The UAE’s tourism sector has recorded remarkable growth in 2024, with hotel revenues hitting approximately AED45 billion—a 3% increase compared to the previous year—according to Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council.
Minister Al Marri credited the country’s leadership and strategic vision for driving this momentum, noting that tourism plays a vital role in strengthening the national economy’s resilience and competitiveness, while supporting its transition to a knowledge- and innovation-based model.
Hotel occupancy rates climbed to 78% in 2024, placing the UAE among the top destinations globally and regionally. The sector’s expansion was further supported by the opening of 16 new hotels across the seven emirates, raising the total to 1,251 hotels and 216,966 rooms—a 3% year-over-year increase.
“The UAE is accelerating efforts to launch innovative tourism projects and deepen partnerships with global tourism stakeholders,”
Al Marri said.
“Our aim is to position the UAE as the world’s leading tourism identity within the next decade.”
A major milestone was also achieved with approximately 30.8 million hotel guests recorded in 2024, marking a 9.5% increase and fulfilling 77% of the 'National Tourism Strategy 2031' target—seven years ahead of schedule.
With the current trajectory, Minister Al Marri expressed confidence in reaching the strategy’s ambitious goal of 40 million hotel guests, underscoring continued investments, diversification of tourism offerings, and greater engagement of Emirati talent as key enablers of long-term success.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
