The United Arab Emirates has expressed its support for the “Riyadh Declaration on Innovation and Artificial Intelligence in Tourism,” which was officially adopted during the 26th session of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) taking place in Saudi Arabia from November 7 to 11. The purpose of this declaration is to shape the future of tourism through innovation and digital transformation.
This announcement was made as part of the UAE delegation’s participation, led by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the Minister of Economy and Tourism, in a session during this meeting. The Minister emphasized the UAE’s commitment to implementing the objectives of the declaration by sharing knowledge and best practices in the development of sustainable tourist destinations, promoting cooperation in digital innovation and data systems in this vital sector, and expanding capacity-building and vocational training programs for member states to foster a sustainable tourism industry at both regional and global levels.
During his remarks, the Minister stated that the declaration helps to establish a shared global vision that propels the tourism sector regionally and internationally towards new levels of progress and prosperity, driven by the pioneering efforts of Saudi Arabia and member countries, contributing to building a more resilient and integrated future for tourism.
He pointed out that the declaration outlines a clear roadmap to address the challenges facing the global tourism sector and how tourist destinations can balance economic growth with cultural preservation and environmental responsibility. Furthermore, the declaration encourages investment in future opportunities, placing innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration at the core of our shared agenda.
The Minister added that the priorities outlined in the Riyadh Declaration align with the UAE’s approach to tourism sector development, which integrates sustainability in destination planning, enhances digital transformation and data governance, and invests in human resource development to ensure that tourism remains a source of opportunity and growth for our communities.
Additionally, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri participated in an open discussion session on artificial intelligence policies in tourism titled “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Innovation on Shaping Global Tourism.” In this session, he highlighted the digital transformation experience of the national tourism sector, which includes the implementation of AI technologies and advanced digital solutions to bolster the sustainability and competitiveness of this vital sector, enhance technological-driven tourist experiences, and develop a diverse range of tourism products and destinations across various emirates of the country.
During this session, he noted that this dialogue occurs at a pivotal moment when the global tourism sector is undergoing a qualitative shift towards digital acceleration. In the UAE, supported by the vision and guidance of our leadership, we view artificial intelligence not as an isolated technology but as a strategic enabler for sustainable tourism growth, competitiveness, and enhancing visitor experiences. We are keen to develop our international partnerships to actively contribute to producing AI directed at tourism development rather than merely consuming its technologies and applications.
The Minister of Economy and Tourism further stated that the ministry is currently implementing several digital initiatives and projects as part of the National Tourism Strategy 2031, including an electronic data linkage project for hotel establishments with local tourism authorities. By 2026, the ministry aims to develop new projects focusing on enhancing the diversity of tourism products within the country and promoting digital transformation in the tourism sector through innovative solutions and modern technologies, as well as anchoring sustainability across all tourism activities and services.
He emphasized that the UAE is committed to incorporating AI as a fundamental pillar to boost the competitiveness of the tourism sector, aiming to increase its contribution to the national GDP to 450 billion dirhams by 2031, thereby strengthening the UAE’s position among the world’s leading destinations in tourism innovation and excellence.
In this regard, he noted that the UAE has established clear national governance frameworks for AI to ensure responsible and integrated governance, guided by the National AI Strategy 2031, with support from federal and local tourism bodies. These frameworks promote ethical data use and protect consumer privacy and trust.
He pointed out that the UAE’s approach in this area focuses on partnerships and the comprehensive development of an AI environment, working closely with the private sector, global technology partners, academic institutions, and tourism operators to develop AI solutions related to personalized travel planning, smart destination management, predictive demand analytics, sustainability monitoring, and seamless visitor services in transportation, hospitality, and cultural attractions.
The Minister of Economy and Tourism explained that the state has provided financial incentives and regulatory incubators that support startups and technology firms in testing and scaling innovative applications of AI in tourism, as well as enhancing its investments in capacity building, equipping tourism sector professionals with new digital competencies, and developing programs that empower youth and entrepreneurs in the fields of data science, machine learning, and hospitality technology.
Abdullah bin Touq confirmed that the UAE government’s priority in this area is to ensure inclusivity and responsibility in the AI-driven transformation of the markets, benefiting tourists, visitors, the local community, small and medium-sized enterprises, and workers in the tourism sector while preserving cultural identity and heritage, focusing on people and looking to the future.
He concluded by reaffirming the UAE’s commitment, inspired by the wisdom of its leadership, to collaborate with UNWTO member countries to enhance shared knowledge, exchange best practices, bolster ethical and responsible AI governance, and contribute to the collective shaping of a more resilient, innovative, and inclusive global tourism sector.
The session highlighted the importance of utilizing AI solutions and technologies in reshaping the global tourism landscape, offering new tools to achieve tourism sustainability and improve the tourist experience. It also discussed the best practices regarding ethics, governance, and inclusivity concerning the deployment of AI in tourism.
The session witnessed extensive participation from member states, sharing their experiences and policies in leveraging AI to develop their national tourism sectors.