UAE and Sri Lanka Boost Tourism and Investment Ties
The UAE and Sri Lanka have engaged in high-level discussions to expand cooperation in tourism, hospitality, and investment, aiming to facilitate increased tourist flows and exchange expertise between the two nations.
The United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka are actively pursuing opportunities to strengthen their partnership in the tourism and investment sectors. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, recently met with Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, in Dubai to advance these efforts.
The discussions focused on expanding the tourism and investment partnership, facilitating greater tourist flows, and exchanging expertise to enhance hospitality services and hotel activities. This collaboration is expected to contribute to the sustainable economic growth of both countries.
Minister Al Marri highlighted the importance of tourism as a key driver for economic cooperation. He noted that the UAE welcomed 43,333 Sri Lankan visitors in the first five months of 2026, building on the 153,430 visitors recorded in 2025. The strong connectivity between the nations is underscored by 107 direct flights per week, supporting the UAE's Tourism Strategy 2031 goal of becoming a global tourism leader.
Al Marri also presented the UAE's vision for developing its tourism, travel, hospitality, and aviation sectors through innovation and sustainability. He emphasised ongoing efforts to upgrade tourism infrastructure, including ports and airports, to meet global best practices. Investment opportunities within the UAE's tourism sector were also highlighted, with a focus on enhancing mutual investments in hotels, resorts, and leisure activities, using successful experiences from both sides to develop tourism projects.
Questions, answered
- Which UAE minister met with his Sri Lankan counterpart?
- Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, met with Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
- What were the key areas of discussion between the UAE and Sri Lanka?
- Discussions focused on expanding tourism and investment partnerships, facilitating tourist flows, and exchanging expertise in hospitality services and hotel activities.
- How many Sri Lankan visitors did the UAE receive recently?
- The UAE received 43,333 Sri Lankan visitors in the first five months of 2026, following 153,430 visitors in 2025.
- How many direct flights operate between the UAE and Sri Lanka weekly?
- There are 107 direct flights per week between the two countries, highlighting strong travel connectivity.
- What is the UAE's vision for its tourism sector?
- The UAE's vision involves developing its tourism, travel, hospitality, and aviation sectors through innovation and sustainability, expanding partnerships, and upgrading infrastructure like ports and airports.
This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.
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