UAE, Sri Lanka discuss opportunities to strengthen cooperation in tourism and hospitality sectors

Abu Dhabi: The UAE and Sri Lanka have discussed expanding their partnership in the tourism and investment sectors, with the aim of increasing tourist flows and sharing expertise to improve hospitality services and hotel activities. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE's Minister of Economy and Tourism, expressed the UAE's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Sri Lanka across various economic, investment, and tourism fields.

The meeting with Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, took place at the Ministry's headquarters in Dubai. Both ministers discussed opportunities to enhance the role of tourism and hospitality in the sustainable economic growth of both nations. The UAE received over 43,333 Sri Lankan visitors in the first five months of 2026, while Sri Lanka sent 153,430 visitors to the UAE in 2025.

There are currently 107 direct flights per week between the two countries, highlighting the strong travel and connectivity between the two nations. Bin Touq briefed Herath on the UAE's vision for developing tourism, travel, hospitality, and aviation sectors, emphasizing the importance of innovation and sustainability in delivering tourism services.

The UAE is also working on developing tourism infrastructure, ports, and airports in line with global best practices. Bin Touq highlighted promising investment opportunities in the UAE's tourism sector and the attractive investment environment it offers. He stressed the importance of enhancing mutual investments in tourism, hospitality, hotels, resorts, and leisure activities, and leveraging the expertise of both countries to support the development of tourism projects and sustainable growth in the sector.