3 September 2026 18:58 |
Last updated: 3 September 19:34 2026
عبداالله بن طوق خلال المباحثات مع فيجيتا هيرات
Summary
The UAE and Sri Lanka are expanding cooperation in tourism and hospitality, with a notable increase in visitors and flights between the countries.
Bin Touq: Supporting Economic, Investment, and Tourism Relations
153,430 Sri Lankan Visitors to the UAE in 2025
107 Weekly Flights Between the Two Countries
During a recent meeting in Dubai, Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, emphasised the importance of strengthening bilateral relations with the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka across various economic, investment, and tourism sectors. This meeting, held with Vijitha Herath, the Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Employment, and Tourism, focused on expanding tourism partnerships and investment opportunities between the two nations.
Bin Touq noted that tourism is a vital area for enhancing economic cooperation. The UAE welcomed over 153,430 Sri Lankan visitors in 2025, with more than 43,333 arriving in the first five months of 2026 alone. The two countries currently operate 107 direct flights weekly, further solidifying their roles as attractive travel destinations.
He highlighted UAE’s ambitious plans to develop its tourism, travel, and hospitality sectors, leveraging innovation and sustainability to enhance visitor experiences. Additionally, the UAE is keen on expanding its tourism partnerships within regional and global markets and is focused on improving its infrastructure, including airports and ports, to align with global best practices.
Bin Touq also shared insights on promising investment opportunities in the UAE’s tourism sector, emphasising the country’s attractive investment environment and abundant world-class tourism offerings. He underscored the importance of mutual investments in hospitality, resorts, and leisure activities, encouraging both nations to learn from each other’s successful experiences to foster sustainable growth in this pivotal sector.