UAE to host next UN Tourism Executive Council meeting

The UAE has been selected to host the UN Tourism Executive Council meeting in the second half of 2026, marking the first time it will host the event since becoming a member state of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 2013.

 

The decision was confirmed during the council’s 126th session in Toledo, Spain, held from 10 to 11 June 2026. The biannual meeting brings together the agency’s tourism board, which oversees the organisation’s budget and key policies impacting global tourism, including artificial intelligence, climate action and sustainability.

 

HE Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, said the appointment reflects growing international confidence in the UAE’s tourism sector and its partnership with UN Tourism.

 

"The selection reflects the UAE’s advanced position on the global tourism map and its success in building a robust tourism ecosystem that integrates sustainability, innovation, competitiveness and international partnerships,” he added. 

 

During the 126th session, delegates discussed the organisation’s priorities through to 2029, including preparations for the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism in 2027.

 

RELATED:

Dubai streamlines tourist visa with 48-hour approval

UAE destination named among UN Best Tourism Villages

Dubai Economy and Tourism hosts City Briefing for stakeholders

 

The UAE also highlighted its Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to increase tourism’s contribution to GDP to AED450 billion (US$123 billion), attract AED100 billion (US$27 billion) in new investment and welcome 40 million hotel guests annually.

 

The Minister added: “Additional efforts encompass the ‘UAE Grand Tours’ project, leveraging AI and data analytics to enhance tourism services, visitor experiences and destination management.”

 

The announcement comes as Dubai continues efforts to sustain tourism momentum, strengthen sector resilience and support long-term growth. The emirate’s economy and tourism department recently held a City Briefing to address the rebound of travel and hospitality following the Iran war.  

 

His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), highlighted strong public-private collaboration and a year-round events calendar as key drivers of the sector’s recovery.

 

For more information, visit untourism.int