Page 343 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2024 (Part 1)

location connecting the East and the West and its efficient aviation and tourism
connectivity and infrastructure.”

UAE tourism’s exceptional performance

H.E. Bin Touq continued: “The UAE’s tourism sector continues its exceptional growth year

after year. It grew by 26 per cent in 2023 compared to that of 2022, breaking the records
achieved in 2019 by 14 per cent. Its contribution to the national GDP reached
approximately AED 220 billion, equivalent to 11.7 per cent. In addition, the country’s
airports received approximately 72 million passengers in the first half of 2024, reflecting a
14 per cent growth over the same period in 2023. Moreover, the UAE’s 1,240 hotels
recorded more than 53 million guest nights, with occupancy rate reaching 80 per cent, one
of the highest globally.”

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy during participation in the G20 meeting.

H.E. noted that these figures reflect the country’s leading position in the global tourism and
travel landscape. They underscore the sector’s importance in the growth and
competitiveness of the national economy and supporting digital transformation, as well as
increasing the number of SMEs operating in various tourism-related fields in line with ‘We
the UAE 2031’ vision.

Tourism: Key driver of economic growth

https://www.traveldailynews.com/meetings-events/g20-tourism-ministers-039-meeting-
uae-reinforces-commitment-to-supporting-global-efforts-to-ensure-the-sector-s-
sustainable-development/#google_vignette