Al Ain crowned Capital of Arab Tourism 2026
UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 targets 40 million visitors annually
DUBAI – Al Ain has been officially named the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2026, highlighting the UAE’s expanding influence on regional and global tourism.
The announcement came during the 28th session of the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism, held in Baghdad, Iraq, in the presence of a high-level UAE delegation. The city’s rich cultural heritage and unique experiences have positioned it as a premier destination for visitors seeking a blend of tradition and modernity.
The UAE delegation was led by Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, representing Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri. The recognition of Al Ain underscores the UAE’s tourism competitiveness and reinforces its position on the global tourism map.
Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri stated, “Being named the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2026 is a significant milestone for the UAE. It reflects the qualitative progress achieved through our leadership’s strategic vision, which recognised early the importance of investing in tourism as a driver of future economic growth.” He added that the achievement aligns with the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to attract 40 million hotel guests annually and increase the sector’s contribution to GDP to Dh450 billion by 2031.
Heritage and innovation
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director-General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, highlighted Al Ain’s rich heritage and exceptional natural landmarks. “This recognition gives us an additional boost to enhance our tourism ecosystem by deepening local and international partnerships, and investing in diverse experiences that combine authenticity and innovation,” he said. Al Geziry also emphasised the role of tourism in youth empowerment and sustainable development, in line with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030.
Visitors to Al Ain can explore historic forts, serene oases, and modern attractions such as the Manar light art installations, which showcase a creative fusion of culture and innovation. These attractions exemplify how the city blends its historic identity with contemporary tourism experiences.
UAE tourism
The UAE’s tourism sector continues to achieve regional and global milestones. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais was recently elected Secretary-General of UN Tourism for 2026–2029, while Masfout village in Ajman was named the Best Tourism Village in the World for 2025. In 2024, tourism contributed Dh257.3 billion to the national GDP, accounting for 13 percent of the economy.
During the Council session, members highlighted priorities such as sustainable tourism, intra-Arab tourism growth, innovation, digital transformation, accessible tourism, cultural heritage protection, and enhanced tourism statistics for strategic planning. The meeting also explored cooperation in medical tourism, joint tourism products, and capacity-building initiatives to elevate regional standards.
Al Saleh reiterated the UAE’s commitment to strengthening Arab cooperation and building an integrated tourism ecosystem capable of navigating global trends.