In a significant move to bolster the hospitality sector, His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, chaired a meeting of the Hospitality Advisory Council in Al Zawra, Ajman. The session gathered key representatives from both public and private sectors, including directors and heads of major national and international hotel establishments operating in the UAE. The meeting focused on the developments and priorities within the hospitality industry, notably enhancing its competitiveness, improving service quality, supporting tourism demand, and attracting investments while also developing new products and packages.
Strengthening Partnerships for Growth
The council deliberated on strategies to reinforce partnerships and coordination between governmental entities and private sector representatives moving forward. A key objective is to promote UAE tourism destinations both locally and internationally, while also enhancing the visitor experiences which will help establish the UAE’s position as a leading global tourist destination. The discussions underscored the need for the hospitality sector to benefit from the continuous growth of tourism traffic.
Commitment to Sector Development
H.E. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri reiterated the UAE’s ongoing commitment to develop the hospitality sector, aiming to enhance its appeal to both domestic and foreign investments. He highlighted the sector’s critical role in supporting the national economic diversification strategy, as well as its promising potential and opportunities for business growth and the development of tourism products and services that enhance the competitiveness of Emirati tourism.
Public-Private Collaboration
He remarked, “The private sector is a key partner in enhancing the hospitality ecosystem in the UAE. Through the council’s meetings, we aim to foster dialogue and communication with this vital sector, discovering collaborative opportunities and exchanging expertise and insights to develop tourism products and experiences. This will contribute to strengthening the national tourism identity and elevating the UAE’s standing as home to the best tourism identity globally, aligning with the objectives of the National Tourism Strategy 2031.”
Upcoming International Engagements
Furthermore, the council reviewed preparations for the UAE’s upcoming hosting of the 127th session of the Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organization in Abu Dhabi, from 23rd to 25th November 2026. This marks the first time the UAE will host this event, presenting a crucial opportunity to highlight its global tourism stature and showcase the diverse experiences and destinations that the country offers to international tourism leaders, ministers, and global media representatives.
A Platform for Future Opportunities
The meeting participants acknowledged that hosting this session is a vital opportunity to accentuate the UAE’s tourism leadership and to demonstrate the national tourism sector’s capability for sustained growth and development. They also discussed how this event could serve to advance the UAE’s long-term vision for a sustainable and competitive tourism sector, enhancing its presence at international tourism forums and facilitating the exchange of best practices and experiences with global leaders and experts in the industry.