UAE Tourism Revenue Reaches AED45 Billion in 2024 as Sector Outperforms Growth Targets

Abu Dhabi, April 9 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The United Arab Emirates’ tourism sector achieved robust growth in 2024, generating AED45 billion in hotel revenues and welcoming 30.8 million hotel guests, according to Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council.

In a statement highlighting the sector’s performance, bin Touq attributed the continued expansion to the visionary leadership of the UAE and its implementation of sustainable strategies that enhance competitiveness and resilience within the national economy.

“Tourism remains a key pillar in strengthening the national economy and supporting the UAE’s shift toward a knowledge- and innovation-driven model,” said bin Touq.

According to official data, hotel occupancy rates climbed to 78 percent in 2024, placing the UAE among the top-performing destinations globally. The growth was underpinned by the addition of 16 new hotels, increasing the country’s total to 1,251 establishments and 216,966 hotel rooms—a 3 percent year-on-year rise.

Bin Touq emphasized that the country continues to accelerate efforts to diversify tourism offerings, foster Emirati talent, and attract foreign investment across all areas of the tourism ecosystem. He noted ongoing collaboration with local and international tourism bodies to promote the UAE’s global tourism brand and achieve the goals set out in the National Tourism Strategy 2031.

The strategy, launched to elevate the UAE’s position as a global tourism leader, targets 40 million hotel guests annually by 2031. With 30.8 million guests recorded in 2024, the UAE has already achieved 77 percent of that target—seven years ahead of schedule.

“Given the current growth trajectory, we are well on track to reaching our strategic goal,” bin Touq added.

The UAE’s tourism expansion is part of a broader national agenda to position the country as a global hub for innovation, culture, and investment, in alignment with long-term development objectives.