Speaker profile

H.E. Helal S. K. Almarri

Director General
Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing

His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri has been Director General of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) since 2013. He is a member of the Executive Council of Dubai, a member of the Board of Directors of the Investment Corporation of Dubai and also the Director General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA).

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), is the government authority responsible for continuously furthering Dubai's position as a leading global tourism destination and business hub. In his capacity, Almarri is accountable for the planning, oversight, and delivery of Dubai’s vision and aspirational targets for the sector. His mandate also includes a strategic focus on driving sustainable tourism – contributing to the economic development of the emirate of Dubai and ensuring that tourism as a sector with all related adjacencies are effectively growing their contribution to Dubai’s GDP.

Almarri’s responsibilities span both leisure and business aspects of the city’s value proposition. As such his role entails enhancing Dubai’s positioning as the preferred international hub for the global business community to network from, establish and expand their presence in, and service the broad range of markets across EMEASA. To facilitate delivery, he is equally responsible for forging collaborations and partnerships across the industry ecosystem globally, and Dubai government, private and public sector stakeholders.

Helal Almarri also heads up the DWTCA, which encompasses the UAE's leading event venue and the largest event and exhibition centre in the whole region. He is responsible for developing the centre’s strategic and development plans that aim to position Dubai as a leading global MICE destination. In his capacity, Almarri is mandated to manage various sides of the business including exhibitions and conferences; real estate; and hospitality – all collectively driving towards the company’s growth strategy in line with Dubai's vision to create a global platform for business tourism, as mandated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Almarri also serves as a member of the Supreme Committee of the Expo 2020 and board member at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Emaar Malls PJSC and Taaleem PJSC. Helal Almarri holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the London Business School (LBS). Almarri is a Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and previously worked at consulting firms, McKinsey and KPMG.