Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector is on track to contribute $16 billion to the emirate’s economy in 2025, marking a 13% increase over 2024, according to Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).

Speaking at a roundtable marking the opening of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, Al Mubarak outlined ambitious growth targets. The sector aims to contribute $24.5 billion to Abu Dhabi’s non-oil GDP by 2030.

He noted that international overnight hotel guests in the first quarter of 2025 increased by 4% year-on-year, with India, China, Russia, and the UK remaining the top source markets. Hotel occupancy across the emirate averaged 79% during the same period, rising to 82% in Abu Dhabi city.

He emphasized the growing influence of Abu Dhabi’s cultural institutions, highlighting the role of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum, and the upcoming Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi in enhancing the emirate’s tourism offerings.

Located within the Saadiyat Cultural District, these museums serve as pillars of culture and knowledge, reflecting the UAE’s values of coexistence and its rich, diverse heritage.

Al Mubarak noted that ongoing investment in the cultural sector is driven by the vision of the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, as the country strengthens its position as a global hub for arts and culture.

He described the Saadiyat Cultural District as a cultural and historical treasure, with its museums set to inspire future generations.

Highlighting the opening of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi as a significant milestone in showcasing the UAE’s cultural diversity, Al Mubarak also announced that three additional museums are set to open in the Saadiyat Cultural District later this year.