Baghdad, Iraq – The UAE delegation participated in the meetings of the twenty-eighth session of the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism.
Which was hosted by the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on Thursday.
The meeting witnessed the selection of Al Ain as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2026.
This reflects the growing position of Emirati tourist destinations at the Arab and regional levels.
Al Ain was chosen as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2026, based on the recommendation of the Executive Office of the Arab Ministerial Tourism Council.
This choice comes as an extension of the city’s achievement by winning the title of Gulf Tourism Capital for the year 2025.
This has strengthened its position as a distinguished tourist destination, underscoring its natural, heritage, and cultural assets, along with an advanced tourism infrastructure that reinforces its attractiveness and competitiveness.
positive indicators
The tourism sector in the UAE has recently achieved positive indicators and results, reflecting national efforts and forward-looking visions to develop it and support its sustainability.
Most notably, Her Excellency Sheikha Nasser Al Nuwais won the position of Secretary-General-elect of the United Nations Tourism Organization for the period 2026–2029.
In addition, the village of Masfout, affiliated with the Emirate of Ajman, won the “Best Tourist Village in the World” award for the year 2025.
Along with the continued growth in tourism investments, the increase in the number of hotel guests and hotel revenues.
In addition to increasing the sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product, which amounted to 257.3 billion dirhams in 2024, by 13% of the national economy.
Developing Arab tourism
In detail.. The Council meeting discussed a number of topics aimed at developing sustainable Arab tourism and promoting inter-Arab tourism.
In addition to supporting tourism innovation and digital transformation in the sector, and discussing initiatives related to smart tourism and its role in improving the quality of services and visitor experiences.
The meeting discussed the issues of accessible tourism for people with disabilities, protecting cultural heritage, and enhancing efforts to preserve historical sites and cultural landmarks in the region.
In addition to developing Arab tourism statistics.
This contributes to providing accurate data that supports decision-making and tourism policy development.
The Council discussed ways to enhance joint Arab cooperation in the field of medical tourism and develop joint Arab tourism products.
In addition to exchanging expertise among member states to raise tourism standards and unify efforts in the areas of training and capacity building.
The meeting witnessed the discussion of a number of initiatives aimed at promoting Arab tourist destinations.
In addition to highlighting the region’s rich cultural and heritage assets, it is also a leading destination on the global tourism map.
