The UAE’s tourism sector recorded another year of robust growth in 2025, reinforcing its role as a key pillar of the national economy as visitor numbers, hotel performance, aviation traffic, and major project announcements continued to accelerate.
Tourism and travel contributed AED 257.3 billion to the UAE’s gross domestic product, representing 13 percent of the national economy. The performance reflects sustained demand, extensive infrastructure investment, and the country’s strong global competitiveness.
Hotel establishments welcomed 23.27 million guests during the first nine months of the year, marking a 4.9 percent annual increase. Hotel nights surpassed 79.3 million, while revenues rose 7.2 percent to more than AED 35.9 billion. Average occupancy climbed to 79.2 percent, supported by a national inventory of 216,248 rooms across 1,246 hotel establishments. The average daily room rate increased to AED 557.
The aviation sector also maintained strong momentum, with Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah airports handling a combined 108.59 million passengers by the end of September, underlining the UAE’s position as a global travel hub.
Several landmark tourism projects were launched or announced during the year, including the AED 2 billion Therme Dubai wellness destination, Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, and a Disney theme park and resort on Yas Island. Additional developments were unveiled across Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Qaiwain.
The “World’s Coolest Winter” campaign delivered nearly AED 1.9 billion in hotel revenues, while the UAE strengthened its global standing through renewed UN Tourism leadership and international recognition for destinations such as Masfout village.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
