The village of Masfout, part of the Ajman Emirate, has been awarded the title of “Best Tourist Village in the World” for 2025 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. This accolade comes after a fierce competition against 270 villages from 65 countries, marking a significant milestone for the UAE’s tourism sector.
The historic announcement was made during a ceremony held by the UNWTO in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. Mahmoud Khalil Al-Hashimi, the Director General of the Ajman Tourism Development Department, and Mohammed Al-Hababi, the Director of Tourism Development at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, received the award along with their accompanying delegation.
His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, stated that under the guidance of visionary leadership, the UAE is writing a new chapter in its tourism achievements. The recognition of Masfout as the “Best Tourist Village in the World” for 2025 symbolizes a historic crowning of UAE tourism, enhancing its prestigious position on the global tourism map, including in rural and green tourism, and reaffirming the UAE’s leadership in sustainable tourism.
He added that this accomplishment reflects the ongoing national efforts to elevate UAE tourism and bolster its contribution to comprehensive and sustainable economic and social development. This victory aligns with the goals of pioneering national initiatives for balanced development, particularly the “Emirates Villages” program, which aims to create sustainable developmental models for UAE villages while preserving their natural and cultural heritage and promoting innovative initiatives across the seven emirates.
Furthermore, he noted that the UAE has adopted a forward-looking vision aimed at enhancing the sustainability and competitiveness of the tourism sector, recognizing its crucial role as a key driver of economic growth. The country has launched a series of sustainable tourism projects to balance economic development with environmental protection, focusing on new sustainable tourism styles, including green, eco-friendly, agricultural, and rural tourism, thereby preserving the unique identity of UAE tourism and supporting the goals of the National Tourism Strategy 2031.
In line with these initiatives, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism launched the fifth version of the “Most Beautiful Winter in the World” campaign from Masfout last December, aimed at showcasing its natural and rural tourism assets and highlighting its unique environmental and cultural diversity. The goal is to ensure that tourism in Masfout contributes to improving the quality of life, enhancing family stability, and supporting economic aspects through diverse and innovative tourist activities.
He concluded by stating that this global win comes on the heels of several significant tourism accomplishments achieved by the UAE in 2025, including the appointment of Emirati Sheikha Al Nuaimi as the Secretary-General of the UNWTO for the term 2026-2029, along with notable advancements in global tourism competitiveness indicators, further solidifying the UAE’s reputation as a leading global tourism capital and a critical hub for tourism development regionally and internationally.
Eligibility Criteria
Masfout met the submission and evaluation criteria for the award, which required the village to have a low population density (not exceeding 15,000 residents) and to host traditional activities such as agriculture, while maintaining deep-rooted community values. This achievement serves as a testament to the village’s success in enhancing its cultural and natural resources, achieving environmental and social sustainability, and developing integrated infrastructure that supports tourism and ensures the safety of visitors and residents.
Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Hamid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Ajman Tourism Development Department, affirmed that Masfout’s recognition as the best tourist village in the world represents a historic achievement for Ajman and the UAE, marking a qualitative milestone in the national economic development journey, further establishing Ajman’s presence on the global tourism map. He emphasized that this prestigious recognition is a reflection of the UAE’s rich tourism sector, which is built on a clear vision aimed at positioning the country as a leading tourist destination that balances development with sustainability while honoring its cultural and heritage legacy.
He added that with pride and honor, they celebrate this global achievement for the national tourism sector, marking a historical moment for the tourism framework in Ajman and the UAE; and they rejoice in Masfout being named the best tourist village globally by the UNWTO. This recognition is a point of pride for all, as Masfout joins a global list of top destinations that blend modernity with authenticity, showcasing biodiversity, warm hospitality, and the richness of cultural heritage.
He continued by expressing pride in their dedicated team and appreciating their unwavering efforts. Congratulations were extended to their partners in the tourism sector and to the local community in Masfout for this accomplishment, vowing to continue advancing tourism as a key driver of sustainable development and to work diligently to uphold Ajman’s leadership and the UAE’s esteemed reputation on international platforms.