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Press Release

UAE reaffirms its commitment to strengthening joint Arab action in

developing new economy sectors, tourism, digital transformation
and entrepreneurship

UAE delegation attends Arab Economic and Social Council’s preparatory
meeting ahead of the 33 Arab Summit
rd

Abu Dhabi, 12 May 2024:

The UAE participated in the ministerial meeting of the Arab Economic and Social Council, held
on 12 May 2024 in the Bahraini capital, Manama. It was the preparatory meeting ahead of the 33
rd
Arab Summit, to be hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain on 16 May.

The meeting discussed several economic and social topics and initiatives of shared interest aimed
at driving sustainable development in the Arab countries. The Council will submit its
recommendations at the upcoming Arab Summit.

H.E. Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Economy, led the
country’s delegation at the meeting on behalf of H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of
Economy. The Undersecretary highlighted the UAE's commitment, under the directives of its
visionary leadership, to supporting the Council’s endeavors, continuing joint efforts in different
economic fields, and strengthening economic and social enablers of the Arab economies to further
support their progress and sustainability.

The delegation members pointed out that the meeting is an important opportunity to exchange
experiences and enhance cooperation in developing various economic sectors of common interest,
especially the new economy sectors, tourism, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and SMEs
in which, the Arab countries has proven their competitiveness in the recent years as indicated by
key international performance indicators.

Additionally, the delegation noted that the region’s tourism sector has gained the confidence of
travelers from around the world thanks to its great potential in the hospitality, hotel, and aviation
industries, underlining the need to implement the ‘Inclusive Modern Destinations’ initiative. The
importance of the integration of efforts in developing various tourism destinations and projects that
represent the region’s history and heritage was highlighted as well. Another area of focus was the

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