Tourism Minister Champions Global Cooperation at UAE Investment Forum

Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, has embarked on an important journey to the United Arab Emirates to participate in the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Congress 2025. This significant event serves as a global platform for international investment and economic dialogue, with a particular focus on sustainable tourism and cultural heritage.

Upon his arrival in Abu Dhabi on Monday evening, Salehi-Amiri was welcomed by Iran’s ambassador to the UAE. His visit comes at the official invitation from the UAE’s chairman of the tourism council and Zurab Pololikashvili, the Secretary-General of the UN Tourism, formerly known as the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Last month, Pololikashvili emphasized the importance of enhancing collaboration with Iran to promote sustainable development within the tourism sector. In a letter addressed to Salehi-Amiri, he underscored Iran’s critical role in the global tourism framework, as noted in a press release from the Iranian Ministry.

Salehi-Amiri’s agenda is packed with crucial meetings, including discussions with UAE officials, fellow ministers, and international investors. The aim is to explore strategic partnerships that can bolster both cultural and tourism sectors. Additionally, he plans to engage with members of the Iranian tourism and business community residing in the UAE.

The AIM 2025 is organized under the auspices of the UAE’s Ministry of Investment, Ministry of Economy, and Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. Chaired by Minister of Foreign Trade Thani Al Zeyoudi, this congress plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of global economic cooperation with a spotlight on sustainable tourism.

Salehi-Amiri’s participation signifies Iran’s commitment to strengthening regional cultural ties and showcasing its potential in heritage and tourism infrastructure. This visit is viewed as a strategic maneuver in Iran’s public diplomacy efforts, aiming for a more active role in both regional and transnational cultural collaborations, as reported by IRNA.

“The presence of the Iranian tourism minister at such a high-profile global event underscores the country’s efforts to present its civilizational assets and cultural wealth as valuable soft power resources on the international stage,” the minister stated.

Salehi-Amiri has been vocal about the significance of cultural heritage as a form of “soft power,” which can nurture national pride and enhance international recognition. “Iran’s strength lies not only in its historical legacy but also in its ability to share this legacy with the world,” he expressed during a televised program.

Highlighting Iran’s status, the minister noted that the country ranks as the seventh most attractive destination for tourism, according to World Bank data, while domestic studies position Iran third globally. The diverse offerings of Iran, which include a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, breathtaking natural wonders, and vibrant marine tourism, contribute to its unique standing in the global tourism landscape.

Salehi-Amiri further emphasized the wealth of Iran’s cultural heritage, sharing that there are 48,000 registered sites (including monuments and relics) across the nation. Among these, 28 tangible and 27 intangible cultural assets are currently recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage sites. Moreover, there are an additional 48 sites awaiting global recognition.

In terms of tourist arrivals, Salehi-Amiri noted that Iran welcomed 6.382 million international tourists during the previous Iranian year, which concluded on March 19. The minister aims for a 10% annual growth in tourist arrivals moving forward.

“We have the capacity to attract up to 15 million additional tourists annually, but achieving this goal will necessitate significant improvements in infrastructure, such as transportation, accommodation, and financial services,” he remarked.

The AIM Congress, taking place from April 7 to 9 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), assembles global economic, technological, and governance institutions to discuss international investment opportunities and innovative policy developments. This year, the event particularly emphasizes sustainable tourism strategies, foreign direct investment (FDI), digital transformation, green technologies, and infrastructure development.