Hotels in Abu Dhabi welcomed 4.8 million guests in the first 10 months of 2024 and saw a 26 percent increase in international guests. According to the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the emirate also welcomed over 3.9 million visitors across its cultural events and landmarks during the same period, highlighting the success of cultural initiatives that draw inspiration from traditional and modern elements.
These achievements highlight Abu Dhabi’s evolution into a global cultural and tourism center, driven by DCT Abu Dhabi’s strategic vision and successful collaborations with partners across the private, government and semi-government ecosystem.
“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,” stated H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi targets 39.3 million visitors by 2030
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 AED90 billion to the GDP by 2030 while cementing the emirate’s legacy as a place of traditions and modern cultural explorations.
In the first 10 months of the year, Abu Dhabi’s hotels welcomed 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, a 21 percent increase compared to 2023.
“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,” Al Hosani added.
Aviation sector expands global footprint
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030’s ambitious goals will 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.
A key catalyst for the success of these initiatives will be DCT Abu Dhabi’s close collaboration with its partners. The department will leverage existing foundations to unlock new opportunities for growth and progress. The most recent City Tourism Briefing exemplified the value of partnerships and connected top DCT Abu Dhabi leadership with stakeholders from the tourism and aviation industry.
The aviation segment of the briefing outlined recent developments in the sector. The Zayed International Airport is now serviced by 24 airlines, enhancing the emirate’s status as a travel hub with exceptional global connectivity. In addition, Etihad Airways launched 10 new routes this year, and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi connected travelers to 35 destinations across 25 countries.
Meanwhile, Air Arabia connected over 200 destinations from six strategic hubs across the UAE, Morocco, Egypt and Pakistan.
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Future tourism growth plans
Looking ahead, 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 programs and collaborations with travel partners will further elevate Abu Dhabi’s global profile as a top destination for leisure, entertainment, business events, arts and culture, heritage and more.
Abu Dhabi is also enhancing its hotel capacity to meet increasing demand and ensure an exceptional visitor experience.
Significant entertainment and cultural projects in the pipeline include the expansion of Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi with the addition of a Harry Potter World. Abu Dhabi also expects construction on the Saadiyat Cultural District to end next year. Other ongoing developments in the emirate include transforming Hudayriyat Island into a center for sports and adventure and upgrading Yas Waterworld.
As Abu Dhabi solidifies its position as a leading global tourism and cultural destination, DCT Abu Dhabi remains committed to shaping a future filled with progressive transformation, dedication to excellence and continued collaboration with private, semi-private and government entities to drive success.
