UN Tourism Champions Women Entrepreneurs, Shapes Tourism Investments At AIM 2024

The AIM Congress 2024, held at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi from May 7-9, became a pivotal platform for discussions on tourism's future, especially focusing on women entrepreneurs and investment opportunities in the Middle East. The United Nations' tourism arm played a significant role by organizing two major side events that captured the attention of global leaders, international organizations, and entrepreneurs worldwide.

On May 8th, a session titled "Investing in Innovation and Enabling Women Entrepreneurs" took center stage, led by Basmah Al-Mayman, the Regional Director of the Middle East for UN Tourism. This event marked the launch of the second edition of the Women in Tech Middle East startup competition, highlighting the importance of sustainability and inclusive growth. The competition drew considerable interest, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit among women in the region.

Distinguished speakers like Dawood Al Shezawi, President of AIM Global Foundation, and Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, shared insights on innovation and empowerment in the tourism sector. Panel discussions explored challenges and opportunities for women entrepreneurs, emphasizing sustainable practices and the need to bridge the gender gap.

The momentum continued into May 9th with discussions on "Quo Vadis Tourism Investments: The Middle East Chapter." Esteemed panelists shed light on the evolving landscape of tourism investments in the region. The session highlighted the Middle East's growing prominence as a hub for tourism investments, with greenfield FDI projects totaling USD 6.8 billion.

Peter Janech from UN Tourism emphasized sustainable tourism practices and collaborative economic development efforts. Alejandro Sabarich Scattaglia presented statistics on robust FDI inflows and UAE's position as a prime investment destination. The discussion also touched upon exploring new destinations, promoting halal tourism, and leveraging technology to enhance visitor experiences.

Lubna Bader Salim Al Mazroei from Oman Investment Authority discussed Oman's plans to attract investments worth 20 billion Omani riyals by 2040, focusing on sustainable employment opportunities and SME support.

AIM Congress 2024: A Global Convergence

The AIM Congress 2024 successfully hosted over 150 high-level dignitaries, more than 900 speakers, and over 12,000 participants from 175 countries. This event facilitated significant discussions through its 27 joint events in cooperation with over 330 local, international, and global partners. It underscored UN Tourism's commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable tourism growth in the Middle East and beyond.

As these sessions concluded, UN Tourism reaffirmed its dedication to driving forward a more resilient and equitable tourism sector through innovative initiatives and collaborative partnerships. The AIM Congress 2024 not only provided a platform for critical dialogue but also set a course for future actions in supporting women entrepreneurs and sustainable tourism investments in the Middle East.

With inputs from WAM