Page 60 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - FEBRUARY 2025 Part 1

Press Release

UAE participates in 51st UN Tourism Regional Commission meeting

in Doha to contribute to enhancing tourism sustainability in the

Middle East

UAE’s re-election to UNWTO Executive Council for 2025–2029 announced at
the meeting

Abu Dhabi, February 13, 2025:

A high-level UAE delegation, led by H.E. Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the
Ministry of Economy, participated in the 51st meeting of the United Nations World Tourism
Organisation (UNWTO) Regional Committee for the Middle East, held in the Qatari capital, Doha
recently. The meeting served as a platform to discuss a range of tourism initiatives and projects
that the Commission intends to implement to drive the sector’s growth and development across the
region. The meeting also witnessed the announcement of the UAE’s re-election to the UNWTO
Tourism Executive Council for the period 2025-2029.

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the UAE Tourism Council,
said: “This meeting is taking place at a pivotal moment for the global tourism sector, which is
undergoing major shifts, requiring enhanced joint efforts to create new opportunities and enablers
that ensure its growth, sustainability, and resilience in the face of economic, environmental, and
health challenges. Restructuring tourism is key to enhancing the competitiveness of our tourism
offerings and keeping pace with the latest global trends and digital and environmental
advancements.”

H.E. added: "The UAE has recognized the significance of tourism as a key driver of economic
growth. In line with this belief, it has been keen on developing national strategies and plans aimed
at advancing and sustaining the national tourism sector’s growth. This includes the ‘UAE Tourism
Strategy 2031,’ which now serves as a roadmap for enhancing the nation’s tourism identity,
solidifying its position as a leading global tourism hub.”

Speaking on behalf of H.E. Bin Touq at the meeting, H.E. Abdullah Al Saleh said: "The UAE has
adopted flexible economic policies and invested consistently into developing infrastructure,
establishing pioneering tourism projects, integrating technology into tourism-related activities. The
UAE has also been fostering innovation in tourism services, building strong regional and
international partnerships, and launching innovative marketing campaigns to promote tourism

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