The United Arab Emirates is ramping up efforts to protect its tourism industry from the fallout of regional tensions linked to the ongoing Iran war, unveiling a series of measures aimed at sustaining one of the country’s most vital economic sectors.
Authorities say the initiative reflects a proactive strategy to mitigate the impact of disruptions on travel flows and aviation activity, which have placed increasing pressure on hospitality operators and related businesses across the country.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri confirmed that the government is preparing a new economic support package tailored specifically to the needs of the tourism sector, following ongoing consultations with industry stakeholders.
“We are supporting the tourism sector, we are speaking to them daily. We do have a package that will come up very soon that will really address the tourism issues and the challenges that they are facing,” he said, underlining the urgency of the response.
The announcement comes at a time when regional instability has begun to weigh on travel demand, with airlines, hotels, and tour operators reporting slower activity amid heightened uncertainty.
In response, Dubai has already introduced a Dh1 billion economic support package designed to provide immediate relief to tourism-related businesses and ease liquidity constraints.
The measures include allowing hotels and other operators to defer government fees for three months starting April 1, covering 100% of sales-related charges on rooms, food, and beverages, as well as the Tourism Dirham.
Officials say the relief scheme has been broadened to include hotel apartments and holiday homes, ensuring that a wider segment of the sector benefits from the temporary financial easing.
Issam Kazim noted that the policy response has been shaped through close coordination with industry stakeholders, as authorities seek to address operational challenges in real time.
“We have been closely engaging with stakeholders across the tourism sector as they navigate through unique challenges,” he said, emphasizing the importance of continuous dialogue in crafting effective support measures.
Beyond direct financial assistance, the UAE government is also monitoring market conditions closely to maintain price stability and prevent supply disruptions, particularly in the food and beverage sector.
Al Marri stressed that retailers are not permitted to increase prices without prior approval, adding that no price hikes have been authorized so far, in a move aimed at protecting consumers and sustaining demand.
Authorities have also reassured the public about the resilience of the country’s supply chains, urging consumers to avoid panic buying and rely on established retail networks.
Despite the current pressures, officials remain confident in the sector’s ability to recover, citing the UAE’s strong infrastructure, diversified economy, and rapid policy response as key factors underpinning resilience.
“The UAE is strong, a 40-day conflict will not determine the future of the UAE economy,” Al Marri said, expressing confidence that the country will “bounce back” once regional conditions stabilize.
As the situation evolves, the upcoming support package is expected to play a central role in maintaining momentum in the tourism sector, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global travel hub despite ongoing geopolitical challenges.
