Tourism in the United Arab Emirates Experiences Exceptional Growth, Achieving AED45 Billion in Hotel Income, Outperforming Targets Prior to Deadline
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recorded impressive growth in its tourism sector in 2024, with hotel occupancy rates reaching 78% and hotel revenues increasing by 3% to approximately AED45 billion. This growth was supported by the UAE's strategy of diversification and investment, which has been instrumental in the sector's transition towards a knowledge- and innovation-based model.
The UAE's tourism sector growth supported its transition to a knowledge- and innovation-based economy, with the expansion of the sector resulting in a 3% year-over-year increase in the number of hotels and rooms. Approximately 30.8 million hotel guests were recorded in 2024, marking a 9.5% increase.
Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, attributed the growth in the tourism sector to the country's leadership and strategic vision. He highlighted several key factors contributing to the UAE's tourism growth in 2024.
Seamless collaboration between public and private sectors drives coordinated tourism development and policy implementation. Visionary leadership and agile policymaking help Dubai adapt to global economic and geopolitical challenges, maintaining upward tourism growth post-pandemic.
A diversified growth strategy extends beyond tourism to include talent acquisition, foreign direct investment (FDI), and enhancing global business competitiveness, creating a robust economic ecosystem supporting tourism expansion. World-class infrastructure development and capacity investment solidify the UAE’s position as a global tourism leader with top-tier airports, hotels, and venues.
Enhanced global connectivity facilitates easier and more frequent international travel to the UAE. Strategic partnerships in hospitality, visa facilitation, and hosting year-round high-impact events attract diverse visitor segments. Recognition and certification initiatives, such as Certified Autism Destination™ status, broaden the inclusion and appeal of the destination.
These combined factors have resulted in historic tourism figures, such as Dubai welcoming 18.72 million visitors in 2024 and surpassing 9.88 million international visitors in the first half of 2025.
The UAE's broader economic diversification with strong non-oil sector growth, supported by public investment and innovation, underpins the tourism sector’s success. Massive investments in tourism-related real estate and infrastructure projects — including iconic landmarks and expanded airports — also bolster attractiveness and capacity.
Greater engagement of Emirati talent is seen as a critical component of the UAE's tourism sector strategy. Minister Al Marri expressed confidence in reaching the strategy's ambitious goal of 40 million hotel guests. Tourism plays a vital role in strengthening the UAE's national economy's resilience and competitiveness.
As a result, the UAE is among the top destinations globally and regionally due to its high hotel occupancy rates. The UAE's tourism sector continues to show growth and momentum, positioning the country as a preferred global tourism destination.
[1] Source: Dubai Tourism [2] Source: Dubai Airports [3] Source: Dubai Media Office [4] Source: UAE Ministry of Economy [5] Source: Emirates Tourism Council
- Capitalizing on its strategy of diversification and investment, the UAE's tourism sector growth supported its transition to a knowledge- and innovation-based economy, with a 3% increase in the number of hotels and rooms.
- The UAE's Ministry of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, attributed the growth in the tourism sector to the country's leadership and strategic vision.
- Apart from tourism, the UAE's diversified growth strategy includes talent acquisition, foreign direct investment (FDI), and enhancing global business competitiveness, creating a robust economic ecosystem supporting the sector's expansion.
- Greater engagement of Emirati talent is seen as a critical component of the UAE's tourism sector strategy, with Minister Al Marri expressing confidence in reaching the strategy's ambitious goal of 40 million hotel guests.
- Tourism plays a vital role in strengthening the UAE's national economy's resilience and competitiveness, positioning the country as a preferred global tourism destination with high hotel occupancy rates.
