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Efforts are on to train Emirati talent for the tourism workforce with the support of local and international
partners and also help 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, he stated.

On Gulf tourism, Al Marri said the UAE had welcomed 3.3 million visitors from GCC countries in 2024,
accounting for 11% of total hotel guests.

Saudi Arabia spearheaded the growth with 1.9 million visitors (58% of GCC total), followed by Oman
with 777,000 (24%), Kuwait with 381,000 (12%), Bahrain with 123,000 (4%) and Qatar with 93,000
(3%).

The upcoming unified GCC tourist visa, he stated, represents a strategic step towards deeper regional
integration.

It will help enhance the Gulf’s collective appeal as a single tourism destination, said the minister.

A pilot launch is expected in the fourth quarter of 2025, ahead of full implementation at a later stage,
he added.-TradeArabia News Service

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