Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE Minister of Economy, disclosed that tourism contributed a notable 11.7 percent to GDP last year, totaling AED 220B ($59.89B). “In 2024, the projection is even higher, with an expected contribution of 12 percent to the GDP, equivalent to AED 236B ($64.25B),” he informed attendees of Arabian Travel Market.
The tourism sector is anticipated to sustain over 833,000 jobs in the UAE by the end of 2024. Last year, it supported 809,000 jobs – representing 12.3 percent of national employment.
Following Al Marri’s address, a panel discussion ensued with various prominent figures including tourism ministers and CEOs from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, where they deliberated on strategies to build upon regional tourism initiatives.
The panelists underscored the significance of the forthcoming GCC Unified Tourist Visa in easing travel across Gulf nations.
The unified visa is expected to enable Gulf countries to promote the region as a unified destination, enhancing accessibility for visitors and stimulating longer stays and increased expenditure, according to the panelists. They also emphasised the pivotal role of infrastructure investments such as airports, cruise terminals, and the GCC Railway in enhancing connectivity.
The ministers pledged to ensure that tourism brings positive impacts to local communities while pursuing sustainable growth. Collaboration and cooperation among GCC destinations were identified as crucial for leveraging their collective strengths and advancing the industry to new levels.
“While it’s evident that healthy competition will remain pivotal in bolstering the GCC’s top-tier tourism offering, it was equally heartening to learn how collaboration is empowering the region to transcend individual contributions in attracting global travellers,” remarked Danielle Curtis, the ATM Exhibition Director ME.
