UAE, Sri Lanka Discuss Strengthening Investment and Tourism Cooperation
Dubai, The Gulf Observer: The United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka have discussed ways to strengthen investment ties, facilitate travel between the two countries and exchange expertise in hospitality and hotel management.
The discussions were held at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism’s offices in Dubai between UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri and Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath.
Bin Touq reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to expanding economic and tourism cooperation with Sri Lanka, stressing the important role of tourism as a key driver of economic collaboration between the two countries.
He noted that the UAE welcomed more than 43,333 Sri Lankan visitors during the first five months of 2026, following 153,430 visitors recorded throughout 2025.
The two ministers also highlighted the strong connectivity between the UAE and Sri Lanka, with 107 direct flights operating between the two countries each week, reflecting the growing strength of their economic, trade and tourism relations.
The meeting underscored the shared interest of both countries in creating new opportunities for investment, tourism development and broader economic cooperation.
