Page 261 - MOET PR REPORT- SEPTEMBER 2025

9/29/25, 5:06 PM UAE solidifies role as key player in global tourism
(/) Finance (/arc

(/)

UAE solidifies role as key player in global tourism

ABU DHABI, 26th September, 2025 (WAM) -- The United Arab Emirates has strengthened its role as a central player
in the global tourism sector, cementing its position as a leading destination for international travel, events, and
investment.

The UAE is set to observe World Tourism Day tomorrow, 27th September, continuing its exceptional performance
with record-breaking results across the sector. This success, which has earned praise from international bodies
and visitors worldwide, reflects the superior quality of the UAE's tourism model.

In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism
and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, said that the sector had achieved major milestones, including the
launch of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 and the election of Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, as the first Emirati to hold
the position of Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organisation for the 2026-2029 term.

The Minister noted that the UAE ranked among the top seven global destinations for international tourist
spending. It also secured top worldwide positions in several travel and aviation competitive indicators, notably the
Quality of Air Transport Infrastructure index.

He further pointed to the approval by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President,
Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, of the designs for the new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International
Airport. The facility, set to be the world's largest with a final capacity of 260 million passengers, carries a total cost
of AED128 billion.

Bin Touq stated that the tourism sector's contribution to the UAE's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose to AED257.3
billion in 2024, representing 13 percent of the national economy. This marks a 3.2 percent increase from 2023 and a
26 percent increase from the pre-pandemic levels of 2019.

https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/278601932/uae-solidifies-role-as-key-player-in-global-tourism 1/4