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Press Release

UAE participates in the 50 th UN Tourism Regional Commi ssion for

Middle East to promote cooperation in driving the sector’s growth &
sustainability

UAE lauds World Tourism Organization’s efforts in supporting the region’s
tourism sector, highlighting outstanding results achieved by the national tourism
sector in 2023

Abu Dhabi 24 May 2024:

The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Economy, participated in the 50th UN Tourism Regional
Commission for the Middle East, held in the Omani capital, Muscat, this week. The UAE
delegation was headed by H.E. Khalid Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism
Development Authority (SCTDA) and included several Ministry officials.

The UN Tourism Regional Commission for the Middle East is responsible for the Organization’s
operations in the region. It consists of all members of the Middle East region and meets once a
year.

H.E. Al Midfa expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Sultanate of Oman for hosting the
meeting, praising the efforts of H.E. Salem bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and
Tourism, for the success of its efforts. He also lauded the efforts of the UN World Tourism
Organization in supporting the region’s countries and meeting their needs in the field of tourism
development, adding that the meeting represents an important opportunity to enhance cooperation
among member states.

In addition, H.E. pointed out the outstanding performance of the UAE’s tourism sector, which has
consolidated its position as a key pillar of the national economy. The sector accounted for 11.7 per
cent of the UAE’s GDP in 2023, equivalent to AED 220 billion. It is expected that the sector’s
contribution will reach 12 per cent, equivalent to AED 236 billion in 2024.

The sector’s role in creating job opportunities in the country was also highlighted, as it provided
809,000 jobs in 2023. This is expected to rise to 833,000 in 2024, exceeding the growth recorded
in 2019. Moreover, the National Tourism Charter that was recently launched by the country
represents a national platform and strategic framework for enhancing government and private
sector cooperation and unifying national visions and directions for tourism. It is based on a number
of key principles including economic development, Emirati values, sustainability, cooperation and
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