At the World Economic Forum in Davos 2025, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, underscored the UAE’s commitment to sustainable growth, particularly in tourism.
Speaking during the panel discussion titled "Charting the Course: Sustainable Tourism towards Flexible Economies," Al Marri outlined the UAE's ambitious sustainability initiatives designed to balance economic growth with environmental preservation.
The UAE’s sustainability strategy is central to boosting tourism’s contribution to the national GDP. Al Marri highlighted the ‘UAE Tourism Strategy 2031’, which aims to increase the sector’s GDP contribution to AED 450 billion by 2031. This strategy has positioned the UAE as a leader in sustainable tourism, aligning economic development with environmental protection.
The ‘World’s Coolest Winter’ campaign, now in its fifth edition, was introduced under the theme of 'Green Tourism.' It serves as a global model for sustainable tourism by showcasing the UAE’s ecological and cultural diversity while promoting domestic tourism and attracting international visitors.
The UAE’s efforts also include the creation of a national roadmap for sustainable aviation. This initiative aims to produce 700 million litres of sustainable aviation fuel annually by 2030, supporting global sustainability goals in aviation and tourism.
Additionally, the UAE has partnered with the UN World Tourism Organisation to implement a framework for measuring tourism sustainability. This partnership aims to enhance data collection and analysis to further drive sustainability efforts.
Al Marri’s remarks highlight the UAE’s ongoing leadership in creating innovative, sustainable tourism strategies, reinforcing its position as a global hub for eco-conscious travel.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
