The United Arab Emirates’ Foreign Trade Minister, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, recently reflected on his visit to Sri Lanka during a diplomatic event held in Dubai. The occasion, titled “Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams,” was organised by Sri Lanka’s Consulate General in the UAE and attended by Sri Lanka’s Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath.

At the bilateral meeting, Minister Herath encouraged Dr. Al Zeyoudi to promote high-end tourism from the UAE to Sri Lanka, highlighting the potential growth in luxury travel between the two countries. In response, the UAE minister shared memories of his stay at the Kandalama Hotel in Dambulla, describing the hotel’s unique natural surroundings and the sight of elephants bathing in a nearby tank.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi conveyed his intention to return to Sri Lanka with his family to experience the destination firsthand and affirmed his commitment to fostering upscale tourism visits from the UAE. The discussions underscored both governments’ interest in deepening tourism ties and boosting bilateral cooperation in the sector.