UAE’s Thriving Tourism Sector: A Record-Breaking Year

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has solidified its status as a key player in the global tourism landscape, achieving remarkable milestones in travel, hospitality, and aviation. The tourism sector has made significant contributions to the national economy, showcasing a robust recovery and growth trajectory.

Economic Impact of Tourism

In 2024, the tourism sector contributed an impressive AED 257.3 billion (approximately $70.1 billion) to the UAE’s economy, accounting for 13% of the country’s GDP. This marks a 3.2% increase from 2023 and a staggering 26% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the Minister of Economy and Tourism, emphasized these achievements as the UAE gears up for World Tourism Day on September 27.

Strategic Developments in Tourism

The UAE’s commitment to enhancing its tourism sector is evident through the launch of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031. This initiative aims to further elevate the country’s position in the global tourism market. Additionally, the election of Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais as the first Emirati Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization for the 2026–2029 term highlights the UAE’s growing influence in international tourism governance.

Visitor Spending Trends

The increase in international tourist spending reflects the UAE’s appeal as a travel destination. In 2024, international visitors spent AED 217.3 billion ($59.2 billion), a 5.8% increase from the previous year and a remarkable 30.4% higher than in 2019. Domestic tourism also saw growth, with spending reaching AED 57.6 billion ($15.7 billion), up 2.4% year-on-year and 41% compared to 2019.

Hotel Industry Performance

The hotel sector has experienced a significant boost, with revenues nearing AED 45 billion ($12.3 billion) in 2024. The occupancy rate stood at an impressive 78%, making it one of the highest globally. The UAE welcomed approximately 30.75 million hotel guests last year, a 9.5% increase from 28.08 million in 2023, achieving 77% of the national target of 40 million annual guests.

The positive trend continued into 2025, with over 16 million hotel guests recorded in the first half of the year, marking a 5.5% increase from the same period in 2024. Hotel revenues during this timeframe reached AED 26 billion ($7.1 billion), up 6.3%. Currently, the UAE boasts 1,243 hotels with over 216,000 rooms, having added 16 new properties in 2024. Projections indicate that guest numbers could reach 33 million in 2025, with revenues expected to grow by 7% year-on-year.

Aviation’s Role in Tourism Growth

Aviation remains a cornerstone of the UAE’s tourism success. Between 2015 and 2024, passenger traffic through UAE airports exceeded 1 billion, with aircraft movements surpassing 6.4 million. International visitor arrivals surged from 15 million in 2014 to over 29 million in 2024. In the first eight months of 2025, airports handled 102.9 million passengers, reflecting a 5.3% increase from the same period in 2024.

Infrastructure Investments

To support this growth, significant investments in infrastructure are underway. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, recently approved designs for a new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport. Valued at AED 128 billion ($34.8 billion), this facility is set to become the world’s largest, with a capacity of 260 million passengers.

Tourism investments have also seen a rise, increasing from AED 28.8 billion ($7.8 billion) in 2023 to AED 32.2 billion ($8.8 billion) in 2024, with projections of AED 35.2 billion ($9.6 billion) for 2025. Initiatives like the “World’s Coolest Winter” campaign have generated around AED 6.7 billion ($1.8 billion) in hotel revenues over five editions, reaching more than 1.2 billion people globally.

Future Prospects

The UAE is set to further enhance its international role by hosting the UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit on October 27, 2025, in Dubai. This event will gather tourism ministers and officials from 53 African nations, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a trusted partner in tourism investment.

With a clear strategy and ongoing investments, the UAE is poised to continue its upward trajectory in the global tourism sector, attracting visitors from around the world and contributing significantly to its economy.