Abu Dhabi: Fatima bint Jaffar Al-Sairafi, Minister of Tourism, participated in the ministerial roundtable on "Investing in Tourism: Shaping Investment Opportunities through Policy Innovation," as part of the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) 2025, organised by the World Tourism Organisation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to Bahrain News Agency, Minister Al Sairafi emphasised that investment in tourism is a key driver of economic growth in the Kingdom of Bahrain, supporting other sectors and creating new job opportunities that benefit the national economy. She highlighted that the tourism sector is one of the most promising economic sectors in the region, and supporting tourism investment represents a fundamental pillar of sustainable development which contributes to strengthening the Kingdom of Bahrain's position as a leading global tourism destination.
The minister added that the private sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain is a key partner in developing the tourism sector, while coordinating and cooperating to provide diverse tourism experiences that meet the needs and aspirations of tourists and visitors. She noted the Kingdom's distinguished tourism infrastructure, including a diverse hotel portfolio that caters to a variety of tastes.
Minister Al Sairafi emphasised that 2024 witnessed the addition of some 4 and 5-star hotels, adding that the Kingdom of Bahrain is also expected to witness the opening of new 5-star hotels by 2026, reflecting the continued expansion of the hospitality sector. She noted that this expansion will strengthen the tourism and hotel sector in Bahrain, leading to increased tourism revenues and the creation of new job opportunities, in addition to supporting SMEs by creating partnerships with local suppliers and contractors.
The minister also noted that the Kingdom of Bahrain has achieved significant successes in supporting business tourism (MICE) by attracting numerous major events and conferences, which contribute to strengthening its position as a distinguished destination for international events. She highlighted the importance of coordination between the Kingdom of Bahrain and regional and international tourism organisations, and enhancing joint Arab cooperation, which contributes to attracting tourism investments and developing the sector sustainably.
On the sidelines of the ministerial roundtable, Minister Al Sairafi met with Saleh Mohammed Al Jaziri, Director General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi. They reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries and discussed ways of cooperation in areas of joint work related to encouraging investment in tourism and strategic projects.