Tanjungpinang, Riau (ANTARA) - The Riau Islands Provincial Government is exploring cooperation with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the tourism sector. "We are starting to introduce the potential of Riau Islands through the UAE Ambassador to Indonesia," Governor of Riau Islands Ansar Ahmad stated in Tanjungpinang, Riau, Tuesday.
Ahmad said he and member of the Raja Ali Haji Maritime University (UMRAH) Advisory Council, (Ret) Admiral Marsetio; UMRAH Chancellor Agung Dhamar Syakti; and the Riau Islands Development Acceleration Team had met the UAE Ambassador to Indonesia, Y.M. Abdulla Salem Al-Dhaheri, in Jakarta on April 9.
During the meeting, Ahmad expressed optimism that UAE investors would be interested to invest in Riau, especially in the tourism sector. Ahmad affirmed that his side will invite Ambassador Al-Dhaheri to visit Riau Islands and request him to give a public lecture at the UMRAH Campus in Tanjungpinang City.
Ahmad also plans to invite Ambassador Al-Dhaheri to several tourist sites in the Riau Islands, such as the exclusive tourist destination of Bawah Island in Anambas District. He is also upbeat that during the visit to the Riau Islands, Ambassador Al-Dhaheri will also bring several UAE investors to introduce them to the best tourist spots there.
"We can offer many fields of investment, but for now, we will focus on the tourism sector. In addition, we asked UMRAH to explore cooperation with campuses in the UAE. In order to have progress and development for our region, we must build a wide relationship," the governor remarked.
Baca juga: Joyland Festival 2023 lanjutkan tradisi jadi "melting pot"
Baca juga: Politics should not divide nation
Meanwhile, UMRAH Chancellor Agung Dhamar Syakti stated that Ambassador Al-Dhaheri plans to give a public lecture at UMRAH in mid-May of 2023. The public lecture will discuss issues regarding human resources (HR), health, foreign policy, and women's empowerment. "The governor also asked us to explore cooperation with campuses in the UAE. There are many things that we can work together in the education sector. For now, we will explore it first," Syakti remarked.
Riau Islands explores cooperation in tourism sector with UAE
Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad with member of the Raja Ali Haji Maritime University (UMRAH) Advisory Council, (Ret) Admiral Marsetio; and UMRAH Chancellor Agung Dhamar Syakti during their meeting with the UAE Ambassador to Indonesia, Y.M. Abdulla Salem Al-Dhaheri, in Jakarta, Sunday, April 9, 2023. (ANTARA/HO-Riau Islands Provincial Government/rst)
