Dubai's tourism and travel sector is likely to see a dramatic rise in foreign investment in 2014, at a time when the country is becoming a leading global tourism hub powered by the Expo 2020 win, said an expert.

The figure of nearly 90 million passengers passing through UAE airports in 2013 was one proof of this boom, remarked Walid Farghal, a key organiser of the upcoming Annual Investment Meeting (AIM).

The event, being organised by the UAE Ministry of Economy, will run from April 8 to 10 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“The UAE is primed to be one of the best countries in the world, according to the UAE Vision 2021, and this will boost foreign investment and enhance closer cooperation between public and private sectors. We think that this international event will provide an ideal interactive platform for governmental and private entities,” stated Farghal.

Over three previous editions, AIM produced results by highlighting challenges and opportunities of foreign investments in the region and the world.

This event will discuss key factors in attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) and the role of business environment, infrastructure, logistics and government initiatives in encouraging flow of foreign investments to any country, in addition to many other relevant topics.

Representatives from more than 165 countries will attend the AIM and visitors are expected to exceed 10,000. The event is witnessing participation from 60 economy ministers, undersecretaries, decision makers, senior officials, experts, economic analyst, businessmen and investors from over 120 countries, in addition to elite regional and international media.

“Over the past few years, the UAE introduced a series of decrees and legislations to create a favourable investment environment. These steps are expected to fuel FDI investments further,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service