Abu Dhabi: 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 Product 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 Product 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 Product 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 Product 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 factory 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.

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About the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction that enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike.  The Department manages the emirate’s tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment.  Its policies, plans and programmes relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.  The Department of Culture and Tourism supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate’s heritage.  A key role played by the Department is to create synergy in the destination’s development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base. 

Media Contact:

Jehana Jabbar

Jehana.Jabbar@edelmandabo.com 
055 106 0952

About Al Foah Company

Al Foah Company is the largest date receiving and processing business in the world. Their primary mission is to be a global market leader through innovative products and processes. The company has revolutionised the dates industry through constant innovation by creating an array of incredible dates-based products and brands. Al Foah Company is constantly seeking to strengthen their core capability by expanding the sourcing of high-demand date varieties beyond the UAE, with exports to over 48 countries worldwide, which is a testament to their quality and expertise.

About Al Khaznah Tannery

Al Khaznah Tannery, which is owned by the Abu Dhabi Government, epitomises leather production by creating sustainable leather for end users. With operations focused on the production of hide camel leather, the tannery produces about 4.2 million sq-ft camel leather annually, supplying leading international fashion houses, designers, airlines, footwear and accessories manufacturers. 

About Al Dana Leather Products

Al Dana Leather Products, the largest quality Arabic Sandal manufacturer in UAE, started its operation in 1991. A highly equipped manufacturing unit has substantially invested in manufacturing facilities and using state of the art technologies for the cutting, molding, pasting and stitching of the leather with manpower of 200 experienced employees. Al Dana follows standards of quality specified by the specialists having an experience of more than 20 years and that’s why Al Dana is the one-stop destination to get premium class and exotic leather Products.

© Press Release 2018