Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, met with Sir Michael Kadoorie, Chairman of CLP Holdings and The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Limited, at his office in Nad Al Sheba. The meeting underscored the UAE and Dubai's dedication to fostering a development model rooted in economic openness and long-term global partnerships.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Maktoum emphasized the robust growth experienced by the UAE's key economic sectors. This growth is supported by a progressive and flexible legislative and regulatory framework, which encourages investment expansion and ensures its sustainability over the long term.
The meeting also spotlighted Dubai's significant tourism potential, facilitated by its world-class infrastructure, diverse tourism offerings, and exceptional natural assets. These elements have positioned Dubai as a premier tourist destination globally, with the emirate achieving a record high of 19.59 million international visitors in 2025.
Discussions further explored opportunities to enhance quality investments in alignment with the UAE's economic diversification strategies and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This is aimed at reinforcing Dubai's status as a global hub for tourism, investment, and innovation.
The meeting saw attendance from key figures, including Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Emirates NBD Group; and Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing.
The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Limited, established in 1866, operates The Peninsula hotels across Asia, Europe, and the United States, with total assets valued at HKD 55.9 billion. CLP Holdings ranks among the largest energy companies in the Asia Pacific, serving approximately 5.2 million customers across various markets.