Sustainable Tourism: The Key to Gulf Economic Growth and Development – UAE’s Role in Global Efforts
In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, led the UAE’s delegation to the World Economic Forum. The forum focused on international cooperation, growth, and energy for development. The state delegation included key officials like Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy.
During the forum, discussions revolved around activating a unified Gulf tourist visa among Gulf Cooperation Council countries to promote tourism in the region. Bin Touq emphasized the importance of tourism as a driver for economic growth and sustainable development. He highlighted the need for joint efforts to achieve a balance between economic growth and environmental and social responsibility.
The UAE has been actively developing its tourism sector, focusing on sustainability and innovation. Initiatives like the National Strategy for Tourism 2031 aim to increase the sector’s contribution to the national economy. The country has also been hosting major international events to enhance its tourism sector, such as Expo 2020 Dubai and COP28.
In 2023, the UAE’s tourism sector saw significant growth, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. It provided a large number of job opportunities and contributed to the overall economic growth of the nation. The sector is expected to continue growing and creating more jobs in the coming years.
Bin Touq stressed the importance of ecotourism in preserving natural reserves and desert attractions in the UAE. The country’s focus on sustainable tourism practices and infrastructure development has positioned it as a leading tourism destination globally. With a continued emphasis on sustainability and innovation,
