UAE And UN Tourism Partnership Advances Smart And Sustainable Tourism

The UAE is stepping up cooperation with UN Tourism, with a focus on smart, sustainable growth and new destination development. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, met UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais during FITUR Madrid 2026. The talks underlined the UAE’s goal to strengthen its global tourism position and support sustainable development across regional and international markets.

The discussions in Madrid also built on an earlier cooperation agreement signed in June 2024 between the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and UN Tourism. That agreement focuses on improving the organisation’s digital services during official meetings. It aims to support digital transformation, streamline meeting management and introduce tools such as electronic voting and digital registration for events and activities.

During the bilateral meeting at FITUR, both sides explored how to broaden partnership channels in tourism and hospitality. They examined ways to share expertise and successful practices to create distinctive and sustainable visitor experiences. Future joint projects with the United Nations Tourism Organization were discussed, especially in education and vocational training, sustainable destination planning and the development of family-focused tourism locations.

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri said the meeting marked a fresh phase in ties between the UAE and UN Tourism. The minister highlighted plans to deepen collaboration on smart tourism solutions, sustainability projects and the promotion of emerging destinations. These efforts are expected to reinforce the UAE’s role in global tourism bodies and strengthen the competitiveness of the national tourism sector.

The minister outlined the UAE’s wider vision for tourism, which seeks a more integrated global tourism ecosystem. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri pointed to new initiatives and policies across government and private entities. These measures are designed to improve competitiveness, increase sector resilience and support sustainability goals, all aligned with the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 and the country’s long-term economic objectives.

He stressed that closer work with UN Tourism will back sustainable tourism development locally, regionally and worldwide. According to the minister, cooperation on innovation, training and destination management can help build an advanced tourism sector. This approach aligns with national directives to position the UAE as a leading global destination while contributing to the United Nations’ broader sustainable development goals.

UAE tourism leadership and role of UN Tourism partnership

Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais said that, as an Emirati national, she takes pride in the advanced global standing achieved by the UAE as an influential international hub for tourism and the economy. She noted that the country has presented a pioneering and distinctive model that demonstrates how strategic ambition, partnerships and effective international cooperation are fundamental pillars for building sustainable value that extends into the future.

Following her talks with Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri at FITUR, Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais said UN Tourism aims to deepen work with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism. The organisation will cooperate with public and private partners to learn from the UAE’s experience in destination development, talent attraction and tourism innovation, supporting the Tourism Strategy 2031 and strengthening sustainable tourism at regional and global levels.

With inputs from WAM