How does Malaysia rank with regards to tourists from Dubai and the neighbouring Emirates?
SMJ: The UAE is the primary market for Malaysian tourism after Saudi Arabia. Tourist arrivals from the UAE has shown  a positive growth year by year. During 2005 there were 29,650 tourists from the UAE who visited Malaysia. In 2006 from January to August we had 31,000 tourist arrivals from the UAE. Most of the UAE tourists to Malaysia came from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah with bulk of them travelling to Malaysia during the three-month summer break.

Are you currently pursuing any programmes to increase the number of tourists visiting Malaysia from the UAE?
SMJ: Although we are based in Dubai but our area of coverage goes beyond the UAE. This office also looks after Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Iran. The UAE as a prime market also needs to be addressed specially to all the seven emirates. With more expatriates living in Dubai as compared to other emirates, our promotional programmes are addressed to this segment are a bit different when we approach the locals. 
For the expatriates, adventure products such as diving, mountain climbing, canoeing, golfing or other niche product such as Malaysia My Second Home are marketable. Whereas for the local Arabs, the promotion needs to address family preferences, honeymoon and shopping. Currently we tie in with the tour operators and airlines to promote the packages. This year highlights will be on Visit Malaysia Year 2007.

What are the key Malaysian hotspots that you are focusing on with regards to tourists from Dubai ?
SMJ: Malaysia is a very popular destination among the local Arabs. It is a truly family destination with a safe environment and value for money. Being a modern Islamic country, the culture, lifestyle and varieties of halal food make them feel at home once they are in Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Genting Highland and Langkawi are key destinations while the new destinations like Malacca and Sabah are now becoming popular.
For the expatriates living in Dubai besides the above destinations, adventure centres like Taman Negara, Sarawak and Sipadan Island are top of the mind. Golfing, Malaysia My Second Home, medical and events are among other other niche products.

How informed do you think are the people of the UAE with the exotic highlights that Malaysia has to offer

SMJ: We invest a lot in creating awareness on Malaysia among the people in this region via all the communication mix. Since Malaysia has so much to offer, the process of educating and passing all the messages will take time. This is what we are doing in year 2007. During the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 campaign there will be a paradigm shift in introducing more exotic products and destinations to the market.

As Dubai, itself is a tourist hotspot, give us three good reasons why should a person migrate from here to Malaysia, as their country of choice?
SMJ: Dubai and Malaysia have different things to offer as a tourist destinations. I can think of three good reasons why a person in Dubai would want to go Malaysia.

a. Malaysia is a value for money destination. With the cost of living in Malaysia relatively low and the accommodation rate at 4 and 5 star hotel is around $150 per night. One Malaysian Ringgit is equal to one UAE Dirham and $1 is equal to around RM3.67.
b. Great climate and green nature paradise. Malaysia enjoys a tropical weather year round and the maximum temperature is 32 degree Celsius.
c. Malaysia is a truly Asian destination. For those who want to experience Asia, by visiting Malaysia you will find it all. A country with a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural mix, politically stable and safe with friendly people, it is the place for everybody.