• COMMENT
Why resilience remains the UAE’s greatest tourism advantage H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, explains how resilience, diversification, connectivity and long-term planning have consolidated the UAE’s position among the world’s leading tourism destinations
T ourism has long been a barometer of global confidence. It is one of the first sectors to respond to changes in economic conditions, geopolitical events and traveller sentiment, making resilience an increasingly important measure of long-term success. The first half of 2026 reinforced an important lesson for the global tourism sector: resilience is no longer defined only by how quickly destinations recover from disruption, but by their ability to sustain confidence, connectivity and operational continuity while uncertainty unfolds. For the United Arab Emirates, resilience is built into the structure of our tourism economy. Long-term planning, strategic investment, close coordination between government and industry, and a highly diversified tourism offering have created an ecosystem capable of adapting to changing conditions while remaining safe, connected, reliable and welcoming. Recent regional events tested these foundations and demonstrated the value of coordinated decision- making, clear communication and continuity of services. Tourism today is a central pillar of the UAE’s economic diversification strategy and one of the country’s most important engines of sustainable growth. Our Tourism Strategy 2031 sets out an ambitious national vision: increasing the sector’s annual contribution to GDP to AED450 billion (US$122.5bn), attracting AED100 billion (US$27.2bn) in additional tourism investment and welcoming 40 million hotel guests each year. These targets reflect our commitment to building a more diversified, innovative and globally competitive visitor economy. In the UAE, WTTC estimates international visitor spending reached a record US$62.2 billion in 2025, with travel and tourism
accounting for roughly 13% of national GDP. Tourism’s importance to the national economy will continue to grow, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for investment, employment and long- term prosperity. An important part of this resilience comes from diversification. The UAE tourism economy is supported by a broad mix of international source markets, destinations and tourism segments, ranging from leisure and business travel to culture, events, cruise, wellness and nature-based tourism. This diversity reduces dependence on any single market or segment and strengthens the sector’s ability to adapt as global travel patterns and visitor preferences evolve. One of the UAE’s greatest strengths is that our tourism story is not defined by a single destination. It is shaped by the collective appeal of all seven emirates, each contributing a distinctive experience to a unified national offering. Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position through culture, business events and world-class leisure attractions. Dubai remains a global gateway for tourism, hospitality, retail and international events. Sharjah offers a rich cultural and heritage experience, while Ajman combines authentic hospitality with an increasingly attractive coastal offering. Umm Al Quwain continues to unlock the potential of nature-based tourism and its blue economy, Ras Al Khaimah has established itself as a global destination for adventure and sustainable development, while Fujairah offers a unique combination of mountains, heritage and marine tourism along the UAE’s east coast. Together, these seven emirates create one of the world’s most diverse national tourism offerings. Their complementary strengths encourage visitors to explore multiple destinations within a single journey, broadening the UAE’s appeal
while supporting a more balanced, resilient and sustainable tourism economy. Connectivity remains equally important to our long-term success. The UAE’s global aviation network, ports, road infrastructure and digital services make travel seamless for millions of visitors every year, while strengthening the country’s position as a gateway for international tourism, trade and business. Looking ahead, our ambition extends beyond welcoming more visitors. We are focused on creating greater long-term value through sustainable tourism development, innovation, talent, cultural preservation and investment across every emirate. As traveller expectations evolve, so too will our tourism offering, ensuring the UAE remains at the forefront of new opportunities across leisure, MICE, wellness, cruise, eco-tourism and cultural experiences. The future of tourism will not be defined solely by the destinations that attract the most visitors, but by those that consistently earn the confidence of travellers, investors and industry partners. In the UAE, resilience is the product of long-term investment, diversification, connectivity and a capacity to adapt. These strengths have created a tourism economy designed not only to grow, but to remain competitive and dependable as the global environment evolves.
10 | ATM YEARBOOK 2026
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