UAE Participates In 27th Arab Ministerial Council For Tourism To Enhance Regional Cooperation

The United Arab Emirates took part in the 27th session of the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism. This event was held at the League of Arab States General Secretariat in Cairo. The Sultanate of Oman led the session, with several tourism ministers or their representatives from various Arab nations attending. Dr. Abdulrahman Al Muaini represented the UAE, serving as Assistant Under-Secretary for Intellectual Property Rights Sector at the Ministry of Economy.

During this meeting, numerous topics were discussed to boost tourism across Arab countries. The council focused on overcoming challenges posed by geopolitical developments in the region. They reviewed ambitious plans to enhance intra-Arab tourism, highlighting its crucial role in supporting the gross domestic product of these nations.

The council underscored how tourism contributes significantly to improving balance of payments and increasing both foreign and local currency resources. Additionally, it emphasised the sector's importance in creating new direct and indirect job opportunities. Urban expansion is also driven by developing tourist and residential attractions.

A key topic on the agenda was developing a joint regional tourism product named "Arab Tourism Region". This initiative aims to promote tourism innovation and smart tourism practices. It also seeks to support collaborative efforts among Arab countries to enhance contemporary tourist destinations' inclusivity.

The agenda included strengthening economic intelligence capabilities within the tourism sector. Preparing a guide for accessible tourism aimed at people with special needs was also discussed. Selecting the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2025 and integrating cultural heritage into tourism were other focal points.

The meeting explored launching an Arab Youth Forum for Tourism and implementing the Arab Tourism Strategy. Promoting cooperation between Arab countries is seen as vital for driving economic development and achieving regional integration in tourism.

Future Plans and Strategies

Organising a forum for tourism statistics in Arab countries was another topic addressed during the session. This initiative aims to provide valuable insights into regional trends and developments, further supporting strategic planning efforts within the sector.

The discussions highlighted how enhancing joint tourism work can contribute significantly to economic growth across the region. By fostering collaboration, these initiatives aim to create a more integrated and prosperous future for Arab nations through tourism development.

With inputs from WAM