The UAE’s Vision for Sustainable Tourism Takes Centre Stage at OECD Forum

At the international forum in Paris, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism articulated the nation's sophisticated approach to tourism development, balancing economic growth with sustainability and cultural preservation across the seven emirates.

In the elegant halls of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in Paris, the UAE has offered the world a masterclass in how a developing nation might cultivate a tourism sector that enriches rather than diminishes. At the 118th session of the OECD Tourism Committee, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism presented not merely targets and statistics, but a coherent philosophy of tourism that threads economic ambition through environmental stewardship and community benefit.

Badreya Al Maidoor, Assistant Under-Secretary for Support Services at the Ministry, articulated a vision that extends beyond visitor numbers. The UAE, she explained, has constructed an integrated tourism ecosystem where world-class infrastructure, extensive international air connectivity and the distinct character of each emirate combine to create something more than a destination: a collection of experiences that honour the nation’s heritage whilst embracing its contemporary achievements.

The delegation detailed the ambitions of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which envisions the tourism sector contributing AED450 billion to GDP, attracting AED100 billion in investment and welcoming 40 million hotel guests annually by the end of the decade. Yet these figures represent means rather than ends. The true measure of success, the delegation suggested, lies in how tourism’s benefits radiate outward: into the development of emerging destinations, the creation of opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises, and the strengthening of local communities.

Two initiatives exemplify this philosophy. The UAE Grand Tour encourages visitors to journey across all seven emirates in a single voyage, deepening their engagement with the nation’s diversity whilst distributing economic benefit across regions. The World’s Coolest Winter campaign, meanwhile, channels domestic tourism toward the nation’s natural, cultural and heritage attractions, fostering a rediscovery of home amongst citizens and residents.

Throughout the discussions at the OECD, the UAE delegation emphasised the importance of resilience and adaptability. Global travel faces headwinds from an increasingly complex world; the nation’s response is to diversify its source markets, strengthen domestic and regional tourism, and foster coordination amongst government entities, airlines and private enterprise. As we reported in Ras Al Khaimah’s deepening strategic ties with China through comprehensive partnership agreements, international tourism development increasingly demands collaboration across borders.

A particular focus emerged around the measurement and sustainability of tourism’s impact. The delegation outlined efforts to develop an integrated tourism data and statistics ecosystem, refining the Tourism Satellite Account and improving measurement of tourism expenditure. This commitment to evidence and rigorous assessment reflects a maturity in policymaking: the recognition that tourism’s future depends upon understanding not merely its economic dimensions but its environmental and social consequences.

The UAE reaffirmed its willingness to share its experiences and practices with OECD member and partner countries, signalling a commitment to international knowledge exchange that enriches the global understanding of how tourism might serve as a force for balanced development.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, as the nation’s capital and a paramount tourism destination, stands at the centre of these ambitions. The strategy’s targets directly affect the emirate’s economic trajectory, with the anticipated growth in visitor numbers and investment representing significant stimulus for hospitality, retail, dining and cultural institutions. The focus on balanced development and emerging destinations creates opportunity for Abu Dhabi’s surrounding regions to develop their own tourism identity, whilst the emphasis on data and measurement will inform more precise policymaking at the emirate level.

The international recognition that the UAE’s tourism model deserves offers Abu Dhabi a form of soft power: the ability to shape global conversations around sustainable tourism development. The commitment to preserve cultural and natural heritage whilst pursuing economic growth speaks to Abu Dhabi’s own conservation initiatives and its role as custodian of the nation’s identity. For residents, the initiatives promise a tourism sector that enriches rather than burdens, creating employment and entrepreneurial opportunity without compromising the quality of life or the character of the communities they call home.

Source: WAM