ABU DHABI: The UAE’s tourism industry is on a record-breaking streak, with hotel revenues reaching AED45 billion in 2024, according to Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri. Backed by steady policy support and leadership vision, the tourism sector has seen impressive growth, contributing significantly to the national economy’s resilience and innovation-driven future.
The latest numbers highlight strong performance across the board. Hotel occupancy hit 78%, putting the UAE among the top global destinations. A total of 30.8 million hotel guests stayed in the country last year—a 9.5% jump—which already meets 77% of the UAE’s ‘National Tourism Strategy 2031’ target, seven years ahead of schedule.
Tourism continues to be a key economic pillar. Sixteen new hotels opened in 2024 alone, raising the country’s total to 1,251 hotels with 216,966 rooms, both up by 3%. This expansion reflects investor confidence in the UAE’s growing global reputation as a premium destination.
Minister bin Touq credited the success to long-term planning, innovation, and international cooperation, saying the UAE is working towards becoming the “best tourism identity globally” by the next decade. He also emphasised a stronger focus on special interest tourism, such as culture, adventure and eco-tourism, as well as boosting Emirati participation in the sector.
The surge in tourism is helping diversify the economy and attract more foreign investment into hospitality, events, and related sectors.
With the current growth pace, the ambitious goal of 40 million hotel guests by 2031 may well be achieved even earlier than expected.
