UAE Re-Elected to UNWTO Executive Council at 51st Regional Commission Meeting in Doha
The United Arab Emirates has been re-elected to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Executive Council for the 2025–2029 term during the 51st UNWTO Regional Commission meeting for the Middle East, held in Doha. The high-level event reinforced the UAE’s commitment to enhancing tourism sustainability and strengthening regional cooperation.
The UAE delegation was led by H.E. Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, who represented H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the UAE Tourism Council. Discussions at the meeting focused on strategic initiatives to drive tourism growth, promote environmental sustainability, and adapt to evolving global tourism trends.
H.E. Bin Touq emphasized the importance of innovation in ensuring the resilience and competitiveness of the global tourism sector. He highlighted the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to position the country as a leading global destination by leveraging its diverse cultural and natural attractions.
H.E. Al Saleh outlined the UAE’s efforts to foster tourism growth through flexible economic policies, advanced infrastructure, and digital transformation. He noted the success of initiatives such as the UAE Grand Tours, which encourage visitors to explore the country’s cultural and environmental diversity, enhancing their overall experience and increasing the duration of their stays.
The UAE’s tourism and aviation sectors have recorded strong performance, with hotel revenues reaching AED 37.1 billion between January and October 2024, a 4% increase from the previous year. The total number of hotel guests rose to 24.9 million, reflecting a 9.5% growth, while passenger traffic in the UAE’s aviation sector surged to 147.8 million in 2024, marking a 10% increase from the previous year.
The UAE remains committed to sustainable tourism by integrating clean energy solutions, eco-friendly hotels, green transportation, and smart technology. Efforts to expand eco-tourism and develop sustainable hospitality practices align with the country’s vision for environmental conservation and responsible tourism.
H.E. Al Saleh also underscored the importance of strengthening regional collaboration through knowledge-sharing, joint training programs, and initiatives aimed at enhancing intra-regional tourism. He commended UNWTO’s role in fostering innovation and cooperation to ensure the long-term sustainability of the tourism sector.
The UAE reaffirmed its dedication to supporting regional and international tourism partnerships. The country aims to continue collaborating with UNWTO and other stakeholders to develop policies that drive economic growth while promoting sustainability.
H.E. Al Saleh expressed his appreciation to Qatar for hosting the event and acknowledged UNWTO’s ongoing efforts in advancing global tourism development.
