H.E. Bin Touq meets with UN Tourism Secretary General to discuss strengthening partnerships to advance innovative tourism initiatives

Meeting highlights Ministry’s new initiatives and policies aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of UAE tourism in line with the national tourism strategy 2031

His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, met with H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, on the sidelines of His Excellency’s participation in FITUR Madrid 2026, the international tourism trade fair held from 21 to 25 January.

During the meeting, His Excellency highlighted the UAE’s steadfast commitment to strengthening cooperation and forging diverse partnerships with UN Tourism, as well as to exchanging best practices and expertise across various tourism sectors and activities. These efforts align with the directives of the UAE’s wise leadership to enhance the country’s position as a leading global tourism destination and to support sustainable tourism development at the regional and international levels.

His Excellency Bin Touq emphasised the importance of the meeting as a new milestone in strengthening cooperation between the UAE and UN Tourism, particularly in the areas of smart and sustainable tourism solutions, the development and promotion of new destinations, and tourism education and vocational training. These efforts reinforce the UAE’s pivotal role within international organisations, enhance the competitiveness of the national tourism sector, and support sustainable development objectives, reflecting the shared commitment of both sides to advancing an innovative, resilient, and sustainable global tourism sector.

Furthermore, His Excellency reviewed the UAE’s vision for advancing the sector and building a more globally integrated tourism ecosystem. The discussion also covered the latest initiatives and policies adopted by the UAE across both the public and private sectors to enhance the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability at the regional and international levels, in line with the objectives of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031.

H.E. Shaikha Al Nowais said: “As an Emirati citizen, I take great pride in the UAE’s advanced global standing as a leading tourism and economic hub. The UAE has presented a pioneering and distinctive model that demonstrates how informed ambition, strategic partnerships, and effective international cooperation serve as fundamental pillars for creating sustainable value that extends from the present into the future.”

H.E. added: “Following my discussions with H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri at FITUR, UN Tourism looks forward to further strengthening cooperation and partnership with the UAE’s Ministry of Economy and Tourism. The Organisation will also enhance engagement with its partners across the public and private sectors to facilitate the exchange of best practices and expertise drawn from the UAE’s experience in developing destinations, enhancing their attractiveness to global talent, and creating an enabling environment for tourism innovation, in line with the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031.”

H.E. further affirmed UAE’s support for UN Tourism’s efforts in implementing practical programmes with tangible impact on the development of destinations and local communities. This strengthens sustainable tourism development and reflects the UAE’s pivotal role in promoting international collaboration to build a competitive and sustainable tourism sector.

The meeting also addressed mechanisms to advance partnership pathways and expand cooperation across the tourism and hospitality sectors through the exchange of expertise and best practices that support the delivery of distinctive and sustainable tourism experiences. Discussions further covered a range of future joint initiatives with UN Tourism, particularly in the areas of education and vocational training, as well as the development of sustainable and family-friendly destinations.

In this context, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism signed a memorandum of understanding with UN Tourism in June 2024 to enhance the digital services provided by the organisation during official meetings. The MoU aims to accelerate digital transformation within UN Tourism, improve the efficiency and management of its meetings and gatherings, and deliver advanced services, including e-voting and online registration for UN Tourism events and activities.