United Arab Emirates, currently the only country within the Middle East that is not a member of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), has agreed to join the world body.
UNWTO secretary-General Taleb Rifai said an agreement "has almost concluded, and I have received news that the (UAE) cabinet has held discussions, and it is – in principal – approved".
Rifai added, "This is a dynamic region and tourism is a pillar of the economy; and there are some great examples of how economic diversification policies have paid dividends.
"As the post-Arab Spring movement takes wings there will only be increasing interest and focus on this part of the world.
"Events at the end of last year and beginning of this year are showing that even in the middle of these challenging times, destinations close to the hub that is the UAE are doing very well under these circumstances."
