Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
The United Arab Emirates has further strengthened its role as a leading player in global tourism. The country continues to attract international visitors, events, and investments, solidifying its position as a top destination for travelers worldwide.
World Tourism Day Celebration
The UAE will observe World Tourism Day on 27th September, celebrating the tourism sector’s exceptional performance. This success has earned recognition from international organizations and visitors, reflecting the high quality and efficiency of the UAE’s tourism model.
Key Milestones Achieved
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, highlighted major achievements. These include the launch of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 and the appointment of Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais as Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organisation for 2026-2029.
Global Rankings And Recognition
The UAE ranks among the top seven global destinations for international tourist spending. It also secured high positions in several travel and aviation indicators, including the Quality of Air Transport Infrastructure index, highlighting its competitive advantage in global tourism.
Airport Expansion Plans
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved designs for the new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport. The facility, set to become the world’s largest, will handle up to 260 million passengers and cost AED128 billion, further strengthening the UAE’s aviation infrastructure.
Economic Contribution Of Tourism
The tourism sector contributed AED257.3 billion to the UAE’s GDP in 2024, representing 13 percent of the national economy. This marks a 3.2 percent growth from 2023 and a 26 percent increase from pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
International Visitor Statistics
In 2024, the UAE welcomed visitors mainly from India (14%), the UK (8%), Russia (8%), China (5%), and Saudi Arabia (5%), with 60 percent coming from other countries. Total international spending reached AED217.3 billion, a 5.8 percent growth from 2023, while domestic tourism spending totaled AED57.6 billion, a 2.4 percent increase.
Hotels And Accommodation
Revenue from hotels grew to nearly AED45 billion in 2024, with an occupancy rate of 78 percent. The number of hotel guests rose to 30.75 million, a 9.5 percent increase from 2023, achieving about 77 percent of the annual target of 40 million guests.
Airport Traffic
UAE airports handled over 102.9 million passengers in the first eight months of 2025, a 5.3 percent increase from the same period in 2024. Between 2015 and 2024, total passenger traffic exceeded one billion, and aircraft movements surpassed 6.4 million, reflecting strong growth in aviation.
Tourism Investments
Tourism investments reached AED32.2 billion in 2024, up from AED28.8 billion in 2023, with projections to reach AED35.2 billion in 2025. These investments support expansion of hotels, infrastructure, and tourism services across the country.
Growth In First Half 2025
During H1 2025, hotels hosted over 16 million guests, a 5.5 percent increase from H1 2024. Revenues reached AED26 billion, growing 6.3 percent. The UAE has 1,243 hotels with more than 216,000 rooms, including 16 new hotels added in 2024.
“World’s Coolest Winter” Campaign
The “World’s Coolest Winter” campaign has been highly successful, generating AED6.7 billion in hotel revenues over five editions, with a 90 percent growth from the first edition. The campaign has reached over 1.2 billion people globally, promoting the UAE’s destinations and attractions.
The UAE will host the UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit on 27th October 2025 in Dubai. The summit, part of the Future Hospitality Summit, will bring together tourism ministers and officials from 53 African countries, further establishing the UAE as a trusted partner in tourism investment.
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