Iraq, Tunisia, And The UAE Join Forces As Al Ain Becomes The Arab Tourism Capital For 2026, Pioneering A New Era Of Cultural Excellence, Tourism Innovation, And Regional Collaboration

Published on December 10, 2025

Iraq, Tunisia, and the UAE have united in a historic move as Al Ain is named the Arab Tourism Capital for 2026. This designation marks the beginning of a transformative era for the region, with Al Ain set to showcase its rich cultural heritage, drive tourism innovation, and strengthen collaboration between Arab nations. The selection highlights the city’s growing prominence in the tourism sector and aims to foster deeper regional ties while promoting sustainable development across the Arab world.

Baghdad, a city steeped in history and rich in cultural heritage, recently marked a significant milestone by hosting the 36th session of the Executive Office of the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism and the 28th session of the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism. This event was particularly noteworthy as it was the first time that Baghdad had been chosen to host such a high-profile gathering of tourism ministers and experts from across the Arab world.

As the Arab Tourism Capital for 2025, Baghdad’s selection was a testament to the city’s strategic importance in the Arab tourism sector. The meetings provided an opportunity to spotlight the city’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its tourism industry, enhance regional collaboration, and promote the rich cultural and historical assets of Iraq to the rest of the Arab world and beyond.

The sessions were attended by high-ranking officials, including the heads of delegations representing various Arab states, as well as officials from the Arab Tourism Organization and other relevant organizations. These meetings served as a platform for discussing the future of Arab tourism, exploring collaborative initiatives to boost the industry, and reviewing the successes and challenges faced by individual countries in promoting tourism.

A central theme of the discussions was the promotion of regional cooperation in the tourism sector. The Arab Tourism Organization has been at the forefront of fostering this collaboration, with the aim of increasing tourist traffic between Arab countries and improving the overall quality of services provided to travelers. By bringing together experts and officials from across the region, the council aims to create a unified tourism strategy that benefits all member states, contributing to the broader goal of promoting sustainable tourism practices and enhancing the economic contributions of tourism to the region.

One of the key highlights of the meetings was the recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of Arab tourism. Among those honored was the President of the Arab Tourism Organization, who was acknowledged for his dedicated efforts in strengthening tourism ties across the Arab world. His leadership has been instrumental in pushing forward initiatives that support the growth of the tourism industry in the region, making it a vital sector for economic development and cultural exchange.

During the event, the council also took several important decisions, one of which was the selection of Al Ain as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2026. This decision highlights Al Ain’s growing prominence as a key tourism destination in the United Arab Emirates, with its blend of modern amenities and deep-rooted cultural heritage. Al Ain, known for its lush greenery, historical sites, and unique cultural offerings, will have the opportunity to showcase its tourism potential to a wider audience, further solidifying its status as a hub for regional and international tourism.

In addition to Al Ain’s selection for 2026, the council also announced that Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia, would be the Arab Tourism Capital for 2027. Tunis, with its rich history, stunning Mediterranean coastline, and vibrant culture, has long been a favorite among tourists. This designation provides a platform for Tunis to further develop its tourism infrastructure, promote its cultural and natural attractions, and enhance its international profile as a leading tourist destination in the Arab world.

The designation of Arab Tourism Capitals plays a significant role in shaping the tourism landscapes of the selected cities. It allows for focused efforts to develop tourism-related infrastructure, support local businesses, and engage with international partners to bring in more visitors. By selecting cities like Al Ain and Tunis, the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism aims to diversify tourism offerings across the Arab world, ensuring that each destination is positioned to attract a wide range of visitors, from leisure travelers to those interested in cultural, eco, and adventure tourism.

The meeting also served as an opportunity to discuss pressing issues facing the Arab tourism industry. Among the topics on the agenda were the challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of health and safety standards in the tourism sector, and the need for digital transformation to streamline the booking and travel experience. Additionally, the council explored strategies for promoting sustainable tourism practices to ensure that tourism growth does not come at the expense of the region’s natural resources and cultural heritage.

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote tourism within the Arab world, the council focused on expanding the region’s tourism appeal to international markets. By leveraging the unique cultural, historical, and natural attractions of Arab countries, the council aims to position the region as a premier global tourism destination. Furthermore, the discussions centered on improving intra-Arab travel, making it easier for people from different countries to visit one another and explore the diverse cultures and landscapes within the region.

The importance of the meetings held in Baghdad extends beyond the decisions made during the sessions. It marks a pivotal moment for the city, which has long been viewed as a cultural and historical heart of the Arab world. By hosting this prestigious event, Baghdad is signaling to the world that it is not only open for tourism but also actively working to position itself as a central player in the Arab tourism industry.

Iraq, Tunisia, and the UAE have united as Al Ain is named the Arab Tourism Capital for 2026, marking the start of a new era focused on cultural excellence, tourism innovation, and regional collaboration. This partnership aims to boost tourism and strengthen ties across the Arab world.

With the successful completion of the 36th session of the Executive Office of the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism, Baghdad has set the stage for continued efforts to promote tourism in Iraq and the broader Arab world. As the Arab Tourism Capital for 2025, the city now has the opportunity to leverage its status to attract visitors, create new economic opportunities, and showcase the beauty and culture of Iraq to the global community. The selection of Al Ain and Tunis as the Arab Tourism Capitals for 2026 and 2027, respectively, ensures that the Arab world’s tourism industry will continue to grow and evolve, providing more opportunities for regional and international travelers to explore the diverse and dynamic destinations of the Arab world.