emirates7 - The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has revealed that Sharjah hosted around 1.6 million hotel guests in 2024, representing an 11% increase compared to the previous year.
This announcement was made at a press conference on Wednesday, held at the Sharjah Pavilion during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), with participation from SCTDA and over 25 public and private sector entities.
During the event, SCTDA shared key tourism figures for 2024. Russian visitors led the international market with more than 270,000 guests, an 18% year-on-year increase. Indian tourists followed with over 170,000 guests, marking a 6% rise. European arrivals exceeded 100,000, showing a 16% growth, while the number of Chinese visitors experienced a dramatic 828% jump to over 60,000.
Among guests from Arab nations, Oman contributed the highest share at 6%, followed by Saudi Arabia (5%), Egypt (4%), and both Syria and Iraq at 3% each.
SCTDA Chairman Khalid Jasim Al Midfa also announced the official launch of the emirate’s new tourism brand, *Visit Sharjah*. The campaign aims to highlight Sharjah’s wide-ranging tourism assets, which span culture, adventure, nature, and modern experiences, along with major events such as the Sharjah Light Festival.
Reflecting on the 2024 tourism outcomes, Al Midfa emphasized that Sharjah continues to see consistent progress in tourism, driven by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
“These encouraging figures underscore Sharjah’s rising prominence as a global destination that merges heritage with modern appeal,” he said. “The 11% growth in hotel guests demonstrates SCTDA’s effective strategies in enhancing the emirate’s tourism sector in alignment with its long-term development goals.”
He reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to further positioning Sharjah as a key center for sustainable and cultural tourism by continuing to invest in infrastructure and diversifying tourism offerings to enrich the visitor experience.
At ATM 2025, the Sharjah Pavilion engaged visitors with interactive and virtual displays powered by advanced digital tools, offering a glimpse into the emirate’s cultural heritage, current achievements, and future plans.
This announcement was made at a press conference on Wednesday, held at the Sharjah Pavilion during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), with participation from SCTDA and over 25 public and private sector entities.
During the event, SCTDA shared key tourism figures for 2024. Russian visitors led the international market with more than 270,000 guests, an 18% year-on-year increase. Indian tourists followed with over 170,000 guests, marking a 6% rise. European arrivals exceeded 100,000, showing a 16% growth, while the number of Chinese visitors experienced a dramatic 828% jump to over 60,000.
Among guests from Arab nations, Oman contributed the highest share at 6%, followed by Saudi Arabia (5%), Egypt (4%), and both Syria and Iraq at 3% each.
SCTDA Chairman Khalid Jasim Al Midfa also announced the official launch of the emirate’s new tourism brand, *Visit Sharjah*. The campaign aims to highlight Sharjah’s wide-ranging tourism assets, which span culture, adventure, nature, and modern experiences, along with major events such as the Sharjah Light Festival.
Reflecting on the 2024 tourism outcomes, Al Midfa emphasized that Sharjah continues to see consistent progress in tourism, driven by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
“These encouraging figures underscore Sharjah’s rising prominence as a global destination that merges heritage with modern appeal,” he said. “The 11% growth in hotel guests demonstrates SCTDA’s effective strategies in enhancing the emirate’s tourism sector in alignment with its long-term development goals.”
He reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to further positioning Sharjah as a key center for sustainable and cultural tourism by continuing to invest in infrastructure and diversifying tourism offerings to enrich the visitor experience.
At ATM 2025, the Sharjah Pavilion engaged visitors with interactive and virtual displays powered by advanced digital tools, offering a glimpse into the emirate’s cultural heritage, current achievements, and future plans.