The Emirates News Agency reported that Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri chaired the UAE delegation to the BRICS Tourism Ministers Meeting hosted by India in its capacity as chair of the group for 2026. The gathering which convened under the theme of building resilience innovation cooperation and sustainability followed working group sessions held on August 19 and 20. Discussions focused on enhancing collaborative efforts in tourism through the exchange of expertise increasing tourist flows and investments improving air connectivity and developing a sector that is more resilient sustainable and competitive.
According to the agency Al Marri underlined the UAE’s commitment in line with leadership directives to pursue joint work with BRICS member states. He called for transforming tourism cooperation into practical initiatives and projects that support sustainable development while boosting travel movement and investment opportunities. The minister welcomed the meeting conclusions and voiced the UAE’s complete backing for India’s presidency along with its priorities on the tourism track.
A statement from the minister noted that tourism does not limit itself to movement between destinations but represents a main driver for investment and economic growth as well as job creation and the strengthening of links between peoples and communities. This view was shared during the session in Jaipur which brought together ministers and delegation heads from nine BRICS countries. The UAE has maintained active involvement in the grouping since gaining full membership in 2024 with this latest meeting continuing that pattern of engagement.
Bilateral meetings on the margins allowed Al Marri to hold talks with India’s Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Brazil’s Gustavo Costa Feliciano to examine prospects for wider tourism collaboration with each country. The conversations addressed joint destination promotion best practice sharing and potential investments in infrastructure such as hotels and leisure facilities. Such side discussions illustrate how the UAE employs multilateral settings like BRICS to advance targeted bilateral ties.
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has outlined in earlier assessments that the sector contributes substantially to national GDP while the country ranks first in the region on the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index. Participation in gatherings of this nature assists in harmonizing UAE programs with international standards for sustainable tourism practices. Recent growth in visitor numbers and hotel revenues has further reinforced the sector’s role in the broader economy.
Participants at the meeting adopted the Jaipur Declaration which establishes a framework for cooperation on digital technologies sustainable tourism skills development and travel facilitation according to statements from the Indian chair. The declaration builds on priorities identified in the working group sessions and aims to foster practical outcomes among member states. Delegates were also scheduled to visit key heritage sites in Jaipur to gain firsthand insight into local tourism offerings.
