Al Ain Selected As Capital Of Arab Tourism 2026: A Validation Of National Strategic Vision

Published on December 12, 2025

The monumental decision by the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism was formally announced during its 28th session, which was convened in the city of Baghdad, Iraq. This esteemed designation means that Al Ain has been officially selected as the Capital of Arab Tourism 2026. This recognition is viewed as a significant international validation of the growing appeal and fundamental competitiveness characterizing the UAE tourism ecosystem, confirming the effectiveness of ongoing governmental initiatives. The city’s established status as a premier heritage and cultural destination is thereby strongly reaffirmed, contributing to the nation’s overall soft power.

The high-level UAE delegation, instrumental in securing this prestigious title, was officially represented by Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. He was present and acted on behalf of Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the Minister of Economy and Tourism. The selection of the ‘Garden City’ is understood to underscore the successful execution of a strategic vision that prioritized substantial investment in the tourism sector, which has been acknowledged as an essential engine for future economic prosperity and diversification. This achievement is further perceived to solidify the country’s increasingly prominent standing on the global tourism map, ensuring that the UAE is continually recognized among the world’s leading travel destinations.

The Advancement of National Tourism Strategy 2031

The selection is considered a crucial and defining milestone for the UAE’s national development agenda. It is recognized as an embodiment of the qualitative progress that has been systematically achieved through the leadership’s unwavering foresight and strategic planning. Early recognition was given to the vital importance of leveraging tourism as a major and sustainable driver of long-term economic growth, a philosophy that has guided investment policy for years. This prestigious status directly supports the overarching and comprehensive objectives outlined within the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031.

Al Ain’s Profile and the Abu Dhabi Strategy 2030

The choice of Al Ain as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2026 is understood to reflect the city’s profound historical tapestry, a history spanning thousands of years of human habitation and cultural evolution. Its richly endowed heritage, inspiring array of significant cultural sites, and truly exceptional natural landmarks are acknowledged as core elements that collectively cement its position as a unique, distinctive regional, and global destination. The presence of numerous protected archaeological sites and ancient falaj irrigation systems is frequently pointed out as a key factor in its appeal, ensuring that its irreplaceable past is preserved and highlighted.

Commenting on the significance of the designation, Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director-General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, noted that this significant achievement provides an invaluable impetus for continued advancement toward the established mission of constructing an integrated tourism ecosystem throughout the Al Ain region. This mission necessarily involves the essential deepening of both local and international partnerships and the measured enhancement of investments across diverse visitor experiences, with specific focus on ensuring that authenticity, rooted in history, and modern innovation are seamlessly combined. Furthermore, this designation is seen as an enabler for the enrichment of the lives of both community members and international visitors alike. New horizons are intended to be opened for the empowerment of the youth, and the support of foundational sustainable development principles is firmly secured, aligning directly with the provisions of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030. This local strategy emphasizes holistic growth where cultural, adventure, health, and ecotourism segments are all developed equally and responsibly.

Context of Broader National Achievements

The UAE’s broader tourism sector continues to be perceived as a proactive leader on both regional and global platforms, a position that lends credibility to Al Ain’s new title. This latest honor is viewed within the context of several notable concurrent achievements that collectively reflect the nation’s rising influence in the global tourism discourse. Among these recent successes, the distinguished election of Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais as Secretary-General of UN Tourism for the 2026-2029 term is highlighted as a diplomatic and professional coup. Parallel to this achievement, the unique Masfout village, which is located in Ajman, was also recognized on the world stage, having been named the ‘Best Tourism Village in the World’ for 2025.

Furthermore, a consistent and encouraging rise has been recorded in key performance indicators for the sector, illustrating its increasing economic vitality. This includes the aggregate number of hotel guests accommodated, the total tourism revenues successfully generated, and the volume of inward investment flows directed toward the industry. Detailed national economic analyses show that in 2024, the tourism sector collectively contributed a substantial AED257.3 billion to the Gross Domestic Product, a figure representing a significant 13 percent share of the overall national economy. These statistics demonstrate the sector’s robust health and its capacity for sustained growth.

Regional Cooperation and Future Focus Areas

During the Arab Ministerial Council meeting where the announcement regarding Al Ain was made, a strong commitment was reaffirmed by the UAE regarding the sustained enhancement of Arab cooperation within the travel and tourism industry. It was emphasized by Al Saleh that the pronounced global shifts currently being observed in the sector necessitate the undertaking of unified efforts aimed at constructing an integrated ecosystem. Such a system must be robust and strategically capable of effectively navigating emerging future trends, ensuring regional resilience. Tourism continues to be strongly asserted as a key pillar vital for achieving widespread sustainable development, promoting broad regional prosperity, and facilitating meaningful cultural dialogue across nations.