Dubai: The Ministerial Roundtable on 'Investment in Tourism: Shaping Tourism Investment Opportunities through Policy Innovation' gathered at AIM Congress 2025, bringing together ministers and global stakeholders to redefine the future of tourism investment through strategic policy transformation.
According to Emirates News Agency, the session featured 13 speakers, including officials and ministers from the UAE, Bahrain, Georgia, Montenegro, Egypt, and Iran, alongside senior executives from organizations such as UNCTAD, UN Tourism, the World Economic Forum, ESCAP, and the World Free Zones Organisation.
The roundtable emphasized tourism's critical role in economic resilience, job creation, and sustainable development. Opening remarks highlighted the region's leadership in formulating future-ready policies designed to attract quality investments that balance economic growth with environmental preservation.
Abdulla Ahmed Alsaleh, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, stated that under the UAE's leadership, the country has strengthened its status as a global destination for tourism investment, with a goal of attracting AED100 billion in new investments by 2031.
Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Bahrain's Minister of Tourism, emphasized the nation's evolving tourism policy and robust investment climate, showcasing Bahrain's strategic role in sustainable tourism and economic growth. Bahrain's initiatives include aligning with global tourism development goals and offering attractive investment opportunities through Golden Licences, specifically tailored to the tourism sector, along with streamlined regulations and a 'one-stop-shop' approach for project facilitation.
Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, Iran's Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, announced a transformative shift in the country's tourism strategy, focusing on private sector involvement and investment-driven growth.
Yomna Elbahar, Egypt's Vice Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, highlighted Egypt's progress in tourism and commitment to innovation in hospitality. The nation aims to foster new possibilities in branded living and luxury hospitality by collaborating with industry pioneers.
Nan Li Collins from UNCTAD stressed the need for innovative investment frameworks that are resilient and environmentally conscious. Meanwhile, Matthew Stephenson from the World Economic Forum spoke on the impact of digital transformation and AI in shaping post-pandemic tourism.
Speakers called for public-private collaboration, green financing, and investment in human capital as central pillars for unlocking tourism's full potential. The session concluded with a strong call to action to integrate policy innovation, technology, and sustainability as guiding principles for the next era of global tourism investment.