Tourism

His Excellency Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, represented the UAE at the 12th session of the Conference of Ministers of Tourism, organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Khiva, Uzbekistan. The conference gathered tourism ministers, senior officials from OIC member states, and representatives from regional and international tourism and cultural organizations.

Al Saleh expressed gratitude to Uzbekistan for hosting the conference and praised the OIC's efforts in fostering regional tourism growth. He highlighted the UAE's commitment to supporting the OIC's objectives, promoting tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding among member states. This aligns with the UAE’s vision of 'We the UAE 2031,' which positions tourism as a key driver of the new economic model.

Significance of the Meeting

"This meeting is significant given the growing tourism industry in the region and the dynamic shifts locally and internationally," Al Saleh stated. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts, new opportunities, and initiatives to boost the tourism sector's growth and resilience, thus enhancing economic progress in Islamic economies.

UAE's Tourism Achievements

Al Saleh highlighted the UAE's robust tourism sector, which grew by 26% in 2023 compared to 2022 and exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 14%. The sector's contribution to the GDP reached AED 220 billion, representing 11.7% of the GDP. The World Travel and Tourism Council projects this contribution to rise to AED 236 billion in 2024, equivalent to 12% of the GDP.

"The UAE ranked first regionally and 18th globally in the World Economic Forum's 2024 Tourism and Travel Development Index, advancing seven places from 25th in 2019," Al Saleh noted. These achievements reflect the UAE’s forward-looking vision and collaboration with governmental and private sector partners to achieve the 'National Tourism Strategy 2031' targets, aiming to position the UAE as a premier global tourist destination, increase the tourism sector's GDP contribution to AED 450 billion, and attract 40 million hotel guests within the next decade.

Digital Transformation and Sustainability

Emphasizing digital transformation, Al Saleh noted that the UAE promotes digital solutions and cutting-edge technologies to enhance the tourism experience. The UAE’s robust digital infrastructure supports smart applications, digital tourism guides, and virtual reality experiences at cultural and heritage sites, ensuring a unique journey for global visitors.

Halal Tourism Standards and Sustainable Projects

Al Saleh highlighted the need to advance the adoption of OIC Halal Tourism Standards, which ensure high-quality tourism offers for Muslim travelers, enhancing their confidence and satisfaction. He also emphasized the UAE’s expertise in initiating environmentally friendly tourism projects that safeguard natural, cultural, and social heritage while supporting global sustainability objectives.

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