UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism

What UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism does

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism is a federal government ministry headquartered in Abu Dhabi, responsible for economic policy, trade and investment facilitation, entrepreneurship development, consumer protection, anti-money laundering (AML) oversight, and tourism promotion across the United Arab Emirates. Originally established in 1971 and renamed in 2021 to reflect its expanded tourism mandate, the ministry serves six primary segments: domestic and foreign investors and businesses, entrepreneurs and SMEs, consumers and residents, tourists and tourism operators, financial institutions and DNFBPs, and international trading partners engaged through the CEPA network.

The ministry operates a portfolio of digital platforms as its core technology stack, delivered through the moet.gov.ae portal, a smart mobile application, a 24/7 call center (800-1222), WhatsApp, and a metaverse service center. Core products include the Basher platform for company setup, the goAML system for AML compliance registration, the Essential Goods Price Platform for real-time consumer price transparency, the TM Market Place for trademark trading, and the AI-powered InstaBlock center for piracy website enforcement. The InstaBlock system has blocked 47,667 infringing websites since launch in February 2025, with 13,667 blocks in Q1 2026 alone (nearly 400% YoY growth). The ministry also administers 18+ Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs), manages open data platforms publishing trade, FDI, and tourism indicators, and runs national programs including "The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World" campaign.

The ministry operates as a non-commercial federal entity funded through the UAE federal budget. There is no commercial pricing for core ministry services; nominal fees apply only to certain documentation services such as Certificate of Origin issuance. Its economic reach is measured by national-level outcomes it influences rather than revenue: the UAE attracted Dh167.6 billion ($45.6 billion) in inbound FDI in 2024 (10th globally, +48% YoY), hotel revenues reached Dh49.21 billion in 2025 with 32.34 million guests, and approximately 250,000 companies launched operations in the UAE in 2025. The ministry's go-to-market is conducted through government media channels, the official website, social media, international forums such as the World Economic Forum, and direct partnerships with entities like the Emirates Institute of Finance, the Dubai Financial Services Authority, and the National Projects Office.

Name

UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism

Legal name

Ministry of Economy and Tourism

Website

https://moet.gov.ae

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism is a federal government ministry in Abu Dhabi responsible for economic policy, trade and investment facilitation, consumer protection, AML/CFT oversight, and tourism promotion, serving investors, businesses, entrepreneurs, consumers, and international trading partners across 18+ CEPAs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Government Economic Development Services

NAICS

Regulation, Licensing, and Inspection of Miscellaneous Commercial Sectors (92615), Regulation, Licensing, and Inspection of Miscellaneous Commercial Sectors (926150), Convention and Visitors Bureaus (561591)

SIC

International Affairs (9721), Foreign Governments (8888)

akta.pro primary industry

Tourism Trade & Services Exports Development (BPADAMAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sustainable Supply Chain & Procurement Platforms (Local Sourcing, Ethical Purchasing) (THAAANAJ), Visa, Immigration Liaison & Travel Document Policy (Foreign Affairs) (BPAIAIAL)

Keywords

• Economic policy development
• Trade agreement facilitation
• Consumer protection services
• Anti-money laundering compliance
• Tourism sector promotion

Headquarters

HQ city

Abu Dhabi

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism is a federal government entity that regulates, develops, and promotes the UAE's economic and tourism sectors. It delivers services including business and investment licensing, certificate of origin issuance, company setup (Basher platform), intellectual property protection (InstaBlock), trademark trading (TM Market Place), consumer protection enforcement, anti-money laundering supervision (goAML), tourism development, and international trade agreements (CEPAs).

