Travelers visiting Dubai in the UAE can now plan their itinerary at the airport thanks to a new digital help desk installation created by the country’s tourism department.
Located in Concourse A, Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport, ‘MyDubai Experience’ measures 6 x 4m (20 x 13ft) and comprises state-of-the-art LED tiles positioned to create five 360º rings, each exhibiting a variety of video, social media and user-generated content that has been carefully curated to showcase the best Dubai has to offer.
The rings can either work together to produce a single large visual, or operate independently to create a collage depicting different Dubai experiences. Positioned below the five rings are seven 55in curved OLED screens and seven 22in touchscreens. By interacting with the latter, users are able to select the displayed content, providing a more immersive experience.
Available in eight languages, the touchscreens filter information and visuals according to the user’s preferences and interests. Visitors can then receive further information via email by registering their details, which also automatically enters them into a monthly draw to win a free luxury holiday for two to Dubai. Once registered, users can send themselves a tailor-made two-day itinerary based on their interests and preferred experiences.
Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said, “Dubai International is the world’s busiest airport for international passengers, and with millions of travelers transiting in Dubai every year, there is a huge market waiting to be tapped. Our aim is to encourage these passengers to enjoy an extended stopover in Dubai, to exit the airport and experience the city. We want them to view their transit in Dubai not as an unwanted delay in their travels from A to B, but as a fantastic opportunity to add value to their journey.”
Adel Al Redha, executive vice president and chief operations officer, Emirates Airline, said, “Emirates is fortunate to have the vibrant city of Dubai as our home and hub, and our growth and success is inextricably linked together. We have worked closely with Dubai Tourism on the MyDubai Experience airport installation to showcase Dubai to the thousands of passengers that connect on more than 500 daily Emirates flights.”
Moving forward, the MyDubai Experience will continue to be enhanced, with the launch of two photo booths that will allow users to take a photograph of themselves, overlaid with a choice of illustrated filters, similar to those found in popular cell phone apps. The resulting email-friendly image will serve as an amusing memento of the user’s stop in Dubai and can also be shared on social media channels.