H.H. Sheikh Mohammed unveils national tourism strategy

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has unveiled the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031.

It aims to strengthen the UAE's position as one of the best destinations in the world for tourism.

Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE's goal is to attract AED 100 billion in additional tourism-related investments and 40 million hotel guests in 2031.

"Tourism is key to diversifying our economy and boosting UAE’s global competitiveness. In the first quarter of 2022, our airports received 22 million passengers," Sheikh Mohammed said on Twitter.

"Our goal is for the tourism sector's contribution to be AED 450 billion of GDP in 2031," he added.

. @HHShkMohd: We approved UAE’s 2031 national tourism strategy. #UAE is among the top 10 global tourist destinations. The goal is to boost our competitiveness by attracting an additional AED100 billion in tourism investments & welcoming 40 million hotel guests in 2031. pic.twitter.com/OGtheUl2ul

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 11, 2022

The National Tourism Strategy

The strategy, which comes in partnership with various federal and local tourism authorities, national airlines, and international institutions and companies, aims to enhance the unified tourism identity and support the UAE's well-established tourism ecosystem, in order to provide a distinguished experience for tourists from all over the world.

The strategy aims to raise the tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP to AED450 billion, with an annual increase of AED27 billion, attract new investments of AED100 billion to the tourism sector, and attract 40 million hotel guests.

The strategy includes 25 initiatives and policies to support the development of the tourism sector.

It is based on 4 key directions: strengthening the unified national tourism identity; developing and diversifying specialized tourism products; building tourism capabilities; encouraging the contribution of national cadres in the tourism sector; and increasing investments in all tourism sectors.

The strategy is expected to contribute to encouraging tourism investment in various allied sectors, including travel, aviation and hospitality, as well as creating new investment opportunities, attracting more international companies to the local market, and developing tourism data and statistics.