Page 257 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - APRIL 2025 (Part 2)

4/15/25, 4:57 PM AIM Congress explores future of tourism investment - Aletihad News Center

The session brought together 13 speakers, including officials and ministers from the UAE, Bahrain, Georgia,

Montenegro, Egypt, and Iran, as well as senior executives from UNCTAD, UN Tourism, World Economic Forum,
ESCAP, and the World Free Zones Organisation.

The roundtable emphasised tourism’s critical role in economic resilience, job creation, and sustainable development.
Opening remarks celebrated the region’s leadership in shaping future-ready policies to attract quality investments that

balance economic growth with environmental preservation.

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, Abdulla Ahmed Alsaleh, said, “Under the guidance of our wise leadership,
the UAE has succeeded in consolidating its position as a global destination for investment in the tourism sector. We
seek to attract Dh100 billion in new investments by 2031.”

Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, highlighted the nation’s evolving tourism
policy and robust investment climate, emphasising Bahrain’s strategic role in advancing sustainable tourism and

economic growth.

Under its leadership, Bahrain has aligned itself with global tourism development goals, integrating UN initiatives while

offering attractive investment opportunities through Golden Licences—two of which are tailored specifically to the
tourism sector.

With streamlined regulations, investor privileges, and a “one-stop-shop” approach to project facilitation, Bahrain
continues to position itself as a premier destination for tourism development and global collaboration.

Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, announced a transformative shift in

the country’s tourism strategy, emphasising a strong pivot toward private sector involvement and investment-driven
growth.

Vice Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt, Yomna Elbahar, highlighted Egypt’s independent progress in tourism
and emphasised the nation’s commitment to innovation in hospitality.

“We are bringing together industry pioneers to explore the future of branded living and luxury hospitality in Egypt—
shaping new possibilities for the sector,” she said.

Nan Li Collins of UNCTAD underscored the importance of innovative investment frameworks that are resilient and
environmentally conscious, while Matthew Stephenson of the World Economic Forum pointed to the power of digital

transformation and AI in shaping post-pandemic tourism.

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