The United Arab Emirates has reinforced its position as a global tourism hub, reporting record growth across key indicators ahead of World Tourism Day on September 27.
Officials highlighted the sector’s strong performance, which has lifted its contribution to the national economy and attracted increasing international recognition.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, announced that the sector contributed AED257.3 billion to the UAE’s GDP in 2024, accounting for 13 percent of the economy. This marked a 3.2 percent rise from 2023 and a 26 percent increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. International visitor spending climbed to AED217.3 billion last year, while domestic tourism reached AED57.6 billion.
Hotel revenues rose to nearly AED45 billion in 2024, supported by a 78 percent occupancy rate and 30.75 million hotel guests. The upward trend continued into 2025, with more than 16 million hotel guests recorded in the first half of the year and revenues exceeding AED26 billion. Projections suggest hotel guests will reach 33 million this year, with revenues growing by 7 percent.
Passenger traffic through UAE airports also surged, with 102.9 million travelers handled in the first eight months of 2025, up 5.3 percent year-on-year. Expansion projects, including the AED128 billion new terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, are set to further boost capacity, positioning it as the world’s largest airport.
The UAE’s tourism model has earned praise globally, bolstered by initiatives such as the “World’s Coolest Winter” campaign, which has generated AED6.7 billion in revenues across five editions. Looking ahead, the UAE will host the UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit in Dubai this October, bringing together representatives from 53 African nations to strengthen investment partnerships in the sector.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
