Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, confirmed that the UAE, under the guidance of its wise leadership, has established itself as a leading and resilient global model in managing and developing the tourism sector. The UAE offers an exceptional experience based on proactivity, high readiness, and rapid responsiveness to various crises, demonstrating its ability to protect national tourism achievements, sustain this vital sector, and enhance its competitiveness.

This came during the second 2026 meeting of the UAE Tourism Council in Ras Al Khaimah, chaired by Bin Touq Al Marri and attended by heads and director generals of local tourism authorities. The council discussed new work plans aimed at accelerating the recovery of the tourism sector and enhancing its growth and sustainability in the UAE in the coming period, taking into account the current regional circumstances and their impact on travel and tourism.

Bin Touq Al Marri stated that, "The tourism sector in the country achieved strong performance in 2025, with the number of hotel guests reaching approximately 32.34 million, the highest number recorded in a single year in the history of UAE tourism, compared to 30.75 million guests in 2024, representing a growth of about 5.2%. Additionally, the number of overnight stays surpassed 110.62 million nights, compared to 104.45 million nights in the previous year, with a growth rate of around 5.9%."

He continued, "Hotel revenues in the UAE markets increased by 9.7% to reach approximately $13.40 billion last year compared to 2024, with a hotel occupancy rate of 79.3%, and the number of hotel rooms reaching 217,000 rooms by the end of 2025." These positive indicators reflect the importance of this vital sector in supporting the national economy and strengthening its competitive position regionally and internationally. They also serve as a strong motivator to continue national efforts to boost the growth and sustainability of the tourism sector amid current conditions.

The council reviewed the efforts made by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and local tourism development departments since the beginning of the crisis to the present, which contributed to enhancing visitor safety and ensuring a smooth experience for them in the country. Additionally, these efforts included providing diverse accommodation solutions and integrated logistical support services. Institutional coordination was strengthened among various relevant entities to ensure a rapid and effective response to any unforeseen changes in the tourism sector.

The council concluded its meeting by emphasizing the importance of strengthening joint efforts and continuous coordination with various federal and local entities, ensuring the integration of roles and unified visions in addressing different challenges, thereby enhancing national responsiveness and supporting the continuous development of the tourism sector while reinforcing its readiness for various changes.