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Mohammed bin Rashid: UAE among top 7 global

destinations for international tourist spending

ANI
27th June 2025, 04:32 GMT+11

Dubai [UAE], June 26 (ANI/WAM): A recent report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)
revealed that the UAE's travel and tourism sector delivered an exceptional performance in 2024.

The sector contributed AED257.3 billion (USD 70.1 billion) to the national GDP, accounting for 13%
of the economy. This marks a 3.2 per cent increase from 2023 and a remarkable 26 per cent growth
compared to 2019, one of the highest growth rates globally and regionally in terms of tourism's
contribution to economic development.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai,
praised the sector's achievements, stating, '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 AED217 billion last year, with domestic tourism
expenditure reaching AED57 billion. The UAE ranks among the world's top seven destinations for
international tourist spending, surpassing countries that have been in this industry for centuries.'

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

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism
Council, emphasised that the UAE has placed tourism at the heart of its strategy to drive economic
diversification and sustainable growth. He credited the nation's success to proactive initiatives and
strategic tourism plans that have positioned the UAE as a unique and attractive global destination.

These efforts include strengthening infrastructure across the seven emirates, enhancing the appeal
of tourism-related investments, and showcasing the country's rich cultural and experiential
diversity. Significant improvements in airport and travel infrastructure have also contributed to the
country's elevated standing in global travel and tourism.

Al Marri also noted, '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). Today's WTTC results reaffirm the wisdom of our leadership's vision in
enhancing the competitiveness of our tourism sector, creating employment opportunities for
Emiratis, and further cementing our position as a global tourism powerhouse.'

'These achievements underscore that the UAE tourism sector is confidently progressing toward the
goals set out in the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031. The strategy aims to increase the sector's
contribution to the national GDP to AED450 billion and raise the number of hotel guests to 40
million annually by the next decade.'

He noted that national efforts are ongoing to develop a fully integrated tourism ecosystem, guided
by international best practices. These efforts include strengthening engagement with key regional

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global-destinations-for-international-tourist-spending