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by a significant 26 per cent in 2023 compared to that of 2022 and surpassed
2019 levels by 14 per cent.

Tourism’s contribution to the country's GDP amounted to Dh220 billion,
accounting for 11.7 per cent. “This is expected to rise in 2024 to Dh236 billion,
equivalent to 12 per cent of the country's GDP,” he said, quoting a recent
report by the World Travel and Tourism Council.
The minister, who led the UAE delegation at the Riyadh forum, said the
National Tourism Strategy 2031 aims to increase the contribution of the UAE
tourism sector to the national GDP to Dh450 billion, raising the country's

profile as the best tourism identity by the next decade. “Besides, through the
launch of the National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Roadmap, the country has
set an ambitious target to achieve annual production of up to 700 million
litres of sustainable aviation fuel by 2030,” Al Marri said at the conference
titled “International Cooperation, Growth, and Energy for Development.”

“In addition, this vital sector provided 809,000 jobs in various activities and
tourism fields in the country in 2023, equivalent to 12.3 per cent of the total
labour market. With five per cent growth from 2022, exceeding 2019 levels
with 11.4 per cent growth, the number of jobs it creates is expected to reach
833,000 in 2024. There are currently 1,235 hotels in the UAE providing a total
of 210,000 rooms for guests and visitors,” Al Marri said.
The minister noted that efforts are underway in collaboration with other GCC
partners to launch the unified GCC tourist visa. “Once it comes into effect, it
will contribute to highlighting the diverse tourism destinations in GCC
countries, attracting and retaining tourists for longer periods, thus increasing

the number of hotel guests and making the region one of the leading
destinations for regional and international tourists alike.”
“The UAE is committed to promoting sustainability, not just in the tourism
industry but across diverse economic and environmental sectors,
safeguarding resources, wealth, and natural reserves,” he said, emphasising
that sustainability is key to boosting the tourism sector’s growth in the
immediate future, particularly given the current global environmental and
social challenges. “It calls for strengthening collaborative efforts across all
fronts and levels to attain a harmony between economic and environmental

progress as well as social accountability.” The minister also stressed the

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/uae-tourism-sector-set-to-boost-gdp-share-to-dh236b-
in-2024