Product overview

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism operates a portfolio of digital platforms and eServices focused on economic development, trade facilitation, consumer protection, and entrepreneurship support. The core offerings include the Essential Goods Price Platform for consumer price transparency, TM Market Place for trademark trading, the Certificate of Origin Issuance Service for trade documentation, and the AI-powered InstaBlock copyright enforcement system. These digital services are complemented by the StartupEmirates.ae platform supporting the national entrepreneurship agenda. The ministry also manages various regulatory frameworks and digital participation channels for businesses and citizens.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• StartupEmirates.ae: National entrepreneurship platform supporting startup ecosystem development
• Essential Goods Price Platform
• TM Market Place
• InstaBlock
• Investor Navigator

Products and services

• Essential Goods Price Platform A national digital platform that publishes real-time prices of essential consumer goods to enhance market transparency, support consumer protection, and enable price comparison across retailers in the UAE.
• TM Market Place An online trademark trading platform that allows UAE-based businesses and brand owners to list, buy, and sell registered trademarks through a regulated digital channel.
• InstaBlock AI Platform An artificial intelligence-powered system that automatically detects and blocks online copyright violations, providing rights holders with faster enforcement of intellectual property protections.
• StartupEmirates.ae Digital Platform A unified digital platform that aggregates startup support services, regulatory information, and resources for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and founders establishing businesses in the UAE.
• Basher E-Company Setup Platform A digital platform that streamlines company formation, trade name reservation, and licensing processes for entrepreneurs and investors establishing businesses in the UAE.
• goAML Anti-Money Laundering System A regulatory technology platform that enables financial institutions and DNFBPs to submit suspicious transaction reports and comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing requirements.
• Certificate of Origin Issuance Service A digital service that allows UAE-based exporters and manufacturers to apply for and obtain Certificates of Origin electronically, with API integration available for ERP systems.
• Family Entrepreneurship Programme A national programme that supports UAE family-owned businesses through training, accelerators, financing access, and partnerships to integrate them into the broader entrepreneurship ecosystem.
• Naseej National Initiative for Textile Circularity A national initiative establishing a circular economy for textiles in the UAE through collection, sorting, recycling, and reprocessing infrastructure.
• Ministry E-Services Portal A centralised digital portal providing businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, and consumers with access to the Ministry's licensing, registration, compliance, and information services, complemented by a mobile application and 24/7 call center.

Quantifiable outcome

• Tourism contributed 11.7% to UAE GDP and Dh220 billion total contribution in 2023
• +3 more outcomes

