Page 201 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - JUNE 2025

7/1/25, 3:24 PM UAE tourism hits record $70bn in 2024, ranks among world’s top 7 for visitor spending - Arabian Business: Latest News on the Middl…

This marks a 3.2 per cent increase from 2023 and a remarkable 26 per cent jump from pre-
pandemic 2019 levels, placing the UAE among the top seven global destinations for

international tourist spending.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of

Dubai, said the achievements had surpassed countries which had a head start of
centuries.

UAE tourism boom

Sheikh Mohammed said: “In a new indicator of the strength and diversity of our national

economy, the WTTC report highlights the exceptional achievements of the UAE tourism

sector.

“International visitor spending exceeded AED217bn last year, with domestic tourism
expenditure reaching AED57bn.

“The UAE ranks among the world’s top seven destinations for international tourist

spending, surpassing countries that have been in this industry for centuries.”

“We welcome tourists, delight in attracting investors, embrace talent, and build the best
environment for living, tourism, and visitation. Welcome to the world.”

The report revealed that international visitor spending reached AED217.3bn ($59.2bn) in
2024, up 5.8 per cent from 2023 and 30.4 per cent higher than in 2019.

Meanwhile, domestic tourism spending also surged to AED57.6bn ($15.7bn) — a 41 per
cent increase over 2019 figures.

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, highlighted the UAE’s
success in turning tourism into a cornerstone of economic diversification, thanks to major

investments in infrastructure, cultural offerings, and service quality.

Al Marri said: “Just days ago, the UAE achieved a historic milestone in the tourism sector

with the election of Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General of the United Nations
World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

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