Page 63 - MOET PR REPORT- SEPTEMBER 2025

Press Release

His Excellency added: “Tourism is one of Africa’s most vital sectors, contributing significantly to
the continent’s economic growth. Africa enjoys rich and diverse tourism resources, including
coastal resorts, pristine beaches, and cultural and historical heritage sites. These assets present
abundant opportunities for investors and business leaders from both public and private sectors to
enter African markets and invest in its diverse tourism activities.”

H.E. added: "The impact of tourism investment extends well beyond its contribution to GDP. Its
true value lies in empowering local communities through job creation, building national talents,
and advancing sustainability initiatives." He stressed that international collaboration, particularly
within the G20 framework, remains vital for fostering a more inclusive and resilient global tourism
sector capable of adapting to economic and geopolitical shifts across regional and international
landscapes. H.E. highlighted the UAE's most promising tourism investment opportunities,
including the expansion of hospitality infrastructure, eco-tourism and sustainable tourism
investments, particularly within the country’s natural reserves, family entertainment projects,
theme parks, and cultural centers.

The UAE market, he added, has strong potential for investments in tourism’s digital
transformation, through smart platforms and virtual experiences, in addition to strengthening the
country’s status as a premier destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions
(MICE) tourism. Tourism investments have shown remarkable growth, rising from AED 28.8
billion in 2023 to AED 32.2 billion in 2024, with projections reaching AED 35.2 billion in 2025,
a testament to the UAE's commitment to holistic and sustainable tourism development.

In this regard, H.E. urged investors to capitalize on the vast opportunities offered by the UAE’s
tourism destinations and resorts, as well as its flexible investment environment and streamlined
procedures that make it easy for investors to set up businesses and launch diverse economic
activities.

Furthermore, H.E. highlighted the remarkable performance of the UAE’s tourism and travel sector
in 2024, with its contribution to the GDP rising to AED 257.3 billion (USD 70.1 billion),
accounting for 13 per cent of the national economy. This marks a 3.2 per cent increase compared
to that of 2023, and an impressive 26 per cent surge from pre-pandemic levels in 2019 and one of
the highest growth rates regionally and globally.

With regard to the UAE’s efforts to strengthen international relations in the tourism sector, H.E.
Bin Touq noted that the Ministry of Economy and Tourism has signed 38 Memoranda of
Understanding and three executive work programs to foster international cooperation with leading
tourism markets around the world. These agreements are focused on boosting tourism exchange,
attracting investments to the sector, and sharing expertise in key areas such as training, vocational
education, and tourism marketing.