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5/1/24, 9:15 AM WEF Special Meeting: Tourism plays key role in boosting growth, says economy minister Al Marri
practices. Other key initiatives the UAE has launched include the National Tourism
Strategy 2031 and the National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Roadmap.
During the WEF Special Meeting, Al Marri also noted the importance of ecotourism
in supporting the sustainability of the tourism sector and preserving natural reserves

and desert attractions. He highlighted some examples of ecotourism in the UAE,
including the Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve and the Sir Baniyas Island.
Read: NEOM secures $2.67 billion revolving credit facility for development

projects
UAE tourism sector breaks records
Reviewing performance indicators, Al Marri confirmed that in 2023, the UAE
achieved a full recovery from the pandemic and recorded higher levels of growth

compared to 2019. Hence, the UAE’s tourism sector grew by a significant 26 percent
in 2023. Moreover, its contribution to the country’s GDP amounted to 11.7 percent or
AED220 billion. In addition, this vital sector provided 809,000 jobs across the UAE,
equivalent to 12.3 percent of the total labor market.

Unified GCC tourism visa
During the WEF Special Meeting, Minister Al Marri ensured that efforts are
underway to launch a unified Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) tourist visa. Once it

comes into effect, the visa will contribute to the growth of the diverse tourism
destinations in GCC countries and attract and retain tourists for longer periods.
Therefore, it will also increase the number of hotel guests and transform the region
into one of the leading destinations for regional and international tourists alike.

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