UAE explores strengthening of tourism and travel cooperation with ministers and officials from Bahrain, Jordan, Brazil, Azerbaijan, Maldives, Indonesia, and Armenia

Meetings held on the sidelines of the 26^th UN Tourism General Assembly session in Riyadh

Abu Dhabi, xx November 2025 – H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, held a series of bilateral meetings with several ministers and government officials from Bahrain, Jordan, Brazil, Armenia, the Maldives, Azerbaijan, and Indonesia, on the sidelines of the 26^th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event witnessed wide participation from tourism ministers and officials from various countries, who discussed ways to enhance international cooperation in developing sustainable tourism and diversifying tourism experiences, thereby supporting global economic growth.

H.E. Bin Touq stated that the UAE, guided by a vision rooted in openness and long-term international cooperation, is steadfastly cementing its status as one of the world’s premier tourism destinations. This is being achieved through the development of strategic partnerships that enhance intercultural dialogue, support the exchange of expertise and knowledge, and contribute to building an integrated tourism ecosystem based on sustainability and diversity - reflecting the country’s values and embodying its position as a global hub for innovation and cross-cultural exchange.

H.E. Bin Touq explained that the UAE has successfully developed a diverse and sustainable tourism sector that contributes effectively to economic growth and reflects the values of openness, dialogue, and coexistence that characterize Emirati society. H.E. affirmed that the Ministry places great importance on expanding cooperation with partner countries to exchange expertise and develop innovative tourism projects that enhance the UAE’s competitiveness in the global tourism landscape.

The Minister of Economy and Tourism emphasized that the UAE continues to strengthen partnerships and dialogue with countries around the world to share expertise and best practices in developing the tourism sector, participate in global tourism growth, and become a leading force in driving the transformation toward a more resilient and sustainable ecosystem. These efforts are pursued through coordinated policies that promote tourism investment, support innovation, and create broader opportunities for the private sector to contribute to shaping the future of regional and global tourism.

MoU to enhance tourism cooperation with Zambia

The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zambia, represented by its Ministry of Tourism, aimed at facilitating tourism cooperation. The MoU was signed by H.E. Bin Touq; and H.E. Rodney Sikumba, Zambian Minister of Tourism.

The MoU aims to establish a general framework for strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in the tourism sector, enabling both sides to achieve mutual benefit. Areas of cooperation include supporting sustainable tourism and cultural activities, promoting tourist exchanges, jointly marketing tourist destinations, sharing expertise, and developing joint hotel education and training programs. The MoU also provides for the formation of a joint committee to oversee the implementation of these cooperation areas and follow up on agreed programs and initiatives.

Enhanced tourism coordination with Bahrain

Furthermore, H.E. Bin Touq held a meeting with Her Excellency Fatima bint Jaffer Al-Sairafi, Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation in shared tourism sectors and support regional initiatives aimed at promoting coordination among the tourism markets of the GCC countries, in addition to developing unified promotional programs that showcase the distinctive tourism assets of both countries.

Encouraging mutual tourism investments with Jordan

H.E. also met with H.E. Dr. Emad Hijazin, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Jordan, to explore prospects for cooperation in developing destinations, exchanging expertise in human resource development and national tourism cadres, and promoting mutual investment in major tourism projects.

Cooperation in cultural and rural tourism with Armenia

H.E. Bin Touq’s meeting with H.E. Gevorg Papoyan, Minister of Economy of Armenia, discussed opportunities for developing cultural and rural tourism, enhancing cooperation in the fields of tourism training and joint promotion of destinations between the two countries, alongside exchange of visits by private sector delegations to enhance investment partnerships.

Cooperation in cadre development with the Maldives

In his meeting with H.E. Dr. Abdulla Niyaz, State Minister for Tourism and Environment of the Maldives, H.E. Bin Touq explored prospects for cooperation in developing island tourism, exchanging experiences in the environmental management of eco-friendly resorts and tourist villages, collaborating on training and capacity-building initiatives, and strengthening partnerships to support the development and qualification of tourism cadres.

Enhancing cooperation between tourism companies in UAE and Brazil

In another meeting, H.E. Bin Touq and Her Excellency Ana Carla Machado Lopes, Executive Secretary of the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism, explored the means to support cooperation between tourism companies in the UAE and Brazilian markets. They also discussed enhancing bilateral efforts to launch new tourism and entertainment programs aimed at increasing the exchange of tourist delegations, thereby boosting visitor numbers in both markets.

Cooperation in digitalizing tourism promotion with Indonesia

H.E. Bin Touq also met with H.E. Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, Indonesian Minister of Tourism, to discuss cooperation in developing sustainable tourism, leveraging digital technologies in tourism promotion, and encouraging mutual investments between the two countries in the hospitality and travel sectors.

Developing investment in hospitality activities with Azerbaijan

Finally, H.E.’s meeting with Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan, discussed ways to expand cooperation in organizing tourism events and promoting destinations, exchanging expertise in managing tourism sites, and enhancing investments in the hospitality sector.

The meetings underscore the UAE’s commitment to supporting the sustainability of the global tourism sector and increasing its contribution to economic growth by strengthening international partnerships and sharing expertise in tourism policy development, as well as in innovation across experiences and services. They also align with the Ministry’s efforts to achieve the objectives of the “We the UAE 2031” vision, which aims to consolidate the UAE’s position as a leading global tourism and travel destination.