Tourism is vital for driving economic growth in the UAE, with the nation consistently launching initiatives to attract visitors and encourage repeat trips.

The UAE’s tourism industry has recently experienced a significant increase in international visitors and hotel bookings. This growth aligns with the UAE’s Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to attract $27 billion in tourism investments and boost the industry’s GDP contribution to $122 billion by 2031.

The tourism sector accounted for 11.7% of the UAE’s GDP in the previous year, amounting to $59 billion. According to data from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), projections suggest that this will increase to 12% or $64 billion in 2024.

The WTTC forecasts that by 2034, the travel and tourism sector’s contribution to the UAE’s GDP will reach approximately $74 billion. This expectation is supported by the nation’s top-notch infrastructure, including its airports, lodging facilities, and diverse tourist attractions.

In the first seven months of 2024, Dubai welcomed 10.62 million visitors, an 8% increase from the previous year. Similarly, Abu Dhabi’s hotel sector hosted over 2.87 million guests in the first half of 2024, generating $980 million in revenue—a 19.5% year-over-year increase.

These achievements highlight the success of the UAE’s strategy in promoting sustainable tourism, supported by its robust infrastructure, diverse tourist offerings, and commitment to continuous growth, as outlined in the National Tourism Strategy 2031.

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