The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi Inks Memorandum of Understanding with Al Dana Leather Factory at Arabian Travel Market

Agreement to see Al Dana Leather Factory as part of authentic Emirati tours within the Emirati Experiences Programme

Abu Dhabi, 22 April 2018:   The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Al Dana Leather Factory (aLmandoos). The agreement was signed today (22 April) at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) by HE Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of the Tourism Sector Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Khalaf Mohamed Rashid Al Otaiba General Manager of Al Dana Leather Factory, in the presence of officials from both entities.

This step follows DCT Abu Dhabi’s long-term strategy to transform Emirati-owned businesses into exceptional leisure attractions for visitors and tourists, thus creating unique experiences with deep insights into the local culture and heritage. Making it part of the Emirati Experiences programme, the agreement will now enable visitors to tour the factory alongside Emirati tour guides and enjoy an immersive experience into the art of handcrafted leather, a practice integral to Emirati cultural heritage. 

Established in 1986, Al Dana Leather Factory (aLmandoos) is an intrinsically Emirati brand focused on integrating art and fashion in footwear and accessories. Since its foundation, it has produced more than 200,000 pairs of high quality sandals annually for all generations. 

HE Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of the Tourism Sector Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, said: “Over the past years, we have witnessed a surge in demand for culturally-enriching, authentic experiences. In addition to Al Foah Dates Factory and Al Khaznah Tannery, Al Dana Leather Factory (aLmandoos) will add another dimension to the Abu Dhabi experience and give our guests even more choice of things to do and experience. Moving forward, we will continue creating tailor-made experiences across Abu Dhabi with a focus on handicrafts, traditional hospitality, and authentic Emirati culture.” 

Khalaf Mohammed Rashid Al Otaiba, General Manager, Al Dana Leather Factory, said: “We are extremely proud to have signed an MoU with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. By becoming a part of the Emirati Experiences programme, we will be able to garner both exposure and footfall to our factories and also educate visitors about the art of handcrafted leather, and how it is an integral part of Emirati culture.”

Abu Dhabi is strategically positioning itself as an inspiring tourism destination where visitors can experience cultural authenticity, diverse natural offerings, and dynamic family-leisure entertainment. As such, it has launched the Emirati Experiences Programme - a selection of tours designed and led by Emirati nationals in designated areas of the capital. Through these tours, visitors and residents can choose between a selection of Emirati Experiences and gain firsthand insight into Emirati culture, heritage and history.