UAE Tourism Sector Posts Robust Growth in 2025, Strengthening Role as Key Economic Driver
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: The United Arab Emirates’ tourism sector maintained a strong upward trajectory in 2025, reinforcing its position as one of the country’s most dynamic economic sectors and a leading destination for global investment and visitors, supported by world-class infrastructure, flagship projects, and strong competitiveness indicators.
According to official figures, the tourism and travel sector contributed AED 257.3 billion to the national gross domestic product, accounting for 13 percent of the UAE economy. Hotel establishments welcomed 23.27 million guests during the first nine months of the year, reflecting a 4.9 percent year-on-year increase, while total hotel nights exceeded 79.3 million. Hotel revenues rose by 7.2 percent to more than AED 35.9 billion.
Average hotel occupancy reached 79.2 percent, with the number of occupied rooms increasing by 3.5 percent to 46.17 million. The average daily room rate climbed 4.2 percent to AED 557, supported by a total hospitality capacity of 216,248 rooms across 1,246 hotel establishments nationwide.
The aviation sector also recorded strong performance, with Abu Dhabi Airports, Dubai International Airport, and Sharjah International Airport collectively handling 108.59 million passengers by the end of September, underscoring the UAE’s role as a global air travel hub.
The year witnessed the launch and announcement of several landmark tourism and leisure projects, including the AED 2 billion Therme Dubai wellness and leisure destination; the opening of Abu Dhabi’s interactive Butterfly Sanctuary; the Wynn Al Marjan Island hotel and resort in Ras Al Khaimah; the Avani+ Fujairah Resort, scheduled to open in 2028; the AED 3.5 billion Al Tay Hills project in Sharjah; the second phase of the Umm Al Qaiwain Creek Waterfront; and the announcement of a Disney theme park and resort on Yas Island, one of the largest global entertainment projects.
In February, the fifth edition of the “World’s Coolest Winter” campaign concluded under the theme “Green Tourism,” generating hotel revenues of nearly AED 1.9 billion, an increase of 86.9 percent, and attracting more than 4.4 million guests, up 62 percent compared with the previous edition. The campaign reached 224.7 million people worldwide.
On the international stage, the UAE renewed its membership on the Executive Council of UN Tourism for the 2025–2029 term, highlighting its growing influence in shaping the future of global tourism. In a historic milestone, Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais was elected Secretary-General of UN Tourism for the 2026–2029 term, becoming the first woman to hold the post since the organization’s establishment.
Among other notable achievements in 2025, Masfout village was named the “Best Tourism Village in the World 2025,” while the UAE ranked among the top seven global destinations for international tourism spending, further cementing its status as a premier global tourism hub.
