Al Ain has been named the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2026, reaffirming its cultural importance and the UAE’s growing tourism strength.
ABU DHABI: Al Ain has officially been selected as the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2026 by the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism. The announcement was made on December 12, 2025 during the council’s 28th session held in Baghdad, Iraq, attended by a high-level UAE delegation.
Representing the UAE at the meeting was Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. The honour highlights the city’s strong cultural and heritage value and reflects the UAE’s continued investment in tourism as a pillar of national growth.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, said the recognition supports the country’s broader vision under the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to attract 40 million hotel guests annually and grow the tourism sector’s contribution to GDP to AED 450 billion by 2031.
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director-General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said Al Ain’s selection reflects its rich legacy, stunning landmarks, and strong tourism potential. He noted this will further drive partnerships and investment in authentic, innovative visitor experiences.
The UAE’s tourism milestones also include the election of a national figure to lead UN Tourism from 2026 to 2029, and global recognition of Masfout in Ajman as the world’s best tourism village for 2025. In 2024, the sector contributed AED 257.3 billion to GDP, making up 13 percent of the national economy.
During the meeting, Arab tourism leaders also discussed sustainable development, smart tourism, cultural preservation and cooperation to enhance the region’s global appeal as a travel destination.
