TEHRAN – Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Crafts, Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Monday evening and took part in the Annual Investment Conference (AIM) Parliament 2025.
Salehi-Amiri traveled to Abu Dhabi on the official invitation of the chairman of the UAE Tourism Council and Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the United Nations Tourism Agency, previously known as the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). He was welcomed upon his arrival as Iran’s ambassador for the United Arab Emirates.
Last month, Pololikashvili highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation with Iran to promote sustainable development of the tourism industry. In a letter to Salehi-Amiri, Pololikashvili highlighted the country’s pivotal role in the global tourism system, according to a press release issued Monday.
As part of his agenda, Salehi-Amiri is expected to meet with UAE officials, other attendees and international investors to explore strategic partnerships in the cultural and tourism sector. He will also discuss with members of the Iranian tourism and business community living in the United Arab Emirates.
Organized under the auspices of the UAE Ministry of Investment, Economics, Industry and Advanced Technology and chaired by Foreign Trade Minister Thani al Zeyoudi, AIM 2025 plays a central role in shaping the future architecture of global economic cooperation.
Salehi-Amiri’s participation underscores Iran’s intention to strengthen regional cultural ties and showcase the country’s potential for investment in heritage and tourism infrastructure. The visit is considered a strategic step in Iran’s broader public diplomatic efforts and will pursue a more active role in regional and transnational cultural cooperation, the IRNA reported on Monday.
“The presence of the Iranian Tourism Minister at such a well-known global event highlights the country’s efforts to present civilized assets and cultural wealth as valuable soft power resources on the international stage.”
Salehi-Amiri can emphasize the role of cultural heritage as a form of “soft power” and promote national pride and international recognition. “Iran’s strength lies not only in its historical heritage, but also in its ability to share this heritage with the world,” the minister said in his TV programme.
He also highlights the ranking of Iran as the seventh most attractive country for tourism, according to World Bank data, but domestic research makes Iran the third most attractive country worldwide. From cultural heritage and natural wonders to marine tourism, Iran’s diverse offerings contribute to its unique status, the minister said.
The minister also emphasized the country’s rich cultural heritage, saying that 48,000 sites (and monuments and artifacts) are registered nationwide, with 28 tangible and 27 intangible assets already listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It also adds that 48 more sites are recognized worldwide.
According to Salehi-Amiri, the Islamic Republic welcomed 6382 million international tourists last year in Iran (which ended on March 19th), and aims to grow by 10% per year on arrival.
“We have the ability to attract up to 15 million tourists a year, which requires significant improvements to our infrastructure, including transportation, accommodation and financial services,” he said.
Convened from April 7th to 9th at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), AIM Congress brings together global economic, technological and governance institutions to explore international investment opportunities and policy innovation. According to organizers, the 2025 edition will focus on sustainable tourism strategies, foreign direct investment (FDI), digital transformation, green technology and infrastructure development.
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