Page 184 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2025 (Part 1)

He highlighted that the MENA region is experiencing accelerated growth across several key

economic and tourism sectors. Inbound tourism to the region increased by 32 per cent compared
with the pre-2019 levels, while the growth in the industrial sector is driven by major projects and
technology partnerships, strengthening the new and circular economy sectors. In the field of

entrepreneurship, regional business incubators serve as strong support platforms for various

categories, empowering women and youth in this vital field.
Dr. Maria Alqassim explained that the meeting contributes to reinforcing the public-private

dialogue and cooperation and forms a key component of the UAE-OECD partnership under the
MENA-OECD Competitiveness Programme.

She described BAB as a reliable platform enabling the private sector and government-policymakers
to engage and develop practical solutions, focusing on tourism, SMEs and entrepreneurship, and

agribusiness. “We aim to adopt tangible measures to enhance value chains, launch investments,
and build more diversified, competitive and future-ready economies,” she said.

Carlos Conde, Head of Middle East and Africa Division, Global Relations and Cooperation
Directorate, OECD, said, “Today’s Board meeting in Dubai marks a significant milestone in the

cooperation between the OECD and the UAE, building on the country’s tangible progress in
developing a resilient and innovative economic environment driven by partnership and integration

across various sectors. This meeting also forms part of the MENA-OECD Competitiveness
Programme. The BAB contributes to shaping a better business environment, empowering

competitiveness policies and building more efficient, resilient and transparent economic models
across the MENA region.”

Marta Blanco, President of the International Relations Committee of the Spanish Confederation of
Business Organisation (CEOE) and BAB Co-Chair, said, “The meeting provides a valuable

opportunity to strengthen economic cooperation between MENA countries and the OECD. It also
reinforces the private sector's role as a key partner in crafting policies that support sustainable

growth through dialogue between governments and business communities, exploring shared
priorities and designing practical initiatives aligned with global transformations in innovation,

trade, and investment.”

The meeting featured six panel sessions with extensive participation from the Ministry of Economy
and Tourism, the OECD, and specialised experts in the fields of economy, entrepreneurship,
agriculture, technology, innovation and logistics.

https://www.wam.ae/en/article/bmgrklu-uae-hosts-mena-oecd-business-advisory-board