UAE and Kuwait discuss enhancing tourism cooperation and joint promotion 01of their tourism attractions in overseas markets

H.E. Bin Touq highlights the two countries’ shared vision for tourism development, which serves as a successful model for GCC tourism integration and cooperation

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, held a bilateral meeting in the State of Kuwait with H.E. Abdulrahman Badah Al Mutairi, Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs of Kuwait, to enhance cooperation across various tourism and cultural fields, increase mutual tourism flows, and strengthen communication and collaboration between tourism entities in both countries.

The meeting coincided with the UAE’s celebration of the deep-rooted relations with the State of Kuwait, taking place from January 29 for one week across all emirates under the theme ‘UAE and Kuwait: Brothers Forever.’

H.E. Bin Touq said that the week-long celebration is a testament to the deep historical, humanitarian, and economic partnership between the two countries. He noted that the initiative falls in line with the directives of both leaderships to honour their strong fraternal ties and further strengthen bilateral cooperation. H.E. further highlighted both countries’ shared aspiration to leverage the occasion to showcase promising economic enablers and opportunities in their respective markets. These efforts also aim to establish effective platforms that support economic cooperation and enhance partnerships in a manner that serves mutual interests, within an integrated framework aligned with growth and competitiveness priorities.

During the meeting, H.E. added: “The two countries share a common vision for the development of the tourism sector, which is a key pillar in overall economic development. Our bilateral tourism cooperation also stands as a successful model for tourism integration and coordination within the GCC. We are keen to continue working together, develop more joint tourism experiences, and support the promotion of the UAE’s and Kuwait’s landmarks and destinations in international markets, thereby strengthening our leading positions on the global tourism and travel landscape.”

H.E. further underlined tourism’s importance as a key domain in the economic relations between the UAE and Kuwait. The number of Kuwaiti tourists visiting the UAE reached 400,000 in 2025, up nearly six per cent compared to that of 2024. In addition, the total number of direct weekly flights operated by national carriers between the two countries reached 174, reinforcing prospects for further strengthening economic, tourism, and cultural exchanges.

H.E. Bin Touq also highlighted the objectives of the ‘National Tourism Strategy 2031,’ which aims to elevate the UAE’s status as the best tourism identity in the world and firmly establish its pioneering stance as a leading destination over the next decade. He emphasized that efforts are underway to build an integrated tourism model that brings together economy, culture, sustainability, and technology.

The two sides discussed new mechanisms to diversify tourism promotional programs, coordinate participation in international exhibitions and events, and exchange expertise in training and developing national talent across various tourism sectors. These efforts aim to boost the exchange of tourism delegations between the two countries and further support the growth and sustainability of the sector in both markets.

The number of companies operating in the UAE with at least one Kuwaiti national as a shareholder also saw significant growth, reaching 4,311 by the end of 2025 - an increase of approximately 16.2 per cent compared to that of 2024.