The UAE’s tourism sector delivered a record-breaking performance in 2024, contributing AED257.3 billion (US$70.1 billion) to the national GDP—13% of the country’s economy—according to the latest report from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
The figure marks a 3.2% rise from 2023 and a 26% increase over 2019, placing the UAE among the world’s top performers for tourism-led growth.
Praising the sector’s achievements, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum hailed the results as a reflection of the UAE’s economic resilience and global appeal. International visitor spending soared to AED217.3 billion, while domestic tourism spending reached AED57.6 billion, reinforcing the country’s position among the top seven destinations globally for international tourist spending.
Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri attributed the success to the UAE’s strategic tourism policies and infrastructure investments across all seven emirates. These initiatives support the national goal of increasing tourism’s GDP contribution to AED450 billion and reaching 40 million hotel guests annually by 2031.
The report highlighted the UAE’s diverse tourist base, with top visitor markets including India, the UK, Russia, China, and Saudi Arabia. International visitors accounted for 79% of tourism expenditure, while leisure tourism dominated overall spending.
Sustainability remained central, with tourism-related emissions comprising just 13.3% of national carbon output, aligning with the UAE’s broader environmental goals. The sector also drove social impact, employing significant numbers of women and youth, and contributing over US$8.6 billion in tax revenues.
Globally, the travel and tourism sector added US$10.9 trillion to the world economy in 2024, with the UAE standing out as a leading example of post-pandemic recovery and strategic growth.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
