Post by : Maya Rahman

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE's Minister of Economy and Tourism, has unveiled the sixth edition of the World’s Coolest Winter campaign themed ‘Our Winter is Entrepreneurial’. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s Strategy for Domestic Tourism, aiming to create a robust and sustainable tourism scene nationwide.

According to Bin Touq, the campaign has garnered remarkable success over previous editions, reaching an audience of over 1.2 billion and significantly boosting domestic tourism. This year’s focus is on entrepreneurship, showcasing innovative projects and experiences from Emirati entrepreneurs, all while enhancing visitor interactions across the UAE.

The UAE’s tourism sector is experiencing rapid growth, illustrated by hotels accommodating 26.1 million guests in the first ten months of 2025, a 5% rise from the previous year, generating revenues exceeding AED40 billion. Currently, hotel capacity reaches 216,500 rooms, maintaining a 79% occupancy rate, aided by a strong influx of international visitors and domestic tourism.

Significant milestones in 2025 include Shaikha Al Nowais as the first Emirati woman appointed UN Tourism Secretary-General, Masfout Village being honored with the World’s Best Tourism Village 2025 award, and Al Ain gaining the title of Capital of Arab Tourism for 2026.

Starting December 16, the six-week campaign will spotlight eco-tourism locations, green areas, and winter experiences, while emphasizing the contributions of SMEs and startups in enriching tourism offerings. It aims to provide investment opportunities and assist entrepreneurs by linking their creative ventures to the UAE’s winter attractions.

Mohammed Al Ahbabi, the Director of Tourism Development, remarked that this campaign bolsters the UAE’s reputation as a global tourism epicenter while steering economic growth. Khalid Kalbat, Director of SMEs Development, highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation in expanding the tourism domain, referencing the UAE’s leading global ranking in entrepreneurship and the AED8.7 billion allocated for SMEs.

The campaign aims to fuse tourism with entrepreneurship, featuring local goods and experiences for both domestic and international tourists. This strategy not only boosts the UAE’s economy but also promotes innovation, furthering the nation’s standing in global tourism and business.

#Global News