emirates7 - The UAE is steadily reinforcing its status as a top global destination for tourism investment, driven by a welcoming investment climate, world-class infrastructure, and progressive policies that promote growth across the sector.
Investment opportunities in the UAE’s tourism industry are expanding rapidly, spanning infrastructure development, hospitality ventures such as hotels and resorts, entertainment initiatives, and sustainable tourism projects aligned with the nation’s green economy objectives.
Government bodies remain instrumental in this progress by launching strategic initiatives that enhance tourist attractions, encourage innovation, and foster public-private partnerships to maintain high standards of quality and excellence.
Guided by its National Tourism Strategy 2031, the UAE aspires to become one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. The strategy targets raising the sector’s GDP contribution to AED450 billion, attracting AED100 billion in new investments, and welcoming 40 million hotel guests annually by 2031.
In the past year, the UAE’s tourism industry achieved notable growth. Hotel revenues climbed to nearly AED45 billion—a 3% increase from 2023—while hotel occupancy reached 78%, ranking among the highest both regionally and globally.
The country secured the top spot in the Middle East and North Africa and ranked 18th globally in the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024.
According to consulting firm Arthur D. Little, the UAE has evolved beyond luxury hotel development, successfully blending hospitality with rich cultural and entertainment experiences.
Tourism professionals and industry leaders agree that the sector still has considerable untapped potential. They believe that major ongoing and upcoming projects — both within tourism and in complementary industries — will continue to fuel tourism growth and enhance the UAE’s appeal to investors.
Mohamed Al Rais, Honorary Chairman of the Dubai Travel and Tour Agents Group (DTTAG) and Executive Director of Al Rais Travel and Shipping Agencies, highlighted the UAE’s impressive strides in recent years. He noted that groundbreaking developments have positioned the country as a regional leader in tourism offerings and a global benchmark in various tourism segments.
He added that large-scale projects across the emirates are solidifying the UAE’s reputation as a world-class destination for tourism and investment — reflecting strong investor trust in the sector’s long-term sustainable potential.
Carlton Hotel and Suites UAE CEO, Hosni Abdelhadi, echoed these sentiments, pointing to the sector’s dynamic progress as evidence of a clear and strategic leadership vision. He stressed that the continued expansion of tourism and hospitality infrastructure is not only fueling growth but also reinforcing investor confidence and unlocking new growth opportunities.
Investment opportunities in the UAE’s tourism industry are expanding rapidly, spanning infrastructure development, hospitality ventures such as hotels and resorts, entertainment initiatives, and sustainable tourism projects aligned with the nation’s green economy objectives.
Government bodies remain instrumental in this progress by launching strategic initiatives that enhance tourist attractions, encourage innovation, and foster public-private partnerships to maintain high standards of quality and excellence.
Guided by its National Tourism Strategy 2031, the UAE aspires to become one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. The strategy targets raising the sector’s GDP contribution to AED450 billion, attracting AED100 billion in new investments, and welcoming 40 million hotel guests annually by 2031.
In the past year, the UAE’s tourism industry achieved notable growth. Hotel revenues climbed to nearly AED45 billion—a 3% increase from 2023—while hotel occupancy reached 78%, ranking among the highest both regionally and globally.
The country secured the top spot in the Middle East and North Africa and ranked 18th globally in the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024.
According to consulting firm Arthur D. Little, the UAE has evolved beyond luxury hotel development, successfully blending hospitality with rich cultural and entertainment experiences.
Tourism professionals and industry leaders agree that the sector still has considerable untapped potential. They believe that major ongoing and upcoming projects — both within tourism and in complementary industries — will continue to fuel tourism growth and enhance the UAE’s appeal to investors.
Mohamed Al Rais, Honorary Chairman of the Dubai Travel and Tour Agents Group (DTTAG) and Executive Director of Al Rais Travel and Shipping Agencies, highlighted the UAE’s impressive strides in recent years. He noted that groundbreaking developments have positioned the country as a regional leader in tourism offerings and a global benchmark in various tourism segments.
He added that large-scale projects across the emirates are solidifying the UAE’s reputation as a world-class destination for tourism and investment — reflecting strong investor trust in the sector’s long-term sustainable potential.
Carlton Hotel and Suites UAE CEO, Hosni Abdelhadi, echoed these sentiments, pointing to the sector’s dynamic progress as evidence of a clear and strategic leadership vision. He stressed that the continued expansion of tourism and hospitality infrastructure is not only fueling growth but also reinforcing investor confidence and unlocking new growth opportunities.