The Council reviewed a set of new initiatives aimed at developing tourism products tailored for seniors. These include long-term winter residency programs in the UAE, enhancing standards for senior-friendly destinations, and wellness-focused tourism packages. Attracting this segment contributes to increasing the average length of stay, raising tourism spending, and achieving greater performance stability during intermediate and low seasons. The Council also discussed the Silver Economy, which focuses on enhancing seniors’ contribution to economic activities and sustainable growth, noting the importance of these initiatives in supporting the tourism industry amidst global demographic shifts. The Hospitality Advisory Council held its first meeting of 2026, chaired by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, and attended by representatives from the public and private sectors, including executives and heads of major national and international hotel establishments in the UAE. The Council reviewed a range of new tourism initiatives and their pivotal role in driving the growth and sustainability of the UAE’s hotel sector in 2026.
