Page 777 - MOE ENGLISH PR - MAY 2024

5/14/24, 4:13 PM UAE expects tourism sector to contribute over $64bn to GDP this year, says economy minister Al Marri - Arabian Business: Latest …
UAE Minister of Economy, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, said that tourism contributed an
impressive 11.7 percent to GDP last year, amounting to AED220 billion ($59.89 billion).

“For 2024, the forecast is set even higher, with an anticipated contribution of 12

percent to the [UAE’s] GDP, equating to AED236 billion ($64.25 billion),” he told
attendees.

The tourism sector is projected to support over 833,000 jobs in the UAE by the end of

2024. Last year, it accounted for 809,000 jobs – equivalent to 12.3 percent of national

employment.

Al Marri’s speech was followed by a panel discussion with several key figures including
tourism ministers and CEOs from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain where they

discussed ways to build on the success of regional tourism initiatives.

Ministers from the UAE, KSA, Oman and Bahrain discuss the streamlining of GCC tourism at Arabian Travel
Market in Dubai, UAE. Image: Supplied

The panelists highlighted the importance of the upcoming GCC Unified Tourist Visa in
facilitating travel across Gulf nations.

https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/travel-hospitality/uae-expects-tourism-sector-to-contribute-over-64bn-to-gdp-this-year-says-economy-mini… 2/3