UAE eyes Dh100b investment in tourism sector

UAE eyes Dh100b investment in tourism sector

The UAE has evolved a comprehensive strategy to increase the contribution of the tourism sector to the national gross domestic product (GDP) to Dh450 billion by 2031, its top official says.

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, said the strategy plans to attract investments in the tourism sector worth Dh100 billion and bring 40 million hotel guests to the region. At present, the overall contribution of tourism in the GDP is valued at Dh177 billion.

While delivering his keynote address at the inauguration of 9th Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum, the minister emphasised that the UAE has developed a tourism infrastructure and diversified the sector which is further enhanced by the National Tourism Strategy 2031 launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

"The strategy has been implemented to bolster UAE’s position as the most attractive tourist destination globally through the diversity and unique advantages of the seven emirates," the minister said while addressing the forum in Sharjah on Thursday.

Collaboration with partners

Al Marri noted that his ministry is collaborating with local and federal partners dedicated to tourism, including airlines, the World Tourism Organisation as well as other