UAE prepares tourism support package amid regional tensions
The UAE’s minister of economy and tourism has outlined relief measures as conflict pressures travel demand and major gaming projects continue.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, minister of economy and tourism, said the United Arab Emirates government is working on plans to provide support for the tourism sector amid weakening travel demand and operational challenges due to the conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking on Dubai Eye 103.8’s Business Breakfast programme, the minister said: “We are supporting the tourism sector… we are speaking to them daily,” adding that “a package will come up very soon” to address challenges facing the industry.
An earlier Dh1bn (US$272m) relief initiative allowed hotels and tourism operators to defer government fees for three months from April 1, including sales fees on rooms, food and beverage services and the Tourism Dirham, aimed at improving short-term liquidity. Authorities have also introduced pricing controls to prevent sharp increases in hospitality costs.
The crisis comes as construction continues on Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, which will house the country’s first regulated casino. Work on the US$5.1bn integrated resort was briefly paused due to the conflict in the region. Some employees were offered the option to temporarily work from abroad if their respective embassies advise relocation. Wynn said the development timeline remains unchanged, with the integrated resort still expected to open during the first quarter of 2027.
