- UN Tourism calls for funding for women-led startups within the Middle East’s burgeoning tourism sector.
- UAE is increasingly becoming a regional leader in FDI inflows, underscoring Ab Dhabi’s emergence as a prime investment hub.
- Speakers at AIM Congress push for halal tourism, as well as initiatives to harness technology to elevate visitor experiences.
In the heart of Abu Dhabi, the AIM Congress 2024 witnessed a stirring convergence of global leaders, international organizations, and entrepreneurs, catalyzing discussions on pivotal issues shaping the tourism landscape.
Amidst the bustling ambiance of ADNEC from May 7th to May 9th, UN Tourism left an indelible mark with two insightful side events, spotlighting the empowerment of women entrepreneurs and navigating the intricate terrain of tourism investments in the Middle East.
On May 8th, UN Tourism orchestrated a dynamic session titled “Investing in Innovation and Enabling Women Entrepreneurs,” led by Ms. Basmah Al-Mayman, Regional Director of the Middle East, UN Tourism.
UN Tourism supports funding women-led startups
This forum aimed to address the imperative need for support and funding for women-led startups within the region’s burgeoning tourism sector. The centerpiece of this session was the launch of the second edition of the Women in Tech Middle East startup competition, advocating sustainability and inclusive growth.
The competition, which resonated widely, symbolized the ascendancy of women’s entrepreneurial spirit in the Middle East.
Distinguished speakers, including Mr. Dawood Al Shezawi, President of AIM Global Foundation, and Ms. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, imparted invaluable insights into fostering innovation and empowering women in tourism.
Panel discussions, steered by industry mavens, dissected key challenges and opportunities, with a focal point on bridging the gender chasm and championing sustainable practices. Keynote addresses elucidated the exigencies of women entrepreneurs, delineated the roles of public and private sectors in empowerment, and unraveled investment vistas in sustainable tourism.
The ensuing day witnessed UN Tourism’s unwavering commitment with a riveting discussion on “Tourism Investments: The Middle East Chapter.” The panelists, comprising industry luminaries, illuminated the evolving panorama of tourism investments in the region. Revelations unveiled the Middle East’s burgeoning stature as a tourism investment hub, with notable greenfield FDI projects amassing $6.8 billion.
Speakers extolled the region’s resilience and strategic foresight, spotlighting initiatives fostering sustainable investments and economic diversification.
Mr. Peter Janech, Coordinator of Innovation, Education, and Investments at UN Tourism, reiterated the organization’s resolve in nurturing sustainable tourism practices and fostering collaborative endeavors for economic prosperity.
Statistical insights shared by Mr. Alejandro Sabarich Scattaglia underscored the region’s robust FDI inflows, accentuating the UAE’s emergence as a prime investment nexus. Discussions traversed uncharted territories, advocating for halal tourism, harnessing technology to elevate visitor experiences, and addressing pressing issues like over-tourism.
Read also: Sustainable solutions: AIM Congress 2024 focuses on agriculture, health and investment
Sustainable employment and SME support
Ms. Lubna Bader Salim Al Mazroei, Manager of Economic Diversification Investments at Oman Investment Authority, delineated Oman’s audacious plans to attract investments worth 20 billion Omani riyals by 2040, emphasizing sustainable employment and SME support.
As the curtains drew on the AIM Congress 2024, UN Tourism reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to catalyzing inclusive and sustainable tourism growth in the Middle East and beyond. Through collaborative synergies and pioneering initiatives, UN Tourism continues to chart a course toward a more resilient and equitable tourism sector.
The AIM Congress 2024, graced by over 150 high-level dignitaries, boasted 900+ speakers and witnessed participation from over 12,000 individuals representing 175 countries from across the world. In its three-day extravaganza at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, AIM Congress orchestrated 27 joint events in collaboration with 330+ local, international, and global partners, amplifying its global resonance and impact.
