Page 202 - MOET PR REPORT- SEPTEMBER 2025

He noted ongoing efforts with local and international partners to train Emirati talent for the tourism
workforce, encourage investment in hospitality, travel and aviation sectors, and support start-ups
through new programmes.
As part of its outreach to Africa, the UAE will also host the “UAE–Africa Tourism Investment
Summit” in October as part of the Future Hospitality Summit, aimed at deepening bilateral
partnerships across tourism, hospitality and aviation.

On Gulf tourism, Al Marri said the UAE welcomed 3.3 million visitors from GCC countries in 2024,
accounting for 11 percent of total hotel guests. Saudi Arabia led with 1.9 million visitors (58 percent
of GCC total), followed by Oman with 777,000 (24 percent), Kuwait with 381,000 (12 percent),
Bahrain with 123,000 (4 percent) and Qatar with 93,000 (3 percent).

He added that the upcoming unified GCC tourist visa represents a strategic step towards deeper
regional integration and will enhance the Gulf’s collective appeal as a single tourism destination. A
pilot launch is expected in the fourth quarter of 2025, ahead of full implementation at a later stage.

https://www.wam.ae/en/article/15sifbl-39546-tourism-hospitality-aviation-licences-issued