UAE seeks deeper tourism ties with Bahrain, Uzbekistan and EU

Dubai: The United Arab Emirates is striving to enhance its tourism collaborations with Bahrain, Uzbekistan, and the European Union, with a focus on establishing novel tourism offerings, boosting visitor numbers, and fortifying transportation networks as it advances its plans to broaden the industry. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE's Minister of Economy and Tourism, engaged in individual discussions with Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Bahrain's Minister of Tourism, Abdulaziz Akkulov, Chairman of the Uzbekistan Tourism Committee, and Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, during the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai.

Bin Touq and Al Sairafi deliberated on broadening cooperation on tourism products, exchanging data and statistics, and diversifying promotional initiatives to augment visitor influxes between the UAE and Bahrain. The minister emphasized that both Gulf nations could leverage the region’s heritage, natural, and archaeological attractions, alongside investment prospects, to foster sustainable tourism expansion.

During consultations with Akkulov, discussions centered on broadening joint tourism projects and activities, targeting heightened bi-directional visitor traffic and the dissemination of effective industry practices. These discussions materialize as both nations endeavor to fortify their economic and tourism ties. Bin Touq also conversed with Tzitzikostas about the significance of transport in propelling tourism growth and enhancing connectivity among destinations.

The two officials concentrated on easing visitor passage and cultivating sustainable transport resolutions that could improve the travel experience and bolster the tourism sector's competitiveness. They also recognized Arabian Travel Market as a platform for tourism and transportation stakeholders to share expertise and investigate innovative strategies to tackle common challenges.

These meetings are part of the UAE's endeavors to augment international tourism partnerships and reinforce collaboration on sustainable tourism as it endeavors to augment the sector's contribution to the national economy.