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5/1/24, 9:13 AM Bin Touq leads UAE delegation participating in WEF Special Meeting in Riyadh | Emirates News Agency
of the country's GDP, according to a recent report by the

World Travel and Tourism Council.

In addition, this vital sector provided 809,000 jobs in

various activities and tourism fields in the country in

2023, equivalent to 12.3 percent of the total labour

market. With a five percent growth from 2022,

exceeding 2019 levels with 11.4 percent growth, the

number of jobs it creates is expected to reach 833,000 in

2024. There are currently 1,235 hotels in the UAE

providing a total of 210,000 rooms for guests and

visitors.

Unified GCC Tourism Visa

Bin Touq explained that efforts are underway in

collaboration with other GCC partners to launch the

unified GCC tourist visa. Once it comes into effect, it will

contribute to highlighting the diverse tourism

destinations in GCC countries, attracting and retaining

tourists for longer periods, thus increasing the number

of hotel guests and making the region one of the

leading destinations for regional and international

tourists alike.

World Economy Forum Special Meeting, Riyadh

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