H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, today met at his office in Dubai with Karl Hofstetter, Chairman of the Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation Council.
Discussions during the meeting focused on the UAE’s commitment to fostering partnerships with global players in the travel, tourism, and service sectors to advance global connectivity, facilitate seamless travel, and transform the visitor experience.
The meeting also highlighted the UAE’s integrated approach combining:
- World-class infrastructure
- Business-enabling regulations
- A vibrant investment environment
This approach reinforces the UAE’s position as a leading global hub for travel, tourism, and the services industry.
Discussions explored opportunities for collaboration between Dubai and the foundation across key areas, including:
- Travel facilitation
- Tourism services
- Technological innovation
Partnerships with international industry leaders were noted as crucial for advancing Dubai’s vision of enhancing global mobility and streamlining travel worldwide. These alliances support the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to establish the city as one of the world’s top three destinations for business and leisure by 2033.
The meeting also addressed the Foundation’s philanthropic initiatives, which align closely with Dubai and the UAE’s commitment to global good and supporting communities worldwide.
Founded in 1957 and based in Stans, Switzerland, the Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation supports the long-term stability of companies that emerged from the former Kuoni Group. It is a key shareholder in:
- VFS Global, a leading outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions
- Hotelbeds Group
The foundation also owns 100% of Kuoni Travel Holding Ltd and Kuoni Travel IP Ltd, overseeing its travel businesses and protecting its global brand assets.
The foundation combines strategic investments with a commitment to charitable initiatives focused on:
- Environmental protection
- Cultural understanding
- Supporting disadvantaged children in tourism regions
The meeting was attended by:
- Mohammad bin 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 (DET)
- Essa Kazim, Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
