Page 84 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - MAY 2025 (Part 1)_Neat

Press Release

compared to 2023. Additionally, the hotel occupancy rate rose to 78 per cent last year, ranking
among the highest both regionally and globally. This was further underscored by the opening of
16 new hotels across the seven emirates in 2024, taking the total number of hotels in the UAE to
1,251 by the end of the year. The number of hotel rooms also saw a significant increase, reaching
216,966 by the end of 2024, up three per cent.

Hotel establishments across the UAE welcomed nearly 30.8 million guests in 2024, marking a 9.5
per cent growth compared to 2023. This means UAE tourism has already achieved 77 per cent of
its target for hotel guests, set within the ‘National Tourism Strategy 2031’ framework seven years
ahead of schedule, demonstrating the accelerating growth in the sector.

These achievements highlight the success of the UAE’s strategic tourism vision, which aims to
raise the sector’s contribution to AED 450 billion in GDP and attract AED 100 billion in new
investments, in addition to increasing annual hotel guests to 40 million by 2031.

During its intervention, the UAE reiterated its commitment to fostering innovation in the tourism
sector by supporting digital entrepreneurship, especially among youth, and expanding the
application of digital transformation technologies and smart solutions in visitor services and
tourism information centers.

With regard to air connectivity, the UAE confirmed its continued investments in airport
infrastructure and the expansion of digital facilitation in visa and immigration processes, aimed at
enhancing travel experience and increasing international tourism flows.

The UAE delegation concluded by stating that their G20 participation demonstrates the nation's
dedication to international tourism policies and collaboration with member states and global
partners in building a comprehensive, sustainable tourism ecosystem benefiting both global
economy and local communities.

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