Background
The Ministry of Tourism convenes and reviews bilateral tourism cooperation to identify measures that can support increased international visitor flows and direct air links. Officials from Cambodia and the United Arab Emirates are studying a proposal for a mutual tourist visa exemption to facilitate travel between the two countries.
Etihad Airways began operating a direct route between Abu Dhabi and Phnom Penh in late 2025, providing a direct air link between Cambodia and the UAE. Cambodia received approximately 5.6 million international tourists in 2025, and nearly 1.6 million international arrivals during the first five months of 2026.
Key Developments
On 6 July 2026 H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, received H.E. Obaid Saeed Obaid Bintaresh Aldhaheri, the UAE Ambassador to Cambodia, for a courtesy call and working discussion. The meeting reviewed progress on bilateral tourism cooperation launched in May 2025 and included in‑depth exchanges on strengthening air connectivity and examining the UAE’s proposal for a tourist visa exemption.
Institutional Role
The Ministry of Tourism served as the host and coordinating body for the discussions, exchanging technical and policy perspectives with the UAE delegation. Participants focused on mechanisms to promote tourist flows between the two countries through aviation links and by studying the feasibility of visa facilitation measures.
Market Impact
Direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Phnom Penh and ongoing bilateral engagement coincide with recent international arrival trends: about 5.6 million visitors in 2025 and nearly 1.6 million arrivals in the first five months of 2026. Recorded arrivals from the Middle East numbered roughly 3,500 in 2025 and more than 1,200 through May 2026, indicating a measurable, though still modest, Middle Eastern presence in Cambodia’s inbound market.
Source: Ministry of Tourism press release and meeting record, 6 July 2026. Original report published on the Ministry’s social media.
