Shaikha Al Nowais highlights strategic vision for the future of tourism at Investopia Global
Abu Dhabi: H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General-elect of UN Tourism for the 2026–2029 term, took part in a panel session titled 'Beyond Borders: The Role of Tourism in Economic Growth and Human Connection,' held during Investopia Global – Mediterranean in Cyprus. The session also featured the participation of H.E. Laura Lahoud, Minister of Tourism of Lebanon; H.E. Kostas Koumis, Deputy Minister of Tourism of Cyprus; H.E. Olga Kefalogianni, Minister of Tourism of Greece; and H.E. Dr. Constantinos Kombos, the Cypriot Foreign Minister.
The panel discussed a range of new tourism strategies and policies aimed at promoting global economic growth and diversification. It also explored their role in navigating geopolitical and economic shifts happening at regional and global levels. The efforts to strengthen partnerships between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Mediterranean nations were highlighted, emphasizing the importance of tourism in connecting societies to their cultural and archaeological heritage and preserving historical landmarks and sites.
H.E. Shaikha Al Nowais said: 'The tourism sector not only contributes to global economic growth and diversification but also serves as a vital bridge connecting diverse communities and cultures. It fosters mutual understanding among peoples and plays a key role in generating employment across all segments of society. This highlights the importance of strengthening collaboration and aligning efforts to shape innovative visions and initiatives that will elevate this vital sector and drive it toward greater progress and prosperity, advancing our aspirations for comprehensive, sustainable economic and social development.'
H.E. added: 'The GCC and Mediterranean countries possess exceptional tourism assets that blend historical heritage, cultural richness, and civilizational diversity. This unique combination gives these regions a distinctive character, positioning them among the world's most attractive and sought-after destinations. Investopia Global – Mediterranean serves as a key platform to showcase this potential, engage business communities, and explore promising investment opportunities across various segments of the tourism sector.'
Her Excellency underlined the importance of strengthening regional and international collaboration in the next phase to adopt innovative tourism models that promote the preservation of ecosystems and contribute to building a better future for sustainable and responsible tourism.
During her participation in the panel, H.E. Shaikha Al Nowais highlighted her new vision for the future of tourism, which aims to foster sustainable economic growth while preserving cultural identity and natural resources to ensure continuity for current and future generations. H.E. noted that this vision is based on five main pillars: enhancing responsible tourism that prioritizes the preservation of nature, culture, people, and the environment; building capacities and empowering youth, women, and communities; harnessing technology for good to improve quality of life while maintaining privacy; adopting innovative financing solutions and developing tourism models that support sustainable growth; and establishing smart governance through transparent, accountable, and clear leadership.
H.E. also emphasized that digital transformation is a key driver in advancing the growth of the tourism sector and unlocking its full potential. The integration of cutting-edge digital tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital payment systems, and advanced infrastructure plays a vital role in developing tourism destinations and landmarks in line with global best practices and standards.
For further information, please contact:
Orient Planet Group (OPG)
Email: media@orientplanet.com
Website: www.orientplanet.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Business
an hour ago
- Arabian Business
Etihad growth continues with 19% passenger uplift to 1.7m in May
Etihad Airways carried 1.7m passengers in May, representing a 19 per cent increase compared to the same month last year. This continued growth reflects the airline's strategic expansion and strong market positioning. Passenger load factor climbed to 87 per cent, up from 84 per cent in May 2024, reinforcing the carrier's ability to optimise capacity while maintaining high demand. Etihad Airways growth The airline's operating fleet now stands at 100 aircraft, supporting its growing network and service enhancements. In the first five months of 2025, 8.4m travellers have flown with Etihad, a 17 per cent rise from the same period in 2024, with the airline maintaining an impressive 87 per cent average passenger load factor. Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways CEO, said: 'We saw a pleasing continued growth in our momentum, with May's passenger numbers growing by 19 per cent year-on-year, underlining our position as the fastest-growing Middle East airline. 'Our year-to-date results show more than 8m customers have flown with us in 2025, and our rolling 12-month figure now stands at almost 20m, a testament to the trust placed in Etihad's service. 'We reached an exciting milestone in May as our fleet number reached the 100 mark. As we continue expanding our route network and growing our fleet in the coming months, our focus remains on delivering a seamless and exceptional customer experience.'
