By 
SITTF 2026 Sets Agenda for Tourism Resilience
The 13th Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum (SITTF 2026) commenced on 28 October 2026 at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre. Organized by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), the forum serves as a strategic hub for government officials and international tourism experts to address the evolution of global travel.
Under the theme "New Waves of Tourism Spectrum," the event focuses on the intersection of technology, destination competitiveness, and sustainable development. The forum was inaugurated by Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.
The program emphasizes how global destinations can navigate economic volatility and shifting visitor expectations. A recorded keynote from UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais provided a global perspective on these industry shifts.
National Tourism Strategy 2031: Economic Benchmarks
A primary focus of the forum was the UAE’s National Tourism Strategy 2031. This roadmap is designed to elevate the country's international standing through aggressive infrastructure investment and enhanced visitor experiences.
The strategy sets specific, high-value economic targets to be achieved by 2031:
- GDP Contribution: AED 450 billion.
- Tourism Investment: AED 100 billion.
- Visitor Volume: 40 million annual hotel guests.
These targets position Sharjah as a critical pillar of the national plan, specifically leveraging its strengths in nature-based, heritage, and cultural tourism.
Analyzing UAE Hospitality Growth and Revenue
Data presented during the forum indicates a steady upward trajectory for the UAE's hospitality sector. The industry has seen a measurable increase in both revenue and capacity over the last two years.
Between 2024 and 2025, hotel revenue rose from AED 44.88 billion to AED 49.21 billion, marking a growth rate of approximately 9.6%. This financial climb is supported by a rise in hotel occupancy, which moved from 78% to 80%.
As of the end of 2025, the UAE's hospitality infrastructure consisted of 1,257 hotels providing 216,864 rooms. Furthermore, international tourist expenditure hit AED 208.8 billion in 2025, ranking the UAE eighth globally.
Historical Reach and Global Participation
While official attendance figures for the 2026 edition have not yet been released, historical data from the SCTDA illustrates the forum's expanding global footprint. Since its inception as the Sharjah Hospitality Forum in 2013, the event has transitioned into a broader economic platform.
In 2021, the forum recorded participation from 23 countries with a total of 955 attendees. Recent data from 2024 showed a shift toward hybrid engagement, with virtual participants identified from five key nations.
Verified Historical Participation by Country
| Country | Region | Official Participation Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | Middle East | 2021 and 2024 |
| Saudi Arabia | Middle East | 2021 and 2024 |
| Egypt | North Africa | 2021 and 2024 |
| India | South Asia | 2021 and 2024 |
| China | East Asia | 2021 |
| Zimbabwe | Southern Africa | 2021 |
| France | Europe | 2021 |
| Oman | Middle East | 2021 and 2024 |
| Singapore | Southeast Asia | 2021 |
| Bahrain | Middle East | 2021 |
SITTF Edition Timeline and Data
| Year | Edition | Countries Reported | Verified Participation Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 13th | Not disclosed | Domestic and international representatives confirmed |
| 2025 | 12th | Not verified | Documented in official archive |
| 2024 | 11th | 5 identified virtually | UAE, Egypt, India, Saudi Arabia and Oman |
| 2023 | 10th | Not verified | Focused on sustainable tourism |
| 2022 | Earlier | Not verified | Focused on building tourism resilience |
| 2021 | Earlier | 23 | 955 overall attendees reported |
Key Takeaways
- Economic Ambition: The UAE aims for a AED 450 billion GDP contribution from tourism by 2031.
- Revenue Growth: UAE hotel revenue grew 9.6% between 2024 and 2025, reaching AED 49.21 billion.
- Capacity Increase: The UAE now operates 1,257 hotels with over 216,000 rooms.
- Global Ranking: International tourist expenditure of AED 208.8 billion ranks the UAE 8th worldwide.
- Strategic Shift: SITTF has evolved from a hospitality-centric meet to a comprehensive forum on tourism economics and resilience.
FAQ
What is the main goal of the UAE National Tourism Strategy 2031? The strategy seeks to increase tourism's GDP contribution to AED 450 billion, attract 40 million annual hotel guests, and secure AED 100 billion in tourism investment.
How has UAE hotel revenue changed recently? Revenue increased from AED 44.88 billion in 2024 to AED 49.21 billion in 2025.
What was the theme of SITTF 2026? The theme was "New Waves of Tourism Spectrum," focusing on technology, sustainability, and destination competitiveness.
