Middle East
The sector is also a leading driver of equality and opportunity across the Middle East. It is a leading employer of women, of youth and a pillar of sustainable development, including for rural communities and indigenous populations.
Contact us
What we do
The Middle East is one of the fastest-growing tourism regions of the world. Tourism is helping countries diversity their economies, creating jobs and supporting businesses at every stage of the value chain. The sector is also a leading driver of equality and opportunity across the Middle East. It is a leading employer of women, of youth and a pillar of sustainable development, including for rural communities and indigenous populations.
Middle East News
September 24, 2025
UN Tourism to Open ‘Tourism Law Observatory’ in the Middle East
The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) is set to establish a Tourism Law Observatory for the Middle East. This pioneering initiative will support the development and harmonization of legal and regulatory frameworks for tourism across the region.
September 10, 2025
UN Tourism Hosts First Regional Workshop on Wellness Tourism in the Middle East
UN Tourism held the first Workshop on Wellness Tourism in the Middle East, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and developing innovative, wellness-focused tourism products.
April 09, 2025
UN Tourism and UNCTAD Unveil Guiding Principles for Sustainable Investment in Tourism
UN Tourism and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have set out a shared roadmap for building a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible tourism sector, through sustainable investments.
February 13, 2025
Middle East Members back UN Tourism’s Vision for the Region as Education and Sports Tourism Leader
UN Tourism’s Member States from across the Middle East have met again to guide the continued growth of the sector across the region. The 51st session of the Regional Commission welcomed high-level delegations from 13 Member States, including eight Ministers of Tourism to assess achievements, analyse sector trends and focus on key priorities.
December 16, 2024
Abu Dhabi Awarded UN Tourism QUEST Certification for Excellence in Destination Management
UN Tourism has recognized the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi (DCT-Abu Dhabi) for its excellence in destination management.
October 30, 2024
UN Tourism Celebrates Excellence and Innovation at Qatar Tourism Awards
UN Tourism and Qatar Tourism have again joined to celebrate the best in innovation and excellence in service.
June 11, 2024
UN Tourism partners with UAE on integrated e-platform for Governing Body meetings
UN Tourism will make use of a new electronic voting system for the meetings of its key statutory meetings and other meetings of its Governing Bodies.
June 10, 2024
Launch of the Second Edition of Qatar Tourism Awards!
UN Tourism joined Qatar Tourism for the launch of the 2nd edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards at Rexios Premium Qetaifan Island North in Doha. This initiative celebrates excellence in the tourism sector, recognizing outstanding achievements, innovations and individuals that contribute to making Qatar a top global destination.
International Development and Cooperation
May 23, 2024
UN Tourism Launches the Tourism Investment Guidelines for Jordan
UN Tourism has presented a new volume of its “Tourism Doing Business: Investment Guidelines”, this time with a focus on the investment potential of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.