The UAE's tourism sector achieved exceptional growth in 2024, significantly contributing to the nation's GDP with a record increase in both international and local tourist spending. The UAE stands out as one of the top global destinations for international spending, showcasing diversity and leveraging strategic initiatives to sustain its tourism leadership.

Dubai - WAM

The latest report from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) reveals that the travel and tourism sector in the United Arab Emirates achieved remarkable performance in 2024. The sector's contribution to the nation's GDP soared to AED 257.3 billion ($70.1 billion), representing 13% of the national economy. This marks a 3.2% increase from 2023 and a 26% rise from 2019, positioning the UAE among the highest contributors to economic growth globally and regionally through tourism.

Exceptional Achievements in Tourism

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, stated, "In a new indication of the strength and diversity of our national economy, the WTTC report highlights exceptional achievements for the UAE’s tourism sector, with international tourist spending reaching over AED 217 billion last year and local tourist spending at AED 57 billion. The UAE ranks among the top seven global destinations in international tourist spending, surpassing countries with centuries-long histories in this arena."

He further added, "We welcome tourists, delight in investors, embrace talents, and build the best environment for life, tourism, and visits. Welcome to the world."

Showcasing Tourism Diversity

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the UAE Tourism Board, affirmed the UAE’s dedication to tourism as a key driver of economic growth and diversification. By adopting proactive tourism initiatives and strategies, the UAE has successfully offered a unique tourism experience globally, enhancing its appeal for diverse tourism investments and projects, promoting unique landmarks across the seven emirates, and improving travel infrastructures.

"Recently, the UAE achieved a historic milestone by appointing Sheikha Al Nuwais as the elected Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization. Today, we celebrate tourism outcomes from the WTTC, a testament to our wise leadership's vision to enhance tourism competitiveness, job opportunities, and the UAE's standing as a leading destination," said Al Marri.

He added, "These outcomes confirm the UAE’s confident stride toward achieving the 'National Tourism Strategy 2031' targets. This involves increasing the tourism sector's GDP contribution to AED 450 billion and boosting hotel guest numbers to 40 million annually by the next decade," highlighting continued national efforts to develop a comprehensive tourism system based on global best practices.

The UAE Sustains Leadership

According to the report, the UAE maintains its leadership as a top global destination, attracting international tourists from major markets, such as India (14%), the UK (8%), Russia (8%), China (5%), and Saudi Arabia (5%), with 60% from the rest of the world. This geographical diversity underscores its advanced global status in tourism and the success of its flexible national policies in attracting varied visitor demographics.

In 2024, international visitors spent AED 217.3 billion ($59.2 billion) in the UAE, marking a 5.8% increase from 2023 and a 30.4% rise from 2019. Meanwhile, local tourism spending grew significantly to AED 57.6 billion ($15.7 billion), marking a 2.4% increase from 2023 and 41% from 2019.

The report anticipates that international tourist spending will climb by 5.2% this year to AED 228.5 billion, with local tourist spending rising by 4.3% to AED 60 billion.

The WTTC report highlights that leisure tourism represented 84.7% of total tourism spending last year, while business tourism accounted for 15.3%, indicating the sector's flexibility in balancing recreational and commercial activities. Moreover, 79% of tourism spending stemmed from international visitors, compared to 21% from local tourists.

Despite rapid sector growth, the UAE remains committed to environmental standards and sustainability, with tourism-related carbon emissions comprising only 13.3% of total national emissions in 2023, aligned with the country's vision to enhance sustainability across various tourism activities.

On the societal front, the report highlights that women represent 16.3% of the direct workforce in the UAE's tourism and travel sector in 2023, while youth (aged 15-24) constitute 9.7% of total sector employment. Additionally, the sector contributed $8.6 billion in tax revenues from tourism activities, accounting for 5.4% of governmental revenues, underlining the sector’s increasing financial significance.

Globally, the report states that travel and tourism contributed $10.9 trillion to the international GDP in 2024, representing 10% of the global economy, with an 8.5% increase from 2023 and a 6% rise from 2019. This sector provided 356.6 million jobs in 2024, amounting to 10.6% of global employment, recording a 6.2% increase from 2023.