Page 161 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - JUNE 2025

7/1/25, 3:20 PM Global visitors to UAE spent Dhs217 billion in 2024, says...
domestic tourism expenditure reaching Dhs57 billion. The UAE ranks among the world's top
seven destinations for international tourist spending, surpassing countries that have been in this
industry for centuries."

He added, "We welcome tourists, delight in attracting investors, embrace talent, and build the
best environment for living, tourism, and visitation. Welcome to the world."

Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council,
emphasised that the UAE has placed tourism at the heart of its strategy to drive economic

diversification and sustainable growth.

He credited the nation's success to proactive initiatives and strategic tourism plans that have

positioned the UAE as a unique and attractive global destination.

These efforts include strengthening infrastructure across the seven emirates, enhancing the
appeal of tourism-related investments, and showcasing the country's rich cultural and
experiential diversity.

Significant improvements in airport and travel infrastructure have also contributed to the
country's elevated standing in global travel and tourism.

Al Marri also noted, "Just days ago, the UAE achieved a historic milestone in the tourism sector
with the election of Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General of the United Nations World
Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Today's WTTC results reaffirm the wisdom of our leadership's
vision in enhancing the competitiveness of our tourism sector, creating employment
opportunities for Emiratis, and further cementing our position as a global tourism powerhouse."

"These achievements underscore that the UAE tourism sector is confidently progressing toward

the goals set out in the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031. The strategy aims to increase the sector's
contribution to the national GDP to DHS450 billion and raise the number of hotel guests to 40
million annually by the next decade."

He noted that national efforts are ongoing to develop a fully integrated tourism ecosystem,
guided by international best practices. These efforts include strengthening engagement with key

regional and international tourism markets, expanding the range of tourism offerings, and
enhancing service quality to provide comprehensive and enriching experiences for visitors from
around the world.

"These initiatives are in line with the UAE vision We the UAE 2031, and they aim to elevate the
country's status as one of the world's leading tourism destinations in the coming decade," he
concluded.

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