Dubaiuncovered

The UAE has been ranked fourth globally in international tourist spending, according to a report by the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). The report revealed that the UAE spent a total of Dh224 billion last year, surpassing countries such as France, Italy, Turkey, and Germany. The Vice-President, Sheikh Mohammed, announced these impressive results through a short story in his latest message series.

In the story, Sheikh Mohammed recalled a conversation that took place in the 1980s during a GCC meeting. At the time, he was the younger minister attending the session and suggested developing GCC cities into international tourist destinations, starting with Dubai. However, one senior foreign minister dismissed the idea, pointing out the lack of cultural and historical heritage in Dubai.

Reflecting on this experience, Sheikh Mohammed expressed sadness at the reluctance to explore new possibilities and make better use of the country’s wealth. He emphasized the importance of placing trust in the youth and embracing different opportunities.

Upon reading the UNWTO report, Sheikh Mohammed was reminded of his foreign minister friend’s skepticism. The UAE’s fourth-place ranking in international tourist spending serves as a testament to the country’s success in developing its tourism industry. This achievement also highlights the UAE’s cultural and civilizational heritage, attracting visitors from around the world.

These results demonstrate the UAE’s commitment to creating vibrant and attractive tourist destinations. By prioritizing innovation and leveraging its unique assets, the country has successfully transformed into a global hub for tourism. With continued efforts and investment in this sector, the UAE aims to further increase its ranking and attract even more international visitors in the coming years.