Saud bin Saqr: The tourism sector is a fundamental pillar of the national economy and a major supporter of sustainable development
Ras Al Khaimah, April 14 / WAM / His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, affirmed that the tourism sector constitutes a fundamental pillar of the national economy and a major supporter of sustainable development, in light of the UAE’s ambitious vision, qualitative components, and advanced infrastructure, which have contributed to consolidating its position among the most prominent tourist destinations in the world.
This came during the presence of His Highness today, accompanied by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Head of the Public Services Department in Ras Al Khaimah, at the “Tourism Council” meeting organized by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and held at the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort, headed by His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, and with the participation of a number of senior officials and representatives of the tourism and hospitality sectors and more than 150 companies and tourist facilities from around the world. State.
His Highness said that the UAE, thanks to the wise vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, has consolidated its position on the global tourism map, to the point that it has today become one of the most preferred destinations to visit in the world.
His Highness added that the tourism sector in Ras Al Khaimah is one of the main paths in the emirate’s development strategy, and is based on a clear vision aimed at achieving sustainable growth that keeps pace with the future, supported by expertise, and strengthened by effective partnerships.
His Highness pointed out that the emirate has established a strong and diversified tourism model that supports economic growth, improves the quality of life, and enhances its competitiveness and tourism status in the country, the region and the world, through future planning and close cooperation with the concerned authorities.
His Highness the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah affirmed that the emirate will continue to strengthen its tourism sector, benefiting from the advanced infrastructure it possesses, quality projects, and growing investments, in a way that consolidates its attractiveness as a leading tourist destination, and enhances the contribution of this sector to the emirate’s gross domestic product.
His Highness pointed out that the UAE has gone through various stations and challenges throughout its journey, but it emerged from them each time stronger and more cohesive, thanks to its wise leadership, the cohesion of its society, and the spirit of unity, belonging and responsibility that brings together citizens and residents on its land.
His Highness pointed out that the state’s advanced infrastructure, well-established institutions, international airports, and leading tourist destinations constitute a solid base for continued growth and enhance its ability to efficiently deal with changes and transform them into opportunities that support development and consolidate its competitive position.
His Highness stressed the importance of continuing joint work between government agencies and partners in the private sector, to explore new opportunities, drive innovation, and keep pace with global trends, ensuring that the sector continues on its development path.
His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri chaired the Council sessions, which witnessed an opening speech that addressed the national vision for the tourism sector and its directions, followed by an open discussion with representatives of the tourism and hospitality sector about the most prominent challenges and opportunities, and the prospects for growth, innovation and market development, in addition to proposals and recommendations supporting the sector’s journey in the next stage.
His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri stressed that the UAE, thanks to the vision and directives of its wise leadership, has paid great attention to developing the tourism sector as it is one of the main engines for enhancing the growth of the national economy and raising its competitiveness. Over the past years, it has worked to strengthen its partnerships with various vital tourism markets, to support its attractiveness to tourists and visitors from all over the world. It has also been keen to develop integrated and distinct tourism experiences based on innovation and quality of services, in addition to enhancing tourism infrastructure in accordance with the highest international standards, in line with the objectives of the National Tourism Strategy 2031.
His Excellency said: “We have worked and coordinated with the main tourism markets to ease the imposed travel restrictions, in addition to ensuring flexible and competitive travel policies. We also continue to cooperate continuously with insurance companies, corporate travel program managers, and with the relevant authorities in our main exporting markets, in order to ensure support for the smooth flow of tourism movement and enhance the competitiveness of the tourism and hospitality sectors during the next stage.”
His Excellency reviewed the positive performance indicators of the hospitality sector during the months of January and February 2026, which reflected a strong start to the current year, as hotel establishments in the country recorded an occupancy rate of about 85%, while their revenues exceeded 9.8 billion dirhams during the two months, with a growth rate of 17% on an annual basis, which reflects the strong demand for tourist destinations in the country, and the confidence of global markets in its competitive position.
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