Poland accelerates UAE tourism push amid expanding economic partnership
New flight corridors link Central Europe Middle East hubs
DUBAI – Poland is intensifying efforts to attract more visitors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of a broader strategy to deepen bilateral cooperation across tourism, aviation, trade, and agriculture.
The initiative comes as both countries witness rising travel flows and expanding economic engagement, supported by stronger air connectivity and growing institutional collaboration.
Speaking in Abu Dhabi, Grzegorz Gawin, Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Abu Dhabi, outlined Poland’s ambitions to significantly scale its tourism sector while reinforcing its strategic ties with the UAE.
He noted that tourism has become one of Poland’s fastest-growing industries, with increasing relevance to national economic output and long-term development plans.
Tourism growth
Poland’s tourism sector currently contributes around 4-5% of the country’s GDP, with long-term projections aiming to double this share to approximately 10 percent. The industry generates close to USD 40 billion annually and attracts around 35 million domestic and international visitors each year, reflecting steady expansion and strong global appeal.
While European markets remain the dominant source of arrivals, Poland is increasingly focusing on long-haul markets, particularly the Middle East. The UAE is emerging as a key partner in this shift, supported by growing travel demand in both directions and rising interest in cultural and leisure experiences.
Gawin highlighted that travel exchange between Poland and the UAE has reached nearly 200,000 visits annually. This includes around 150,000 trips from Poland to the Emirates and approximately 55,000 visits from the UAE to Poland, signalling deepening people-to-people connections and stronger tourism-driven engagement between the two nations.
Air connectivity
A key driver of this growth is robust aviation connectivity between the two countries, with multiple regional and international carriers operating regular routes. Airlines including Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia, Qatar Airways, and LOT Polish Airlines currently link major cities across both markets, supporting steady passenger flows and improved accessibility.
Poland is also working to expand direct connectivity beyond its primary hubs, with plans to strengthen links to additional cities such as Gdańsk, Poznań, and Wrocław. These developments aim to diversify travel routes and distribute tourism benefits more widely across the country.
The country’s tourism offering extends beyond urban destinations, featuring coastal regions, lake districts, and extensive natural landscapes, alongside established cultural and historical attractions. Polish authorities are also working closely with the Polish Tourism Organisation to increase visibility in the UAE market through participation in major travel events such as the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai and targeted promotional roadshows.
Trade ties
Beyond tourism, Poland and the UAE continue to strengthen cooperation across trade and economic sectors, with bilateral exchange currently valued at approximately USD 1.5 billion annually. Both sides have expressed optimism about future growth, particularly if a European Union–UAE free trade agreement is concluded, which is expected to further boost investment and commercial flows.
Agriculture and food security have also emerged as priority areas of collaboration. Discussions are ongoing regarding a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation in agricultural technologies and food production systems. Poland, as one of the European Union’s leading agricultural producers, is positioning itself as a key partner in supporting innovation and knowledge exchange in this field.
Efforts are also being made to broaden Poland’s appeal to UAE and Gulf travellers through tailored services and hospitality offerings. These include halal-friendly dining options and Arabic-language support in key tourist areas, reflecting a growing focus on cultural accessibility and visitor experience enhancement.