In 2024, the economic impact of the UAE’s tourism sector is projected to reach AED 236 billion ($64.2 billion), contributing 12 percent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Revenue from hotel establishments surged to AED33.5 billion ($9.1 billion) in the first nine months of the year, reflecting a 4 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. These impressive figures underscore the remarkable expansion of the tourism sector in the UAE, aligning with the objectives set forth in the “UAE Tourism Strategy 2031.”
According to the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI), the nation secured the top position regionally and ranked 18th worldwide. The UAE stands out globally for its data provision in travel and tourism as well as its air transport infrastructure, holding the second spot worldwide in infrastructure and services, and ranking third in terms of data comprehensiveness, air transport service efficiency, and travel and tourism policy and infrastructure.
Read more: How are UAE, Saudi Arabia leading way in sustainable tourism?
High hotel occupancy rates
The average hotel occupancy rate across the seven emirates climbed to 77.8 percent, one of the highest rates globally. Hotel nights totaled around 75.5 million from January to September 2024, marking an 8 percent year-on-year increase.
Passenger traffic at UAE airports
By the end of September, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah airports collectively welcomed over 103 million passengers. The General Civil Aviation Authority anticipates that the number of passengers at UAE airports will reach approximately 150 million by the conclusion of this year.
Introduction of the National Tourism Charter
Moreover, the UAE introduced the “National Tourism Charter,” a key initiative under the “UAE Tourism Strategy 2031.” This charter aims to consolidate national efforts to drive sustainable growth within the country’s tourism sector. It emphasizes the UAE’s commitment to boosting Emiratisation in tourism by enhancing collaborative efforts with relevant organizations to create job opportunities for UAE nationals across diverse tourism activities and sectors.
Enhancing global competitiveness
This initiative is designed to elevate the UAE’s competitiveness on both global and regional stages. The National Tourism Charter further seeks to position the UAE as a major player in the global tourism arena by promoting cooperation among all seven emirates.
Promoting sustainable tourism
Additionally, the UAE has launched the fifth season of the World’s Coolest Winter Campaign, themed ‘Green Tourism.’ In partnership with the Ministry of Economy and the National Agricultural Centre, this campaign aims to encourage community engagement in sustainable agriculture and to boost tourism to farms and agricultural projects throughout the seven emirates.
