His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, emphasized that the UAE’s vision for the future is not solely focused on self-interest but aims to establish itself as a significant partner in the global community. This vision fosters opportunities and facilitates expansive avenues for growth, continuing the nation’s enduring commitment since its founding to build constructive communication bridges and activate genuine partnerships, creating a platform for positive dialogue that propels global development toward enhancing human potential and prosperity.
This statement was made during His Highness’s visit to the Arabian Travel Market 2025, which will conclude today, showcasing a record participation with over 2,800 exhibitors.
During the visit, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum noted that under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the nation continues to invest in boosting its economic and tourism capabilities. The UAE is developing various facilities supporting the travel sector through world-class infrastructure designed to offer the best services to visitors and travelers, with airports expected to welcome approximately 150 million passengers this year.
His Highness highlighted that the gathering of 166 countries and 55,000 experts in tourism and travel at this year’s Arabian Travel Market demonstrates the UAE’s growing stature in the global tourism landscape. It reflects a rising trust in the value added by the country’s initiatives supporting this vital industry worldwide. He praised the robust performance of the Emirati tourism sector, noting that the nation attracted a record number of international visitors last year, totaling 30.7 million, with overall tourism spending reaching around 250 billion dirhams.
Furthermore, His Highness stated: “The tourism and travel sector serves as our gateway to the world and bridges for cultural and economic connections. We believe in the impact of tourism as a soft power, and we are committed to ensuring its effectiveness stems from our rich heritage and deep ties to our culture and values.”
He expressed his appreciation for the contributions that affirm the UAE’s position as a primary destination for discovering opportunities.
His Highness continued: “We do not view exhibitions merely as seasonal events but as genuine growth drivers and platforms for forging partnerships and deals that support the global economy. We are dedicated to creating an enabling environment that fosters opportunities, encourages cooperation, and equips stakeholders for success. Our goal is to achieve leadership in a future deeply connected to quality of life and positive global engagement.”
His Highness the Vice President of the UAE and Prime Minister visited the Arabian Travel Market alongside His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Chairman of Dubai Airports, as well as His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the National Olympic Committee, exploring various international and national pavilions participating in the event.
At the Emirates Airline pavilion, His Highness listened to updates regarding the carrier’s development and expansion plans that align with the growing demand stemming from the UAE and Dubai’s status as a leading travel and tourism hub in the region. In 2024, Dubai welcomed over 18.7 million international visitors. His Highness also reviewed new services and fleet additions aimed at enhancing Emirates Airlines’ competitiveness within the global aviation sector.
Additionally, His Highness visited the Flydubai booth and received a briefing from Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of Flydubai, regarding the company’s development plans to position itself as a model in the low-cost aviation sector, focusing on delivering high-quality service levels. This approach has led to record results for the airline in FY 2024, the highest since its inception 15 years ago. The plans include expanding new destinations and establishing air links, especially to underserved markets, strengthening Dubai’s status as a global aviation hub and one of the world’s most connected cities.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also visited the UAE Tourism Council platform, where he listened to a presentation from Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the UAE Tourism Council, regarding the council’s efforts to enhance the competitiveness of the tourism sector across the seven emirates. This aligns with the vision “We Are the Emirates 2031,” underscoring tourism’s pivotal role in supporting the national economy’s competitiveness and the transition to an innovative, sustainable knowledge-based economy.
His Highness commended the council’s initiatives and their impact on the tourism sector’s contribution to the national economy, leveraging the diverse attractions of the seven emirates to draw increasing numbers of international visitors each year, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts and initiatives to affirm the UAE’s leadership in tourism and highlight its vast capabilities that make it the premier destination for tourists worldwide.
The visit was attended by H.E. Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai, and H.E. Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Merri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai.
