UAE participates in 52^nd UN Tourism Regional Commission for the Middle East and affirms its support for tourism integration and cooperation in the region

H.E. Bin Touq reiterates UAE’s commitment to continue working with UN Tourism to enhance global tourism sustainability

His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, led the UAE delegation participating in the 52^nd UN Tourism Regional Commission for the Middle East, which was hosted by Kuwait from 10 to 12 February 2026. The event witnessed the participation of tourism ministers and senior officials from the region.

H.E. Bin Touq affirmed the UAE’s commitment to supporting integration and joint efforts in the tourism sector among the countries of the Middle East. The UAE is keen to enhance collaboration with UN Tourism, given the rapid pace of transformations centered on innovation, sustainability, and regional integration. This supports the growth of global tourism and reinforces its role as a key driver of sustainable economic and social development.

H.E. extended his gratitude and appreciation to the State of Kuwait for its generous hosting and organisation of the distinguished event. He also congratulated Her Excellency Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais on leading her first Regional Commission meeting for the Middle East as the Secretary-General of UN Tourism. He noted that her leadership has ushered in a new era for the Organisation, consolidating its position as a global umbrella for formulating more resilient and sustainable tourism policies.

H.E. Bin Touq underscored the region’s strong tourism performance, with the number of international tourists exceeding 100 million in 2025 and revenues surpassing USD 150 billion. This reflects the region’s ability to transition from the recovery phase to a phase of sustainable growth, solidifying its position as a major global hub for travel and tourism.

The Minister of Economy and Tourism said: “The UAE has placed tourism among its national priorities, considering it as a key driver of diversification and sustaining economic progress. The UAE ranked among the top seven global destinations for international tourist spending, accounting for approximately 2.3 per cent of tourism movement globally, and 32.2 per cent of international tourist movement at the regional level. These indicators reflect the strength and competitiveness of this vital sector at both levels.”

“The sixth edition of the “World’s Coolest Winter” campaign achieved outstanding results across the UAE. The hotel revenues during this edition reached AED 12.5 billion, and the total number of hotel guests in the country was nearly five million, marking a five percent increase compared to the fifth edition of the campaign. Besides, the hotel occupancy rate reached 84 per cent, with a two per cent growth from last year,” he added.

H.E. emphasized the UAE’s efforts in developing the sector under the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which is an ambitious national framework to increase the sector’s contribution to the GDP to AED 450 billion by the next decade, attracting quality investments. It also aims to consolidate the country’s position as the best tourism identity globally and a leading global destination in competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation.

In the context, H.E. highlighted that UAE has made tangible progress in accelerating digital transformation in destination management and employing AI technologies in market analysis and enhancing visitor experience. The recognition of Masfout village as the Best Tourism Village 2025 reflects the country’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and empowering local communities. H.E. also affirmed the need for enhanced regional coordination, expanding public-private partnerships, and intensifying efforts in the areas of human capital development, innovation, and climate resilience. He emphasized that the strength of the Middle East region lies in its integration and cooperation, not just in its individual potentials.

His Excellency Bin Touq stated that the UAE will continue to actively support the efforts of UN Tourism, working with member states to enhance the region’s position as a global model for sustainable, smart, and resilient tourism, and contributing to the economic and social development of future generations.