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9/29/25, 5:05 PM UAE Tourism Sector Achieves Record Growth Ahead of World Tourism Day 2025 - GCC BUSINESS WATCH
Among the most notable achievements is the launch of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, a blueprint to enhance
the country’s competitiveness, sustainability, and global appeal. In addition, the election of Shaikha Nasser Al
Nowais as the first Emirati to serve as Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organisation (2026–

2029) represents a milestone for the UAE on the international stage.

The Minister revealed that the tourism sector contributed AED257.3 billion to GDP in 2024, accounting for 13%
of the economy. This reflects a 3.2% increase from 2023 and a 26% jump from pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

The UAE’s aviation sector also achieved record highs, with total passenger traffic through the nation’s airports

exceeding one billion between 2015 and 2024. In the first eight months of 2025 alone, 102.9 million
passengers were recorded, representing 5.3% growth compared to the same period last year.

Key visitor markets in 2024 included India (14%), the United Kingdom (8%), Russia (8%), China (5%),
and Saudi Arabia (5%), with the remainder from other global regions. Visitor spending reached AED217.3
billion in 2024, while domestic tourism added AED57.6 billion.

Hotel establishments also reported strong growth. Revenues rose to nearly AED45 billion in 2024,

with occupancy rates reaching 78%. The UAE hosted 30.75 million hotel guests, up 9.5% compared to 2023.
Projections suggest that the number of hotel guests will reach 33 million in 2025, with revenues growing by 7%
to surpass AED48 billion.

Major infrastructure developments continue to drive growth, including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin

Rashid Al Maktoum’s approval of designs for the new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport,
set to become the world’s largest with a capacity of 260 million passengers and an investment of AED128
billion.

Tourism campaigns have also played a crucial role. The “World’s Coolest Winter” campaign generated AED6.7

billion in revenues over five editions, reaching more than 1.2 billion people globally and significantly boosting
the UAE’s visibility as a diverse tourism destination.

Looking ahead, the UAE is preparing to host the UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit on October 27, 2025,
in Dubai, in conjunction with the Future Hospitality Summit. The event will bring together tourism ministers and

senior officials from 53 African countries, further strengthening the UAE’s role as a global partner in tourism
investment.

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