UAE Highlights Regional Tourism Cooperation at Arab Ministerial Council Meeting

The UAE participated in the 27th session of the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism, held at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo and chaired by the Sultanate of Oman. Led by His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Under-Secretary for Intellectual Property Rights Sector at the Ministry of Economy, the UAE delegation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting regional tourism cooperation and fostering sustainable development in the sector.

The council meeting focused on enhancing tourism flows among Arab nations and introducing initiatives to bolster the competitiveness and global appeal of Arab tourism. The UAE emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to address regional and global challenges, develop innovative tourism strategies, and position the Arab region as a premier tourism destination.

Key highlights from the UAE delegation's participation included:

• Advocating for tourism integration among Arab countries through the creation of innovative tourism products and the exchange of best practices.
• Stressing the role of tourism in promoting cultural harmonization, preserving Arab heritage, and strengthening shared regional identity.
• Showcasing the continuous growth of UAE tourism, including a 4% increase in hotel revenues to AED 33.5 billion during the first nine months of 2024 and an occupancy rate of 77.8%, one of the highest globally.

The UAE also highlighted its “Tourism Strategy 2031”, which aims to:

• Enhance the UAE’s position as a top global tourist destination.
• Boost the sector's contribution to the national GDP to AED 450 billion by 2031.
• Advance the UAE's tourism identity in line with the "We the UAE 2031" vision.

The meeting served as a key platform for exploring joint initiatives and investments to address the growing demand for tourism in the region. The UAE’s participation underscored the critical role of tourism in fostering economic growth, cultural preservation, and regional cooperation across the Arab world.