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- On the global stage, the UAE strengthened its tourism leadership by securing a renewed seat on the UN Tourism Executive Council and making history with Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais elected as the organisation’s first female Secretary-General.
- Several major tourism projects shaped the year, including the Dhs2 billion Therme Dubai wellness destination, the opening of Abu Dhabi’s Butterfly Sanctuary, and the announcement of the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort in Ras Al Khaimah.
- 3 billion to the national economy and accounting for 13 per cent of the country’s GDP, according to official data reported by state news agency WAM.
The UAE tourism sector delivered one of its strongest performances ever in 2025, contributing Dhs257.3 billion to the national economy and accounting for 13 per cent of the country’s GDP, according to official data reported by state news agency WAM.
Driven by rising international arrivals, large-scale developments and world-class infrastructure, tourism and travel continued to strengthen their position as one of the UAE’s most important economic pillars. Hotel establishments across the country welcomed 23.27 million guests in the first nine months of 2025, marking a 4.9 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
Total hotel nights crossed 79.3 million, while hotel revenues rose 7.2 per cent to more than Dhs35.9 billion. Average hotel occupancy reached an impressive 79.2 per cent, with occupied rooms increasing 3.5 per cent to 46.17 million nationwide. The average daily room rate also climbed 4.2 per cent to Dhs557, supported by a growing supply of more than 216,000 hotel rooms across 1,246 properties.
The aviation sector mirrored this growth, with Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah airports handling a combined 108.59 million passengers by the end of September, underlining the UAE’s status as a global travel hub.
Several major tourism projects shaped the year, including the Dhs2 billion Therme Dubai wellness destination, the opening of Abu Dhabi’s Butterfly Sanctuary, and the announcement of the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort in Ras Al Khaimah. Sharjah, Fujairah and Umm Al Qaiwain also advanced large-scale hospitality and waterfront developments, while plans for a Disney theme park on Yas Island generated global attention.
Seasonal campaigns added momentum, with the “World’s Coolest Winter” initiative attracting over 4.4 million visitors and generating nearly Dhs1.9 billion in hotel revenues.
On the global stage, the UAE strengthened its tourism leadership by securing a renewed seat on the UN Tourism Executive Council and making history with Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais elected as the organisation’s first female Secretary-General.
