His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chair of the UAE Tourism Council, participated in the international tourism fair “FITUR Madrid 2026,” which takes place from January 21 to 25, 2026, at the IFEMA center in Spain. The event aims to strengthen international tourism partnerships with key markets both regionally and globally, to enhance the visibility of the UAE’s tourism identity and offerings on the international stage, as well as to exchange experiences in developing sustainable tourism policies and elevating tourist destinations.
His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri emphasized that the UAE enjoys a strong and strategic economic relationship with Spain, reflecting the vision of both friendly nations to enhance collaboration and expand joint partnerships in economic, investment, and tourism sectors.
He pointed out that the tourism sector is a fundamental pillar in strengthening bilateral relations between the countries, creating new opportunities for joint investments, and fostering cultural exchange and tourism expertise, ultimately contributing to broader economic collaboration and sustainable growth in both nations.
A Catalyst for Development
He stated, “The Emirati tourism sector today serves as a foundational pillar and a major driver of sustainable development in the country, significantly contributing to the national economy’s GDP.” He noted that the UAE, under the guidance of its wise leadership, has successfully established itself as a leading global tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors annually from various parts of the world and offering diverse and unique tourism experiences. This has been achieved through the development of advanced infrastructure, supportive policies for sustainable growth, and innovative initiatives that have enhanced the competitiveness of this vital sector both regionally and globally.
Additionally, His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq highlighted that in 2025, the UAE achieved several notable tourism milestones on both regional and global levels, including the appointment of Emirati Sheikha Al Nuaimi as the Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization and Masfout winning the award for Best Tourist Village.
Furthermore, the city of Al Ain has been chosen as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2026, having previously been recognized as the Gulf Tourism Capital for 2025. These accomplishments reflect the UAE’s distinguished position in the tourism sector and its ongoing efforts to enhance tourism competitiveness and develop sustainable tourist destinations on both regional and global scales.
His Excellency reviewed the tourism performance indicators in the UAE from January to November 2025, noting that hotel revenues reached approximately 44.4 billion dirhams, marking an 8.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024, driven by a rise in average daily rates. The number of hotel guests increased to about 29.1 million, achieving a growth rate of 5.2%, while the number of hotel nights surpassed 99.4 million, reflecting a 6% growth compared to the same period in 2024.
A Prominent Platform
He added, “The exhibition serves as a significant platform for exchanging the latest experiences and practices related to the sustainability of the tourism sector and for developing high-quality projects and solutions that enhance the global tourism sector’s ability to address challenges and achieve sustainable economic and social development in the long term.”
His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq visited the Abu Dhabi and Dubai pavilions at the exhibition, confirming the strength and competitiveness of the UAE’s tourism products and services, and their vital role in providing exceptional tourism experiences that meet the expectations of visitors from around the world. He also highlighted the importance of enhancing the presence of national tourism companies at international exhibitions and events.
It is worth mentioning that FITUR Madrid is one of the most important international tourism exhibitions, serving as a primary platform for discussing emerging global tourism trends, showcasing opportunities in emerging markets, and highlighting innovative travel solutions, digital transformation, sustainable tourism, and smart travel experiences, reflecting the rapid transformations occurring in the sector globally.
The exhibition aims to explore the future of global tourism, strengthen connectivity between international destinations, and exchange experiences in developing sustainable tourism policies. It brings together a wide range of experts, executives, and representatives from major tourism and travel companies, alongside government officials and policymakers. The event is expected to attract more than 10,000 exhibitors and over 150,000 specialized trade visitors, making it one of the largest tourism gatherings worldwide.