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Sheikh Mohammed announces UAE strategy to attract Dh100-billion tourism investments

The strategy was designed to further boost the country's reputation as a leading tourist destination

Published: Fri 11 Nov 2022, 4:51 PM

Updated: Fri 11 Nov 2022, 8:51 PM

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The UAE Vice-President on Friday launched one of the "biggest projects" for the country for the next nine years: A tourism master plan that seeks to attract Dh100 billion in new investments and 40 million hotel guests by year 2031.

The UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 — which falls under Projects of the 50 — is bound to strengthen the country's position as one of the best tourist destinations in the world.

“Tourism is key to diversifying our economy and boosting the UAE’s global competitiveness," said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as he announced the approval of the strategy.

The goal, he said, is to "boost our competitiveness by attracting Dh100 billion as additional tourism investments and welcoming 40 million hotel guests in 2031”.

Through 25 initiatives and development policies, the strategy aims to raise the tourism sector’s GDP contribution to Dh450 billion — with an annual increase of Dh27 billion.

Currently, the UAE ranks among the top 10 global destinations for tourism, with 22 million passengers flying into the country's airports in the first quarter of the year alone.

To provide a distinguished experience to tourists from all over the world, the new master plan aims to enhance the unified tourism identity of the country and support its well-established ecosystem.

Under its key directions, tourism products will be developed and diversified, and Emiratis will be encouraged to contribute to the sector, according to a statement from the UAE Government.

The plan is expected to contribute to encouraging tourism investments in various related sectors — including travel, aviation and hospitality — and create new investment opportunities.

For visitors, a variety of unique destinations and services shall be rolled out over the next few years. The vision is to build not only an attractive tourism environment but also one that is safe and secure, according to the government's statement.

The National Tourism Strategy 2031 comes as a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Economy and various local and federal entities and institutions — including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security; the UAE Central Bank; the General Civil Aviation Authority; the UAE airlines; the World Tourism Organisation; a number of international companies; and the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre.

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