Page 184 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT- NOVEMBER 2024

Abdullah Al Saleh, Deputy Minister of Economy, delivered a speech praising the excellent
organisation of the forum, affirming that the forum provides an ideal platform for discussing ways
and mechanisms to elevate Emirati tourism to a new level. He highlighted the importance of
exploring the best local and global practices in tourism development through the topics on its
agenda, considering them crucial pillars in the tourism sector. Al Saleh addressed key points that
should be focused on, including developing a distinguished digital infrastructure, creating
opportunities for the private sector for investment and expansion, and continuously updating
governmental policies and strategies.

He described the tourism sector as one of the most important developmental drivers for the
national economy, citing notable achievements of the UAE where it ranked first regionally in the
Tourism and Travel Competitiveness Index and sixth globally as the largest market in tourism
revenue, reaching 191 billion dirhams in 2023. He also mentioned the increase in hotel guests in
the country, reaching 15.3 million during the first six months of the current year.

Al Saleh emphasised the efforts made by the country to enhance the tourism sector, stating that
these positive indicators reflect the promising opportunities the tourism sector in the UAE enjoys.
He highlighted the pivotal role of the efforts and policies adopted by the UAE in developing the
tourism and travel sectors over the past few years in achieving this momentum, pointing out the
launch of the UAE National Tourism Strategy 2031, which sets a roadmap for building a sustainable
tourism sector that contributes to long-term economic support.

The Deputy Minister of Economy discussed the importance of adopting technology and innovation
and their impact on tourism, stating that they believe in the importance of adopting technological
tourism, innovation, and digitization in developing national tourism, enhancing the tourist
experience, making it easier and more flexible. He mentioned the UAE's investment in smartphone

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