UAE tourism in 2025 delivered one of its strongest performances on record, 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.
Record Hotel Performance Across the UAE
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 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.
Aviation Growth Cements UAE's Status as a Global Hub
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 premier global travel hub.
Major Tourism Projects Shaping 2025
Several landmark tourism projects shaped the year. These included 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.
World's Coolest Winter Campaign Drives Seasonal Surge
Seasonal campaigns added significant momentum. The "World's Coolest Winter" initiative attracted over 4.4 million visitors and generated nearly Dhs1.9 billion in hotel revenues, demonstrating the power of coordinated destination marketing.
UAE Secures Historic Global Leadership in Tourism
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 — a role she will begin in 2026. The unanimous endorsement by more than 160 member states reflects the UAE's growing influence in shaping the future of global travel.
