UAE and Armenia explore ways to boost economic and tourism ties during ministerial meeting

UAE welcomed 15,832 Armenian visitors between January and May 2026, following a total of 95,990 in 2025

 H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, held talks with H.E. Gevorg Papoyan, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, to explore ways to develop economic and tourism relations between the UAE and Armenia. The meeting discussed ways to expand areas of partnership in sectors of mutual interest, in a manner that serves shared goals and opens new prospects for the private sector in both countries.

The meeting covered several priority areas, most notably boosting mutual investments, exploring cooperation in new and emerging sectors, and developing tourism cooperation and travel between the two countries.

H.E. Bin Touq affirmed the UAE’s keenness to expand its economic partnerships with Armenia and to benefit from the competitive advantages offered by the economies of both countries, in a manner that supports their sustainable growth, enhances cooperation in emerging sectors and keeps pace with global economic transformations. H.E. further highlighted Armenia’s importance as a promising market for strengthening cooperation in the fields of the new economy, entrepreneurship, innovation and technology, and tourism and hospitality.

Discussions addressed enhancing communication between private sector representatives and investors on both sides, encouraging startups and entrepreneurs to leverage the potential offered by both economies, and facilitating the exchange of expertise in developing the business environment.

On the tourism front, discussions covered ways to boost visitor movement and tourism exchange, jointly promote destinations in both countries, and share expertise, while encouraging the private sector to develop joint tourism products and programmes. Direct flights between the two countries currently number approximately 26 per week. The UAE welcomed 15,832 Armenian visitors during the period from January to May 2026, while Armenian visitors to the country totalled 95,990 during 2025.

The meeting forms part of the UAE's efforts to expand its economic and tourism partnerships with promising markets and enhance cooperation in priority sectors, driving growth, investment and its standing as a global hub for economy and tourism.