Page 737 - MOE ENGLISH PR - MAY 2024

5/15/24, 9:55 AM Tourism Is Projected To Account For 12% Of The UAE's GDP In 2024, According To Minister - The Emirates Times
The 31st edition of ATM, held at Dubai World Travel Centre (DWTC) until May 9th, focused on Gulf-wide

collaboration, ease of inter-regional travel, and infrastructure development.

Following Al Marri’s speech, a panel discussion was held with Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the
Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism

Authority, Azzan Al Busaidi, Under-Secretary of Tourism at Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, and

Sarah Buhijji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority. Dubai Eye presenter Richard Dean

moderated the session.

During the in-depth discussion, the ministerial panellists discussed the importance of inter-regional

initiatives in taking the GCC tourism industry to the next level and striking the right balance between

collaboration and competition among destinations and countries. The planned GCC Unified Tourist Visa
was cited as a key facilitator for the region, alongside factors such as sustainability and infrastructure.

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