were delighted to be part of the Arabian Travel Market and share new developments for tourism and highlight our participation at Dubai Expo as we work together to help rebuild trust in travel and showcase our country’s appeal to potential visitors around the globe.

“This ATM is a great opportunity to highlight our country’s strengths and offer a short glimpse into our culture and our common interests,” he added.

“We are also keen for visitors to see a piece of San Marino in the UAE as we have a unique Fibula - a brooch in form of an eagle currently exhibited at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.”

“The ATM is an ideal platform for the country to communicate and engage with partners, media and sponsors about the deep cultural and economic ties between San Marino and the UAE as well as strengthen crucial relationships  to encourage more tourists at cultural sites, natural areas, retail and tourist attractions within the Republic of San Marino,” minister added.

As the country gears up to be at the Expo Dubai, our participation at ATM reinforces the country’s efforts to position itself as a must-see tourist destination nestled within Italy and easily accessible via key airports such as Rome and Bologna.

San Marino is located in northern Italy and is an independent country founded more than 1700 years ago with a territory of 24 sq miles and 33.000 inhabitants.

During the presentation, the Ambassador to the UAE and Commissioner General Expo 2020, Mauro Maiani unveiled the main theme and title of the San Marino Pavilion at the Expo located in the Opportunity area. The Pavilion will be dedicated to the replica of the “Treasure of Domagnano” found in San Marino in late 1800. The most important piece of the treasure, the fibula is now at Louvre Abu Dhabi. The pavilion will also tell the history and tradition of the country as well as its modern economic system based on tourism but also in innovative companies. The national day of San Marino at Expo 2020 will be on 10 December 2021.

Ambassador to the UAE and Commissioner General Expo 2020, Mauro Maiani said, “We are keen to present our country as a destination for different types of travellers. Tourists can enjoy the classical Italian tourism tour, attend cultural and festival events that we organise mainly during summer time and we cater to the wedding tourism industry as well. San Marino is also a shopping destination with its old town full of stores and the brand new San Marino Outlet Experience, one of the biggest Italian fashion outlet malls in northern Italy, opening on June 24.”

Meanwhile, Ontario-based Ace Luxury Immigration Solutions, a leading business immigration firm based in Canada, today announced its expansion plans into Middle East based out of Dubai. The company aims to help a 1000 UAE and Saudi-based entrepreneurs and start-ups a year in their expansion plans into the North American markets, which will boost investment volume and business activities between Canada, UAE and Saudi Arabia.

 The UAE is Canada’s largest export market in the Middle East and North Africa and Canadian merchandise exports to the UAE reached a record of $1.6 billion in 2017. It reflects growing bilateral relations. Canada has a large pavilion at Expo 2020. A 1,200-square-metre Canada Pavilion for Expo 2020 in Dubai will feature architectural elements to symbolize the strong cultural ties between Canada and the UAE.

 A research study about Entrepreneurship & Startup Migration Trends in Middle East 2021 by Ace Luxury Immigration Solutions is currently under way. The findings will be revealed at Ace’s launch in Dubai in September-end 2021.

Shahrukh Zohaib, a Canadian barrister and Managing Partner of Ace Luxury Immigration Solutions, said: “UAE is on the recovery path and has a promising future backed by its handling of Covid-19 crisis and country-wide vaccination drive. We at Ace conducted a thorough study of the Middle East market. We have found that Dubai is still the hub of commerce, trade, business and a favourite destination for investors. We have noticed there is a pent-up desire in Middle Eastern investors to expand and capitalize on Canadian and North America markets.”