The United Arab Emirates continues to solidify its standing as a leading global tourism destination, driven by strong visitor demand, rising investment returns, and an increasingly competitive business environment supporting long-term sector growth.
Tourism performance reflects an integrated national strategy aimed at strengthening the country’s global appeal. The UAE’s natural diversity, political and economic stability, strategic location linking East and West, and reputation for tolerance and coexistence have positioned it as a year-round destination, particularly during its mild winter season.
These advantages have translated into strong international rankings. The UAE is among the world’s top seven destinations for international tourist spending and ranks first globally across several aviation and travel competitiveness indicators, including air transport infrastructure quality.
Sector growth remains robust. Hotels welcomed more than 16 million guests in the first half of the year, supported by 1,243 hotel establishments offering over 216,000 rooms. Sixteen new hotels entered the market in 2024, reinforcing capacity expansion.
Investment momentum continues to build. Tourism investments reached AED32.2 billion in 2024 and are projected to rise to AED35.2 billion in 2025. International visitor spending totalled AED217.3 billion in 2024, while domestic tourism spending reached AED57.6 billion. Airport passenger traffic reached nearly 103 million in the first eight months of 2025.
Government initiatives such as the National Tourism Strategy 2031, the World’s Coolest Winter campaign, and extensive legislative reforms have enhanced investor confidence. Incentives include full foreign ownership, tax exemptions, long-term residency options, and access to more than 40 free zones.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism plans to accelerate digital transformation, diversify tourism offerings, and embed sustainability across the sector, supporting targets to attract AED100 billion in new investments and welcome 40 million hotel guests in the coming years.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
