Al ain: Al Ain has been named the ‘Capital of Arab Tourism for 2026’ by the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism during its 28th session in Baghdad, Iraq. The announcement was made during the participation of a high-level UAE delegation led by Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, representing Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism.
According to Emirates News Agency, the selection highlights the growing international appeal and competitiveness of the UAE’s tourism ecosystem, reaffirming Al Ain’s position as a premier heritage and cultural destination. Commenting on the announcement, Bin Touq stated that being named the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2026 marks a significant milestone for the UAE. He emphasized the qualitative progress achieved through strategic vision in investing in tourism as a driver of future economic growth. This recognition further strengthens the UAE’s standing on the global tourism map.
Bin Touq further explained that this achievement supports the goals of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, aimed at strengthening the national tourism identity, attracting 40 million hotel guests annually, and increasing the sector’s contribution to GDP to AED450 billion by 2031. He reiterated the commitment to building a more diversified and sustainable tourism ecosystem driven by innovation, service excellence, and strong public-private partnerships.
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director-General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, highlighted that the selection of Al Ain as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2026 reflects its rich heritage, inspiring cultural sites, and exceptional natural landmarks. He noted that this achievement propels efforts to build an integrated tourism ecosystem in the Al Ain region, deepening local and international partnerships, and enhancing investments in experiences that combine authenticity and innovation.
The UAE’s tourism sector continues to lead on regional and global fronts with recent achievements. These include the election of Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais as Secretary-General of UN Tourism for the 2026-2029 term and the recognition of Masfout village in Ajman as the ‘Best Tourism Village in the World’ for 2025. The sector also recorded a rise in hotel guests, tourism revenues, and investment inflows, contributing AED257.3 billion to GDP in 2024, representing 13 percent of the national economy.
During the Council meeting, Al Saleh reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to enhancing Arab cooperation amidst global shifts in the sector. He emphasized tourism as a key pillar for sustainable development, regional prosperity, and cultural dialogue. Council members congratulated the UAE on Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais’s election, affirming the UAE’s advanced position on the global tourism map.
The meeting also addressed key priorities such as advancing sustainable tourism, boosting intra-Arab tourism, supporting tourism innovation and digital transformation, improving visitor experiences, accessible tourism for people of determination, cultural heritage protection, and developing tourism statistics for decision-making. The Council explored enhancing cooperation in medical tourism, developing joint tourism products, and exchanging expertise to elevate industry standards.
The session concluded with a review of initiatives to promote Arab destinations, aiming to highlight the region’s rich cultural and historical assets, positioning them as leading destinations on the global tourism map.