A new academy has been launched in Dubai to introduce formal standards tailored to digital creators working within the tourism sector, bringing “structure, credibility, and accountability” to a largely informal industry.
The Beautiful Destinations Academy is a joint collaboration between the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai) and Beautiful Destinations.
It will give destinations and hospitality brands access to a curated network of certified travel content creators.
The curriculum is designed to develop both creative and commercial skills combining technical proficiency with marketing principles.
"We're essentially creating a new professional category within the tourism ecosystem," noted Jeremy Jauncey, CEO and Founder of Beautiful Destinations. "Our ambition is that having Beautiful Destinations Academy certification will become the industry standard for content creators specialising in travel marketing, similar to how other professional designations function in hospitality and tourism management."
Issam Kazim, CEO of Visit Dubai, said the move "aligns perfectly with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and our vision to make Dubai a leading global city for business and leisure".
The UAE Year Of Award has been launched to honour individuals and institutions who create meaningful impact and strengthen a culture of community action to make each annual "UAE Year Of" theme into a lasting national legacy.
The UAE has become the second country to approve once-daily, oral pill - Lipfendra - to treat adults with elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) cholesterol, a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
The UAE has welcomed an agreement announced by US President Donald Trump for Hamas to disarm and Israeli troops to withdraw in Gaza, calling it a significant milestone towards ending the conflict.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties and boost cooperation across key sectors during talks with UK Foreign Secretary in London.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, has attended a GCC joint military exercise at the start of his official visit in Bahrain.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Syrian leader Ahmad Al-Sharaa discussed regional developments during a phone call on Friday.
The UAE has strongly condemned Iran for continuing to strike Kuwait and reiterated its full solidarity and support for all measures the country takes to safeguard its security and stability.