‘Masfout’s win a new Emirati achievement’

Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Executive Council, has praised Masfout for being awarded the title of “Best Tourist Village in the World” by the United Nations World Tourism Organization for 2025.

He announced on the X platform, “Thanks be to God. We are celebrating an Emirati global achievement with Masfout’s victory in the Best Tourist Village category at the United Nations World Tourism Organization Awards, in recognition of its excellence in environmental sustainability and cultural identity preservation.”

He added, “This achievement embodies Ajman’s vision to develop sustainable rural tourism that enhances the quality of life and empowers the local community. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this honourable success for our country. Masfout is a pioneering tourism model that we are proud to present to the world.”

Masfout was awarded this honour during a special ceremony in Huzhou City, China, attended by a UAE delegation led by Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD).

This was in recognition of its unique natural, cultural, and tourism assets, which have made it a pioneering model in the field of sustainable ecotourism and rural tourism.

From Koyasan in Japan to Chamarel in Mauritius, Bled in Slovenia, Carlos Pellegrini in Argentina, and Masfout in the United Arab Emirates, 52 newly recognised Best Tourism Villages from 29 countries showcase the power of tourism, leading tourism for rural development.

In this fifth edition of BTV, 52 villages from all regions – Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East – received the recognition, selected from over 270 applications from 65 UN Tourism Member States.

Masfout has become a member of UN Tourism BTV Network, which grows every year, and with the announcement of its 72 new members, 319 villages are now part of the largest community of rural destinations in the world.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “Tourism can be a powerful tool to progress shared prosperity, inclusive growth and territorial cohesion in rural areas. Our Best Tourism Villages 2025 highlight communities that are working to safeguard their cultural heritage, preserve their natural resources and create economic opportunities through tourism. “

“These villages show that by embracing tourism, they can promote social inclusion and build a future where no one is left behind.”