Page 386 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - JUNE 2025

6/20/25, 8:56 AM Hospitality Advisory Council discusses new national initiatives to boost growth and employment opportunities in the sector

Hospitality Advisory Council discusses new national initiatives to boost

growth and employment opportunities in the sector

Tourism and hospitality sectors see sustained growth as hotel occupancy rates reach 81.3% in Q1 2025

Abu Dhabi, June 18, 2025:
The Hospitality Advisory Council convened its second meeting of 2025 under the chairmanship of H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri,
Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council. The session brought together 16 Council members, including
CEOs and senior executives from leading national and international hotel groups. Discussions focused on a range of new national
initiatives developed in partnership with the private sector to accelerate the growth of the UAE’s hospitality sector. The initiatives also
aim to generate employment opportunities across all sectors of this vital industry.

H.E. Bin Touq said: 'Thanks to the vision and guidance of our wise leadership, the UAE’s tourism and hospitality sectors continue to
thrive. In the first quarter of 2025, hotel revenues reached AED 13.5 billion, with over 8.4 million guests recorded, a two per cent
increase compared to the same period in 2024. Total hotel nights reached 29.3 million, and the national hotel occupancy rate stood at
81.3 per cent during the same period.'

H.E. added: 'These impressive figures reflect the UAE’s strong commitment to advancing its hospitality industry in line with global best
practices. We have invested heavily in developing hotel and entertainment infrastructure across all seven emirates, organizing major
international events, and delivering exceptional hospitality experiences that reflect authentic Emirati heritage and culture. As a result,
the UAE has become one of the world's leading hospitality destinations today.'
The Minister of Economy continued: 'The year 2025 marks a major milestone for UAE tourism, marked by the election of Shaikha Al
Nowais as the first woman globally to serve as Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization for the term 2026-2029. This
achievement reinforces the UAE’s prominent role in supporting international efforts to advance the global tourism industry.”
The meeting’s discussions covered a comprehensive array of key files and initiatives that support the UAE’s efforts to enhance the
growth and competitiveness of its hospitality sector. Participants emphasized the importance of promoting collaboration between the

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