39,546 tourism, aviation licences issued in September

September 27, 2025 / 11:00 PM

Sharjah24 - WAM: The number of commercial licences in tourism, hospitality, aviation, air transport, aviation technologies, and digital tourism solutions in the UAE reached 39,546 by mid-September 2025, marking a 275 percent increase compared to the same period in 2020, according to Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council.

Reforms drive growth and investment

In remarks to Emirates News Agency (WAM) on World Tourism Day 2025, Al Marri attributed the surge to the UAE’s continuous reforms to business and investment regulations, which have attracted global companies and capital while boosting opportunities in tourism-related sectors.

Tourism at the heart of UAE’s economic priorities

Al Marri stressed that tourism remains central to the UAE’s strategy for sustainable growth. He highlighted upcoming initiatives under the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, including the sixth edition of the “World’s Coolest Winter” campaign launching in December.

Training Emirati talent and supporting startups

Ongoing efforts focus on training Emirati professionals for tourism roles, encouraging investment in hospitality, travel, and aviation, and supporting start-ups through innovative programmes with local and international partners.

Strengthening ties with Africa

As part of its outreach to Africa, the UAE will host the UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit in October during the Future Hospitality Summit, aimed at deepening partnerships across tourism, hospitality, and aviation.

GCC tourism growth and Unified visa

On regional tourism, Al Marri noted that the UAE welcomed 3.3 million visitors from GCC countries in 2024, representing 11 percent of total hotel guests. Saudi Arabia led with 1.9 million visitors, followed by Oman (777,000), Kuwait (381,000), Bahrain (123,000), and Qatar (93,000).

He added that the upcoming unified GCC tourist visa represents a milestone in regional integration and will enhance the Gulf’s appeal as a single tourism destination. A pilot launch is planned for the fourth quarter of 2025, with full implementation to follow.