emirates7 - The United Arab Emirates' tourism sector experienced remarkable growth in 2024, aligning with the objectives of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031.
The UAE secured the top spot regionally and ranked 18th globally in the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI). It also leads globally in travel and tourism data provision and air transport infrastructure, ranks second in overall infrastructure and services, and holds third place in data comprehensiveness, air transport service efficiency, and travel and tourism policy and infrastructure.
A report by the World Travel and Tourism Council projected the sector’s contribution to the UAE’s economy would rise to AED 236 billion in 2024, accounting for 12% of the national GDP.
Hotel revenue climbed to AED 33.5 billion during the first nine months of 2024, reflecting a 4% growth compared to the same period in 2023. The average hotel occupancy rate reached 77.8%, among the highest globally, with approximately 75.5 million hotel nights recorded from January to September—a year-on-year increase of 8%.
Passenger traffic at Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah airports surpassed 103 million by the end of September, and the General Civil Aviation Authority estimates UAE airports will handle around 150 million passengers by the end of 2024.
The UAE introduced the National Tourism Charter as part of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, aimed at unifying national efforts to foster sustainable growth in tourism. The charter emphasizes Emiratisation in the sector by partnering with relevant entities to job opportunities for UAE nationals across various tourism activities and industries. This initiative aims to bolster the UAE’s regional and global competitiveness and foster collaboration among all seven emirates.
Additionally, the UAE 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, the campaign promotes sustainable agricultural practices and encourages tourism to farms and agricultural projects across the emirates, fostering community engagement in environmental sustainability.
The UAE secured the top spot regionally and ranked 18th globally in the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI). It also leads globally in travel and tourism data provision and air transport infrastructure, ranks second in overall infrastructure and services, and holds third place in data comprehensiveness, air transport service efficiency, and travel and tourism policy and infrastructure.
A report by the World Travel and Tourism Council projected the sector’s contribution to the UAE’s economy would rise to AED 236 billion in 2024, accounting for 12% of the national GDP.
Hotel revenue climbed to AED 33.5 billion during the first nine months of 2024, reflecting a 4% growth compared to the same period in 2023. The average hotel occupancy rate reached 77.8%, among the highest globally, with approximately 75.5 million hotel nights recorded from January to September—a year-on-year increase of 8%.
Passenger traffic at Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah airports surpassed 103 million by the end of September, and the General Civil Aviation Authority estimates UAE airports will handle around 150 million passengers by the end of 2024.
The UAE introduced the National Tourism Charter as part of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, aimed at unifying national efforts to foster sustainable growth in tourism. The charter emphasizes Emiratisation in the sector by partnering with relevant entities to job opportunities for UAE nationals across various tourism activities and industries. This initiative aims to bolster the UAE’s regional and global competitiveness and foster collaboration among all seven emirates.
Additionally, the UAE 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, the campaign promotes sustainable agricultural practices and encourages tourism to farms and agricultural projects across the emirates, fostering community engagement in environmental sustainability.