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability1 record

Feature5 records

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 June 2026MoU signed at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre to strengthen national anti-money laundering (AML) enforcement capabilities. Both entities will develop specialised training programmes for Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs), focusing on risk assessment, due diligence, and suspicious transaction monitoring aligned with FATF standards. Partnership includes exchange of research, technical reports, and joint workshops advancing 'We the UAE 2031' vision.
• National Projects OfficecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational Initiative for Textile Circularity (Naseej) addressing UAE's estimated 220,000 tonnes of annual textile waste through coordinated collection, reuse, recycling and reduction. Establishes national framework with five strategic pillars: Collection and Recycling, Awareness and Outreach, Behavioural Research, Policies and Regulations, and Circular Business and Innovation.
• Emirates FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Naseej National Initiative for Textile Circularity focusing on building infrastructure and creating markets for circular textile solutions.
• Tadweer GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Naseej National Initiative for Textile Circularity contributing to waste management and circular economy solutions.
• Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMoU to enhance cooperation and facilitate information exchange on regulatory oversight of auditors and Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs). Framework for collaboration to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and illicit activities while strengthening transparency and accountability across financial and non-financial sectors.
• Republic of KoreacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEPA signed on 29 May 2024, entered into force 1 May 2026. Eliminates tariffs on over 90% of bilateral trade flows. 18 chapters covering trade in goods and services, investment, digital trade, intellectual property, government procurement, and economic cooperation.
• Republic of AzerbaijancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEPA signed on 9 July 2025, entered into force 15 April 2026. UAE commits to remove tariffs on 99% of Azerbaijani exports; Azerbaijan commits to remove tariffs on 98.5% of UAE originating goods. 18 chapters covering trade, services, investment, and digital cooperation.
• Kingdom of MoroccocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMorocco-UAE Joint Economic Commission held first ministerial session in Rabat. Ministers signed MoU on economic and technical cooperation establishing framework for bilateral economic cooperation. Both sides committed to developing joint action mechanisms, expanding trade and investment partnerships.
• Andhra Pradesh, IndiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiscussions at World Economic Forum in Davos exploring logistics, food processing, and infrastructure cooperation. Proposed multi-modal logistics park and food processing sector collaboration. Around 40 UAE-based companies expressed interest in setting up operations in Andhra Pradesh.
• World Trade Organization (WTO)coreOthersMember of WTO with participation in various trade agreements and economic cooperation frameworks at international level.
• Republic of IndiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst CEPA signed on 18 February 2022 establishing preferential trade framework between UAE and India.
• State of IsraelcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEPA partner through Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement for trade liberalization and economic cooperation.
• Republic of IndonesiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEPA partner providing preferential market access and trade facilitation.
• Republic of TurkeycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEPA partner through bilateral economic partnership agreement.
• Kingdom of CambodiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEPA partner in Southeast Asia providing trade and investment opportunities.
• GeorgiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEPA partner enhancing economic ties with Caucasus region.
• Republic of Costa RicacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEPA partner in Central America expanding UAE's economic reach.
• Republic of MauritiuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEPA partner in Indian Ocean region for trade diversification.
• Hashemite Kingdom of JordancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEPA partner strengthening economic ties with Middle East region.
• Republic of SerbiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEPA partner expanding economic cooperation with Balkans region.
• New ZealandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEPA partner in Oceania for preferential trade access.
• Commonwealth of AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEPA partner providing access to Australian market through bilateral agreement.
• MalaysiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEPA partner in Southeast Asia enhancing trade and investment ties.
• Republic of ChilecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEPA partner in South America expanding economic reach to Pacific Alliance.
• Socialist Republic of VietnamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEPA partner in ASEAN region for trade diversification.
• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)coreOthersGCC free trade agreements framework including FTA with EFTA states, Singapore, and negotiations with EU, Japan, China, Korea, Australia, Pakistan, India, Turkey, and Mercosur countries.

Scale indicators22 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Saudi Arabia Ministry of Commerce: Saudi Arabia's federal commerce ministry with comparable trade, investment, consumer protection, and business regulation mandates; primary regional peer in trade and economic policy execution.
• Bahrain Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism: Bahrain's integrated ministry combining industry, commerce, and tourism mandates - structurally similar to the UAE MOET model; a Gulf peer for benchmarking economic diversification and tourism strategies.
• Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism: Oman's tourism and heritage ministry; regional peer for tourism promotion, cultural heritage development, and economic diversification strategy in the Gulf.
• Saudi Arabia Ministry of Tourism: Saudi Arabia's national tourism ministry with overlapping mandate for tourism promotion, economic diversification, and Vision 2030-aligned sector development. Direct regional competitor for tourism share and FDI in the Gulf.
• Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Qatar): Qatar's commerce and industry ministry with overlapping functions in trade policy, investment attraction, business registration, and consumer protection within a similar Gulf economic context.
• Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai): Dubai's tourism promotion and commerce authority; directly comparable in tourism marketing, investment attraction, and economic development functions within the UAE federal structure.
• Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism: Abu Dhabi's culture and tourism authority with mandate for tourism promotion, investment attraction, and cultural development; operates in the same host city as the federal ministry with closely aligned functions.

Broad incumbents

• Singapore Tourism Board: Established tourism board known for destination marketing, MICE industry development, and tourism investment facilitation; comparable in tourism promotion mandate though smaller geographic scope.
• UK Department for Business and Trade: UK's federal department for business and trade with mandates for trade negotiations, investment promotion, business regulation, and economic growth; comparable in policy scope though in a mature economy context.

Others

• UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs: UAE federal ministry with complementary mandate for international relations and diplomatic engagement; relevant peer for understanding how UAE federal economic diplomacy operates alongside foreign affairs.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Economyae
• Facebookfacebook.com/economyae
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ministry-of-economy-and-tourism-uae

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments1 record

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Frequently asked questions about UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism