Page 35 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT- NOVEMBER 2024

Press Release

H.E. Bin Touq and Indonesian Minister of Tourism explore ways to
enhance tourism cooperation between the two countries

Minister of Economy underlines the sector’s importance in fostering economic
collaboration between the two friendly countries

Abu Dhabi, November 22, 2024:

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, held a meeting with H.E. Widiyanti Putri
Wardhana, Indonesian Minister of Tourism, at the Ministry of Economy office to explore means
to enhance tourism cooperation between the two countries. The meeting also focused on
encouraging joint efforts to increase mutual tourism flows.

During the meeting, the Minister of Economy emphasised the historical ties and strategic
partnership between the UAE and Indonesia across all fields. The economic collaboration between
the two nations continues to thrive, covering a range of vital sectors and initiatives, thanks to the
shared commitment of both leaderships to advancing them.

H.E. Bin Touq said: “The tourism sector is considered one of the key sectors that foster economic
relations between the two friendly countries. In recent years, there has been remarkable progress
in bilateral cooperation in this vital sector, with a total of over 174 flights connecting the two
countries per month, operated by the UAE's national carriers.”

H.E. elaborated on the UAE’s efforts in developing the sector, highlighting the key role of the
‘UAE Tourism Strategy 2031’ in supporting its sustainability and competitiveness. The strategy
has set a number of goals, including the strengthening of the UAE’s position as one of the best
global tourism destinations and raising the sector's contribution to the national GDP to AED 450
billion. Besides, it aims to attract additional investments worth AED 100 billion to the UAE's
tourism sector and attract 40 million hotel guests to the country - all in line with the ‘We the UAE
2031’ vision.

Furthermore, the meeting explored the potential for creating new opportunities in tourism,
aviation, and travel for the UAE and Indonesian private sector. It highlighted the significance of
fostering cooperation in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism and
enhancing dialogue between tourism companies in both countries. The ministers agreed on the
importance of implementing new training and recreational initiatives to stimulate increased
tourism flows between the two sides.