Page 615 - MOET PR REPORT- SEPTEMBER 2025

9/12/25, 5:02 PM Emirates Tourism Council holds third meeting of 2025; reviews new initiatives aimed at enhancing the sector’s competitiveness
H.E. affirmed that the UAE’s tourism sector continues to perform exceptionally under the guidance of the
wise leadership, which prioritizes its development as a strategic driver of non-oil GDP growth and a key
pillar in the transition to a new economic model.

His Excellency said: “Hotel establishment revenues in the country surpassed AED 26 billion in the first

half of this year, marking a 6.3 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Hotel
occupancy rate hit 80.5 per cent during the first six months, reflecting sustained growth in this vital
sector, the concerted efforts of the public and private sectors, and supporting the objectives of the UAE
Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to raise the sector’s contribution to the national economy to AED 450

billion by the next decade.”

His Excellency added: “Through the Emirates Tourism Council, we continue our efforts to promote
sustainable tourism development in the country by fostering effective partnerships between the public
and private sectors and launching innovative initiatives and projects. These efforts not only drive tourism
growth but also create exceptional travel experiences, offer unique opportunities to Emirati talents, and

strengthen our national tourism identity on the global stage.”

The meeting reviewed a range of tourism initiatives and projects in the pipeline aimed at enhancing the
competitiveness of the UAE’s tourism sector in the coming period. It also discussed mechanisms for
implementing these initiatives and the importance of coordination between the country’s tourism

authorities and the private sector to ensure the achievement of all related objectives. The meeting also
followed up the recommendations issued during the previous meeting, assessing the progress made so
far.

Furthermore, the meeting reviewed the UAE’s preparations to host the ‘UAE-Africa Tourism Investment
Summit’ on October 27, as part of the ‘Future Hospitality Summit’ (FHS World) with the participation of

tourism ministers and senior officials from 53 African countries. The summit will serve as a key platform
to strengthen strategic partnerships and explore joint investment opportunities in tourism infrastructure,
sustainable hospitality, and the development of specialized tourism products. It will also highlight the

UAE’s position as a trusted partner in tourism investment, reinforcing its role in connecting African and
global markets.

The Council was briefed on tourism plans and programs presented by local authorities across the UAE,
which highlighted achievements from the first nine months of the year. It also reviewed development
plans for 2026, including initiatives designed to further reinforce the UAE’s status as a leading regional

and global tourism destination.

https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/government-news/emirates-tourism-council-holds-third-meeting-of-2025-reviews-new-initiatives-aimed-at-en… 2/3