Page 174 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT- NOVEMBER 2024

job opportunities, statistics indicated the creation of 27 million new jobs in the tourism sector in
2023.

Al Mayman also discussed various topics regarding the pivotal role of digital transformation and
artificial intelligence, data and AI in the Middle East region, the countries most actively applying AI,
as well as the economic impact of AI and the organization's initiatives in tourism research.

During the forum's opening session, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi witnessed a session titled
"Tourism in the Digital Transformation Era," where both Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, the CEO of the
Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), and Basma Al Maiman, the Regional
Director for the Middle East at the United Nations World Tourism Organization, spoke about the role
of digital technologies in reshaping the tourism sector.

Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer emphasised the importance of partnership between the government,
private sector, and local communities to support tourism, considering it also effects the local GDP
and provides numerous opportunities such as jobs and investments for youth, affecting the
country's economy. He noted that Sharjah possesses significant tourism assets that make it a
preferred destination due to its environmental, cultural, and heritage diversity, along with the many
experiences that make a tourist's journey enticing.

Al Mayman confirmed that statistics indicate the region's recovery post-COVID-19 pandemic,
underscoring governments' investments and significant efforts in the tourism sector through
digitization and the use of artificial intelligence to develop tourism. She emphasised its importance,
provided it does not affect tourism jobs such as tour guides, considering it as complementary to
their work.

After the session's conclusion, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi honored the speakers and
partners by presenting them with commemorative shields and taking photos with them.

Sheikh Sultan then toured the exhibition halls accompanying the forum, where various government
and private entities specialised in the tourism and travel sector were participating. During his tour,
he familiarised himself with their prominent contributions and the services they offer that enhance
the tourism and travel sectors in the UAE and Sharjah specifically.

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority officially launched the Forum this year
with a series of high-level discussions, sessions, and workshops held throughout the day to assist
in the development of the tourism sector, its potential, and to place it in the global spotlight.

The forum discusses several important topics in the field of tourism, including main sessions titled
"Tourism 2030: Achieving Balance between Innovation, Sustainability, and Safety in the Digital
World," "Exploring Digitalization, Health, and Safety in Tourism," as well as "The Future of Safe
Tourism: Health Protocols and Best Practices."

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