The UAE, led by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council and Hospitality Advisory Council, attended the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The forum focused on “International Cooperation, Growth, and Energy for Development” and took place from April 28 to 29. The delegation included Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy.
During a session at the forum, Bin Touq highlighted the importance of working with other Gulf Cooperation Council countries to activate a unified Gulf tourist visa and promote the region as a leading tourist destination in the world. He emphasized that this will drive economic growth and job creation in the tourism sector.
The UAE’s tourism sector has seen significant growth and recovery from the pandemic, surpassing pre-pandemic levels in terms of GDP contribution and job creation. Bin Touq highlighted the country’s achievements in developing sustainable practices and promoting eco-tourism, showcasing projects like the Al Marmoum Desert Reserve and Sir Bani Yas Island. He also mentioned the success of hosting international events like Expo 2020 Dubai and COP28, which have bolstered the growth of the tourism sector in the UAE.
Overall, Bin Touq emphasized that sustainability is key to tourism development and that it is essential for achieving sustainable growth in the industry. The country’s efforts to enhance tourism infrastructure, promote eco-friendly practices, and support job creation have positioned it as a key player in global tourism landscape.