Al Etihad
2 hours ago
- Al Etihad
AD Ports Group, ASRY sign three heads of terms to collaborate on strategic maritime, ports projects
12 June 2025 20:32 ABU DHABI (WAM) AD Ports Group signed three Heads of Terms (HoTs) with the Arab Shipbuilding & Repair Yard Company (ASRY) for the provision of marine services in Bahrain to collaborate on strategic maritime and ports signing took place in the presence of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty's Representative for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs, Kingdom of Bahrain, Chairman of Bapco new agreements follow the successful establishment of ASRY Marine, a joint venture between Noatum Maritime, part of AD Ports Group's Maritime & Shipping Cluster, and ASRY, focused on providing integrated marine services in first Head of Terms (HoT) pertains to a Joint Venture (JV) to manage drydock facilities and shipyards. The JV aims to leverage the capabilities and facilities of each party through their established businesses in this agreement seeks to enhance drydocking and shipbuilding capabilities within the GCC and explore opportunities in other both parties signed a second HoT with a third party, JM Baxi, an India-based well-established business specialising in marine services, ports, logistics, and agreement focuses on creating green ship recycling facilities to promote a circular economy by repurposing parts and minimising waste, thereby reducing carbon recycling in the shipping industry involves the environmentally responsible dismantling and repurposing of ships, contributing to resource conservation and pollution BAXI is actively involved in promoting and implementing sustainable practices in this area and supports the implementation of the Hong Kong Convention (HKC), a global standard for responsible ship final HoT signed by AD Ports Group and ASRY relates to exploring joint investment opportunities within ports and terminals. Through the creation of a collaborative framework and a working group the parties will draw on their joint expertise to identify prospective areas of Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, said, 'Following the successful formation of our recent joint venture with ASRY, we look forward to deepening our collaboration across the maritime realm. We have already developed strong working ties, and this agreement opens the door to create more value and growth across our operations. Exploring opportunities to establish green ship recycling facilities is also very important for us, ensuring that vessels are retired in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.'CEO – ASRY, Dr. Ahmed Al Abri, said, " We are proud to enhance and expand our strategic partnership with AD Ports Group through these new agreements. By combining our shared expertise and advanced infrastructure, and in line with global shifts in the maritime industry, we aim to strengthen our capabilities in drydocking and shipbuilding across the GCC and beyond. We also look forward to developing green ship recycling capacities and entering a vital new field in port management and operation. These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to a culture of innovation, operational excellence, and driving growth in the maritime sector." The new areas of cooperation strengthen both parties' maritime capabilities and reach, while the focus on green ship recycling highlights a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, driving innovation and industry growth.
Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE emerges as resilient FDI hub amid GCC slowdown
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows into the GCC region are expected to experience a slowdown in 2025 following a decade of sustained growth, but the UAE is expected to buck the trend and remain a regional bright spot. The tempered outlook reflects a confluence of global uncertainties — including evolving US trade policies, declining oil prices, and a more measured pace in the execution of GCC economic diversification projects, according to a new analysis by S&P Global Market Intelligence. The GCC, led by key economies such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, has historically been a magnet for FDI, attracting capital with its resource-rich economies, stable currencies, and increasingly business-friendly regulatory environments. However, S&P's latest forecast underscores that geopolitical tensions, global economic adjustments, and sectoral realignments will moderate growth prospects over the coming year. Despite this overall cautionary outlook, the UAE is expected to buck the trend and remain a regional bright spot. Recent data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad) indicates that the UAE was the second-largest recipient of FDI in the Middle East in 2023, garnering over $23 billion, up by more than 28 per cent year-on-year. The Emirates has leveraged its strategic location, progressive reforms, and focus on high-tech and green investments to stay ahead of its peers in the FDI race. S&P Global analysts suggest that the ongoing strategic competition between the US and China will continue to play out in the Mena region, offering opportunities for countries to attract capital from both economic giants. This rivalry is likely to result in a steady stream of bilateral deals, although no immediate shifts in strategy are expected despite high-profile visits and investment pledges. One mitigating factor that could cushion the regional slowdown is the recent weakness in the US dollar, which effectively lowers the cost of investment for non-dollar investors — especially from Europe, China, and India. Since most GCC currencies are pegged to the dollar, the depreciation enhances the external competitiveness of their economies. This stands in contrast to non-GCC nations like Morocco and Tunisia, whose appreciating currencies have begun to erode their investment appeal. Crucially, the nature of FDI inflows into the GCC has shifted decisively in recent years. Once dominated by the hydrocarbons sector, investments are increasingly targeting renewable energy, logistics, infrastructure, tourism, and advanced construction. For instance, the UAE has unveiled ambitious initiatives such as the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and Masdar City, both aimed at boosting sustainability and clean-tech innovation. Abu Dhabi's ADIO (Abu Dhabi Investment Office) has also expanded its outreach to high-growth sectors like AgTech and advanced manufacturing. Beyond clean energy, the UAE continues to draw global technology firms, supported by its free zones, talent-friendly visa reforms, and digital infrastructure. In 2024, the UAE launched a new Unified Investment Platform, streamlining licensing and approvals across its emirates, further bolstering its attractiveness to international investors. Nevertheless, the broader regional picture remains mixed. Lower oil prices, driven by softening global demand and rising Opec production, have compressed the foreign exchange reserves of major oil exporters. This not only limits their ability to invest outwardly in the wider Mena region but also reduces fiscal room for further domestic diversification spending. S&P Global notes that while GCC countries will likely resort to increased sovereign borrowing to keep diversification efforts on track, the net effect on global FDI flows will remain negative in the near term. The ripple effects of US tariffs and trade tensions are already manifesting in investor sentiment, with risk-averse capital reallocations away from emerging markets. The UAE, however, continues to strengthen its resilience. In 2023, it signed comprehensive economic partnership agreements (CEPAs) with India, Indonesia, and Türkiye, expanding its trade horizons and enhancing its investment inflows. Additionally, its liberalized 100 per cent foreign ownership laws and golden visa program have been instrumental in positioning the Emirates as a regional headquarters for multinationals. According to analysts, GCC states like Saudi Arabia are pushing ahead with giga-projects under their Vision 2030 umbrella — most notably Neom and The Line — though timelines remain uncertain given the capital-intensive nature of these undertakings and rising global financing costs. In contrast, non-GCC Mena countries may face deeper challenges. While countries like Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia continue to attract sector-specific FDI in tourism and renewables, structural issues — currency volatility, political uncertainty.
