(Phnom Penh): Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism of Cambodia, received Obaid Saeed Obaid Bintaresh Aldhaheri, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the Kingdom of Cambodia, together with his delegation, for a courtesy call and working discussion at the Ministry of Tourism on Monday (Jul. 6).

The meeting reviewed the progress of bilateral tourism cooperation initiated in May 2025 and featured in-depth exchanges on mechanisms to promote tourist flows between the two countries through strengthened air connectivity and the study of the UAE's proposal for a mutual tourist visa exemption.

During the meeting, Obaid Saeed Obaid Bintaresh Aldhaheri expressed his sincere appreciation to. the minister for receiving the delegation and for the opportunity to review the progress of bilateral tourism cooperation. Particular attention was given to the number of international tourists and travellers flying with Etihad Airways between Abu Dhabi and Phnom Penh.

In response, the minister expressed his gratitude to the government and people of the United Arab Emirates for their continued support in strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

He particularly highlighted the direct air connection operated by Etihad Airways between Abu Dhabi and Phnom Penh since late 2025, which has enhanced Cambodia's connectivity to global gateways and made it more convenient for international tourists and travellers to visit Cambodia directly.

Both sides also exchanged in-depth views on additional measures to attract more visitors from the UAE and the broader Middle East. Discussions focused on studying the feasibility of the UAE's proposal for a tourist visa exemption as a means of facilitating travel and encouraging greater tourism exchanges between the two countries.

It is worth noting that 2026 marks the 32nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and the United Arab Emirates, providing a strong foundation for expanding cooperation in tourism, aviation, trade, and investment.

In 2025, Cambodia welcomed approximately 5.6 million international tourists, including nearly 3,500 visitors from the Middle East. During the first five months of 2026, the country received nearly 1.6 million international arrivals, of whom more than 1,200 were from the Middle East. These figures underscore the significant potential of the Middle Eastern tourism market despite disruptions caused by regional conflicts.
=FRESH NEWS