UAE’s tourism sector contributes Dhs236 billion to economy in 2024

The United Arab Emirates’ tourism sector saw significant growth in 2024, aligning with the goals of the “UAE Tourism Strategy 2031.”

The country ranked first regionally and 18th globally in the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI).

The UAE leads the world in travel and tourism data provision and air transport infrastructure, ranks second globally in infrastructure and services, and is third in data comprehensiveness, efficiency of air transport services, and travel and tourism policy and infrastructure.

A report by the World Travel and Tourism Council forecasted that the UAE’s tourism sector’s contribution to the national economy would increase to Dhs236 billion in 2024, representing 12 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Revenue from hotel establishments in the UAE increased to Dhs33.5 billion during the first nine months of 2024, reflecting a 4 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023.

The average hotel occupancy rate across the seven emirates rose to 77.8 per cent, one of the highest globally. Hotel nights reached approximately 75.5 million from January to September 2024, marking an 8 per cent increase year-on-year.

Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah airports recorded more than 103 million passengers by the end of September. The General Civil Aviation Authority expects the number of passengers at UAE airports to reach approximately 150 million by the end of this year. The UAE launched the “National Tourism Charter,” one of the initiatives of the “UAE Tourism Strategy 2031. “ The charter aims to unify national efforts to enhance the sustainable growth of the country’s tourism sector.

The charter reinforces the country’s orientation towards increasing Emiratisation in the tourism sector by strengthening joint efforts with entities concerned with the charter to provide job opportunities for UAE nationals across various tourism activities and sectors.

This initiative aims to enhance UAE’s competitiveness at global and regional levels. The National Tourism Charter intends to make the UAE a prominent player in the global tourism landscape by encouraging collaboration among all the seven emirates.

The UAE has launched the 5th season of the World’s Coolest Winter Campaign, themed ‘Green Tourism’. In collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and the National Agricultural Centre, the campaign aims to promote community involvement in sustainable agriculture and increase tourism to farms and agricultural projects across the seven emirates.

Meanwhile the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced that the emirate’s hotels have received 4.8 million guests year-to-date (YTD) as of October 2024, resulting in seeing a 26 per cent increase in international guests compared to 2023.

DCT Abu Dhabi also welcomed more than 3.9 million visitors across its cultural events and landmarks YTD October, a 21 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, highlighting the success of Abu Dhabi’s cultural initiatives.

Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Under-Secretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “Our journey so far has been transformational as we continue to share Abu Dhabi with the world. We are guided by a bold vision set forth in the refreshed Tourism Strategy 2030 and Culture Strategy, and the results we’ve shared underscore Abu Dhabi’s commitment to excellence and sustainable growth, and highlight the impact of coordinated efforts in destination and cultural development.

“By crafting authentic experiences, developing our infrastructure, and fostering talent, community engagement, and key partnerships, we are shaping the emirate into a thriving global leader in the tourism and culture sector.” From January to October 2024, Abu Dhabi welcomed 4.8 million hotel guests, surpassing pre-pandemic figures and achieving a 26 per cent increase in international guests from 26 key source markets, including India, China, Russia, the UK, and Saudi Arabia.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s cultural sites, libraries and museums saw over 3.9 million visitors this year as of October, which was a 21 per cent increase compared to 2023. Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030 continues to chart a bold course for growth, aiming to attract 39.3 million visitors, create 178,000 new jobs in the tourism sector, and contribute Dhs90 billion to the GDP by 2030. These goals aim to be achieved through 25 targeted initiatives across the strategy’s four key pillars: offering and city activation, promotion and marketing, infrastructure and mobility, and visa, licensing, and regulation.

The recently held City Tourism Briefing highlighted the emirate’s growing tourism and aviation industry. The aviation segment outlined recent developments in the sector, such as the news that Zayed International Airport is now serviced by 24 airlines, enhancing the emirate’s status as a travel hub. Etihad Airways launched 10 new routes in 2024, while Wizz Air Abu Dhabi connects travellers to 35 destinations across 25 countries, and Air Arabia connects over 200 destinations from six strategic hubs spread across the UAE, Morocco, Egypt, and Pakistan.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s approach to growth includes expanding into new international markets while strengthening its presence in existing ones. Trade initiatives such as roadshows, training programmes, and collaboration with travel partners are designed to elevate Abu Dhabi’s global profile as a top destination for leisure, entertainment, business events, arts and culture, heritage, and more.