Abu dhabi: Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, heralded the 54th UAE Eid Al Etihad with significant economic and tourism milestones, reflecting the foresight of the UAE's leadership and the robust unity of the nation. "The 54th Eid Al Etihad reminds us of the pivotal moment when the seven Emirates united under one nation - a nation whose solid foundations, progress, and leadership were established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his fellow founding fathers," the minister stated. According to Emirates News Agency, the minister highlighted the UAE's remarkable economic growth, with real GDP increasing by 4.2 percent in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The non-oil GDP grew by 5.7 percent, with non-oil activities contributing 77.5 percent to the real GDP, showcasing the UAE's ongoing economic diversification. The UAE's markets saw the addition of over 220,000 new companies from January to November 2025, alongside a 48.2 percent increase in regi stered national and international trademarks. The tourism sector also achieved substantial success, with Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais appointed as the Secretary-General of UN Tourism and Masfout Village named the World's Best Tourism Village 2025. The UAE ranked among the top seven global destinations for international tourist spending, with hotels welcoming 23.27 million guests in the first nine months of 2025, marking a 4.9 percent rise from the previous year. Hotel revenues surpassed AED 35.9 billion, and occupancy rates increased to 79.2 percent. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has been active in enhancing the UAE's legislative framework, contributing to the issuance of 11 economic laws and policies from January to November 2025. These efforts, covering areas such as consumer protection and sustainability, aim to bolster the competitiveness and investment appeal of the national economy. In conclusion, the minister emphasized the spirit of dedication and hard work that Eid Al Etihad inspires, aligning w ith the strategic goals of the 'We the UAE 2031' vision, which seeks to double the national economy to AED3 trillion and establish the UAE as a global economic hub in the coming decade.