Page 740 - MOE ENGLISH PR - MAY 2024

MICE
Tourism projected to account for 12% of UAE GDP

this year, as GCC policymakers gather to discuss
future of regional travel at ATM 2024

Theodore Koumelis

08.05.2024

386

FAIRS & EXHIBITIONS

Tourism accounted for 809,000 jobs in the UAE last year, equivalent to 12.3% of
national employment, and this figure is on course to rise to 833,000 in 2024.

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Gulf-wide collaboration, ease of inter-regional
travel and infrastructure development were placed under the microscope at Arabian
Travel Market (ATM) 2024, which saw a selection of policymakers discuss thestreaml
ining of the GCC’s thriving tourism industry. The 31st edition of ATM is being hosted
at Dubai World Travel Centre (DWTC) until Thursday 9 May.
H.E. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, noted the tourism sector’s
growing contribution to the Emirates’ economy in his opening comments on ATM 2024’s
Global Stage. “According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), our tourism
sector has been a dynamic force within our economy, contributing an impressive 11.7%
to GDP [in 2023], amounting to AED 220 billion,” H.E. Al Marri told attendees. “For

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gdp-this-year-as-gcc-policymakers-gather-to-discuss-future-of-regional-travel-at-atm-2024/