Dubai Tourism and Al Ansari Exchange Sign Agreement to Simplify Payment Methods for Tourism Services

DUBAI, UAE - Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) and Al Ansari Exchange, a leading UAE-based foreign exchange and worldwide money transfer company, have signed an agreement to facilitate payments for a range of tourism and travel-related services.

Under the agreement, partners of Dubai Tourism including hotels, event organisers, tour operators and tourism companies will be able to make payments for services through 183 branches of Al Ansari Exchange across the UAE. The agreement was signed by Ahmed Khalifa Alfalasi, CEO of Corporate Services and Investments, Dubai Tourism and Rashed Ali Al Ansari, General Manager of Al Ansari Exchange.

Commenting on the agreement, Ahmed Khalifa Alfalasi, CEO, Corporate Services and Investment, Dubai Tourism, said: “Dubai Tourism is pleased to enter into a strategic partnership with Al Ansari Exchange, a renowned and respected name in the UAE’s money transfer sector, which will take our payment system to the next level of reliability and convenience. This is also a reflection of the strong spirit of collaboration that exists between the government and private sectors in Dubai for the provision of world-class services to both our residents and visitors, guided by the directives of the visionary leadership. As we continuously invest in upgrading our systems and processes to ensure a seamless and satisfying experience for all our customers, this agreement means that our partners no longer need to visit Dubai Tourism offices to make payments. The new method will supplement our online payment channels that were established as part of our contribution to the Smart Government initiative.”

Rashed Ali Al Ansari, General Manager, Al Ansari Exchange, said, "We are pleased to collaborate with Dubai Tourism to enable their customers to pay the travel and tourism services fees through our wide branch network across the UAE and take advantage of its convenient and flexible working hours throughout the week. Under this agreement, all companies, organisations and individuals working in the travel and tourism sector are able now to make payments with ease and convenience. The partnership also reflects our continuous efforts to enhance the customer experience by offering world class services that ensure maximum comfort and efficiency across all levels."

Dubai Tourism partners can also pay for services through a dedicated payment gateway and a payment centre that can be accessed via the Dubai Tourism portal, as well as directly through bank deposits. Following the agreement, Dubai Tourism has closed its own payment collection counters allowing partners to make payments in cash or by cheque at any Al Ansari Exchange branch for a nominal fee.

About Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism)

With the ultimate vision of positioning Dubai as the world’s leading tourism destination and commercial hub, Dubai Tourism’s mission is to increase the awareness of Dubai among global audiences and to attract tourists and inward investment into the emirate. Dubai Tourism is the principal authority for the planning, supervision, development and marketing of Dubai’s tourism sector. It markets and promotes the Emirate’s commerce sector, and is responsible for the licensing and classification of all tourism services, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. Brands and departments within the Dubai Tourism portfolio include Dubai Business Events, Dubai Calendar, and Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment.

About Al Ansari Exchange

Al Ansari Exchange is one of the leading remittance and foreign exchange service providers in the UAE. Founded in 1966, the company has established its presence through an extensive network of more than 180 conveniently located branches across the country to bring its services closer to its customers.

Al Ansari Exchange has established strategic partnerships with leading banking and financial institutions around the globe to reinforce its commitment to provide key financial services to its growing customer base. The company constantly introduces exclusive offerings and reward schemes for its customers, while maintaining a truly unique banking experience through its wide range of technology-driven financial services that cater to specific customer needs. Al Ansari Exchange employs a highly qualified and professional team of over 2,500 multinational employees, who serve more than 2.5 million multi-national customers per month in accordance with consistent level of service experience that meets and exceeds customer expectations.

The company also offers online transactions using Al Ansari Exchange’s mobile app and the online portal (www.eexchange.ae), in addition to a host of other ancillary financial services including bill payments, credit card encashment, international mobile top-up, investment and saving schemes, loyalty programs, Travel Card, Air ticket payment, tourist visa services, Payroll solutions, and Corporate cash collection services.