emirates7 - The UAE continues to solidify its reputation as a premier global travel destination, drawing visitors throughout the year, with winter being the peak season for tourism. Under its ambitious Tourism Strategy 2031, the country aims to attract AED 100 billion in tourism investments and host 40 million hotel guests.
According to the 2024 Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) by the World Economic Forum, the UAE secured the top position in the region and ranked 18th globally, marking a seven-spot improvement from the previous edition.
The UAE stands out as the only Middle Eastern nation among the top 10 countries in international tourism revenue. A 2024 report by the World Travel & Tourism Council estimates that the UAE welcomed 29.2 million international tourists last year, reflecting a 15.5% increase compared to 2023. Projections indicate that by 2033, the number of international visitors will rise to approximately 45.5 million.
Winter remains a prime season for tourism in the UAE due to its pleasant climate and diverse range of attractions, from leisure and shopping to business and nature-based experiences. The country offers stunning landscapes, including mountains, deserts, coastlines, and natural reserves.
Recently, the UAE launched the fifth edition of the "World’s Coolest Winter" campaign, which celebrates the nation’s people and places through exceptional tourism experiences. The campaign is designed to appeal to UAE citizens, residents, and international tourists, reinforcing the country’s 53-year journey as a global tourism leader.
As many parts of the world endure freezing temperatures in winter, the UAE attracts visitors seeking warm weather and outdoor adventures. Tourists can enjoy a variety of activities, including desert safaris, mountain excursions, camping, and wadi (valley) exploration.
The UAE’s diverse landscapes—featuring oases, mountains, vast deserts, lagoons, islands, and pristine beaches—make it an ideal destination for adventure seekers and those looking for unique experiences. Continuous infrastructure and service enhancements have further solidified its reputation as a top winter tourism hotspot.
During the winter months, outdoor activities such as desert safaris, mountain hiking, and paragliding become particularly popular. Visitors can also enjoy rock climbing, rappelling, and exploring wadis. Traditional desert camping, camel riding, and immersive Bedouin experiences offer additional cultural highlights. Furthermore, the UAE’s clear desert skies make it an excellent location for stargazing.
Liam Andrew, a tourist from Denmark, described his winter visit to the UAE as an unforgettable experience, praising the country’s enchanting atmosphere and breathtaking natural scenery.
He highlighted the UAE’s diverse landscapes, which include majestic mountains, valleys, expansive beaches, and golden sand dunes, as well as its many tourist attractions.
Visiting the UAE with his wife, Emma, Liam shared, “We had an incredible time engaging in activities like hiking, desert safaris, camping, and mountain and wadi adventures. We also enjoyed sailing, exploring nature reserves, and visiting historic sites such as the Dubai Museum. Strolling through traditional markets, we were captivated by the aroma of incense and the rich cultural heritage of the UAE. The souks were filled with handcrafted goods and cultural artifacts that reflected the country’s deep-rooted traditions.”
According to the 2024 Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) by the World Economic Forum, the UAE secured the top position in the region and ranked 18th globally, marking a seven-spot improvement from the previous edition.
The UAE stands out as the only Middle Eastern nation among the top 10 countries in international tourism revenue. A 2024 report by the World Travel & Tourism Council estimates that the UAE welcomed 29.2 million international tourists last year, reflecting a 15.5% increase compared to 2023. Projections indicate that by 2033, the number of international visitors will rise to approximately 45.5 million.
Winter remains a prime season for tourism in the UAE due to its pleasant climate and diverse range of attractions, from leisure and shopping to business and nature-based experiences. The country offers stunning landscapes, including mountains, deserts, coastlines, and natural reserves.
Recently, the UAE launched the fifth edition of the "World’s Coolest Winter" campaign, which celebrates the nation’s people and places through exceptional tourism experiences. The campaign is designed to appeal to UAE citizens, residents, and international tourists, reinforcing the country’s 53-year journey as a global tourism leader.
As many parts of the world endure freezing temperatures in winter, the UAE attracts visitors seeking warm weather and outdoor adventures. Tourists can enjoy a variety of activities, including desert safaris, mountain excursions, camping, and wadi (valley) exploration.
The UAE’s diverse landscapes—featuring oases, mountains, vast deserts, lagoons, islands, and pristine beaches—make it an ideal destination for adventure seekers and those looking for unique experiences. Continuous infrastructure and service enhancements have further solidified its reputation as a top winter tourism hotspot.
During the winter months, outdoor activities such as desert safaris, mountain hiking, and paragliding become particularly popular. Visitors can also enjoy rock climbing, rappelling, and exploring wadis. Traditional desert camping, camel riding, and immersive Bedouin experiences offer additional cultural highlights. Furthermore, the UAE’s clear desert skies make it an excellent location for stargazing.
Liam Andrew, a tourist from Denmark, described his winter visit to the UAE as an unforgettable experience, praising the country’s enchanting atmosphere and breathtaking natural scenery.
He highlighted the UAE’s diverse landscapes, which include majestic mountains, valleys, expansive beaches, and golden sand dunes, as well as its many tourist attractions.
Visiting the UAE with his wife, Emma, Liam shared, “We had an incredible time engaging in activities like hiking, desert safaris, camping, and mountain and wadi adventures. We also enjoyed sailing, exploring nature reserves, and visiting historic sites such as the Dubai Museum. Strolling through traditional markets, we were captivated by the aroma of incense and the rich cultural heritage of the UAE. The souks were filled with handcrafted goods and cultural artifacts that reflected the country’s deep-rooted traditions.”