Page 172 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - JUNE 2025

7/1/25, 3:21 PM Sheikh Mohammed: UAE among top 7 global destinations in international tourist spending
The latest data from the WTTC has revealed that international tourist spending in the UAE is set to reach a
record AED228.5 billion in 2025, 37 percent above the previous peak of 2019. The global tourism body’s
annual Economic Impact Research (EIR) shows that Travel & Tourism in the UAE is set for another
record year in 2025, with the sector forecast to contribute AED267.5 billion to the national economy,
accounting for almost 13 percent of GDP.

According to the research, by the end of the year, Travel & Tourism will also support more than 925,000
jobs. Domestic tourist spending is also projected to reach a record high of AED60 billion, 47 percent
above 2019, highlighting the continued strength of the UAE’s local travel market.

These milestones reflect the UAE’s leadership in driving innovation, sustainability and seamless
connectivity across its cities and attractions, powered by initiatives such as smart city development, world-
class infrastructure and a laser focus on visitor experience.

“The UAE continues to lead the way in global Travel & Tourism. From cutting-edge smart cities to
exceptional hospitality and seamless visa systems, the country is a model of how strategic vision drives
economic growth. With initiatives like the Tourism Strategy 2031 and the National Tourism Charter, the
UAE is building a future-ready sector rooted in sustainability and innovation. With strong leadership and
public-private alignment, 2025 is set to mark yet another chapter in the UAE’s remarkable tourism success
story,” stated Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO.

Read: Dubai welcomes 8.68 million tourists in first five months of 2025

Tourism to create 1 million jobs by 2035

According to the data, in 2024, the sector contributed AED257.3 billion to the UAE economy and
supported 898,600 jobs, making up nearly one in eight jobs in the country. Spending from international
tourists in the UAE reached AED217.3 billion, while domestic visitor spending injected AED57.6 billion
into the national economy.

Looking ahead to the next 10 years, WTTC forecasts the sector will contribute nearly AED287.8 billion to
the economy by 2035, representing 10.4 percent of the UAE’s national GDP. The workforce is also
expected to exceed 1 million jobs, underscoring the sector’s central role in economic diversification and
national growth.

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