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visitors and tourists from around the world.” H.E. added that the national efforts to formulate resilient
tourism policies and enhance the sector’s contribution to the national GDP are continuing in line with
‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.
H.E. Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC),
commended the success of the UAE in strengthening its position on the global tourism map as one
of the most attractive and safe travel destinations. This is the result of the implementation of an
effective and comprehensive strategy by the UAE under the directives of its wise leadership to
enhance economic diversification, she said.
She added: “The latest results of the Index underscore the UAE’s success in maintaining
competitiveness in the national tourism sector, given its status as a key pillar of the future
economy. The country tops the global tourism landscape in indicators such as the provision and
comprehensiveness of travel and tourism data, as well as travel and tourism policy and
infrastructure.”
The WEF report evaluates various factors and policies that contribute to creating a sustainable and
resilient environment for the travel and tourism sector, which in turn enhances the country’s
sustainable development. It classifies the economies of 119 countries according to five sub-indexes,
from which 17 pillars are divided, and 102 individual indicators, including: an enabling environment,
travel and tourism policy and infrastructure, infrastructure and services, travel and tourism
resources, and the sustainability of the travel and tourism sector. The index serves as a strategic
measurement tool for companies, governments, international organizations, and others to advance
the travel and tourism sector.
In the report, the UAE ranks first globally in the travel and tourism data provision indicator and air
transport infrastructure, second globally in infrastructure and services, and third globally in the travel
and tourism data comprehensiveness, air transport services efficiency, and travel and tourism policy
and infrastructure.
In addition, the country ranks first globally in six indicators and is among the top five in 15 other
indicators and the top 10 in 27 indicators. The UAE also achieved progress in a total of 32 indicators
of the report.

The UAE tourism sector grew by 26 per cent in 2023 compared to that of 2022 and surpassed 2019
levels by 14 per cent. Its contribution to the country’s GDP amounted to AED 220 billion, equivalent
to 11.7 per cent. Its contribution to the national economy is expected to rise in 2024 to AED 236
billion, accounting for 12 per cent of the GDP, according to a report by the World Travel & Tourism
Council (WTTC.)

https://www.traveldailynews.com/statistics-trends/uae-tops-mena-region-and-climbs-seven-
places-globally-in-wef-s-tourism-amp-travel-development-index-2024/