UAE and Bahrain discuss enhancing cooperation in tourism sector and launching joint campaigns to promote their tourism attractions in international markets

H.E. Bin Touq holds meeting with Bahrain’s Minister of Tourism

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the UAE Tourism Council, held a meeting with H.E. Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Bahrain’s Minister of Tourism, to discuss the strengthening of cooperation across various tourism sectors. The meeting explored the means to increase tourism flows between the two countries, facilitate procedures for tourists, and expand unified offerings in the sector.

H.E. Bin Touq emphasized that the UAE and Bahrain share robust historical ties and bilateral partnership, particularly in economic and investment fields, thanks to the shared aspirations of both leaderships to continually enhance them.

During the meeting, H.E. Bin Touq said: "Tourism is a key pillar of both countries’ visions for sustainable development; therefore, the UAE and Bahrain are equally committed to facilitating the sector’s growth. Enhancing cooperation in this sector is also essential for supporting tourism integration and coordination among GCC countries. We are committed to further advancing these efforts, developing more joint tourism experiences, and promoting the unique tourism attractions and destinations of the UAE and Bahrain in various international markets.”

The meeting discussed new strategies to diversify tourism and promotional programs, coordinate participation in international exhibitions and events, and exchange expertise in training national talents to work in diverse tourism fields. These efforts aim to boost tourism flows between the two countries.

Furthermore, the meeting explored enhanced cooperation in launching joint tourism marketing campaigns targeting priority regional and international markets, including GCC countries, Germany, the United Kingdom, and India. The UAE proposed exploring opportunities to increase the number of weekly direct flights between the two countries to meet rising tourism demand and developing comprehensive tourism packages that include flights, accommodation, and various tourism activities. In 2023, the UAE’s hotel establishments hosted 111,553 Bahraini guests, followed by 123,308 guests in 2024. Furthermore, the total number of flights between the two countries reached 148 weekly services, operated by national airlines.

At the end of the meeting, H.E. Bin Touq expressed his appreciation to the Kingdom of Bahrain for its support for the UAE’s candidate for the position of Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). It exemplifies the deeply rooted historic relations between the two countries and reinforces GCC’s unified stance on international events, and shared vision for global tourism sector growth. H.E. noted that this nomination is a collective achievement for the region that will contribute to advancing the agenda of sustainable development and digital transformation.