New Milestones
The UAE tourism sector has achieved significant milestones in 2024.
It made substantial progress towards the goals of the “National Tourism Strategy 2031”.
The UAE tourism ranked first regionally and 18th globally in the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Report 2024
Notably, the country secured the top global position in the Travel and Tourism Data Provision Index.
As well as in the “Air Transport Infrastructure” category.
It also ranked second globally in the Infrastructure and Services Index.
Besides that it took the third position in the following:
- Travel and Tourism Data Comprehensiveness Index
- Air Transport Services Efficiency Index
- Policy and Enabling Environment for Travel and Tourism Index
UAE Tourism Contributes AED 236 billion to National Economy
A report by the World Travel and Tourism Council expected that the UAE’s tourism sector’s contribution to the national economy would increase to AED 236 billion in 2024, accounting for 12% of the country’s gross domestic product.
Revenue from UAE hotel establishments increased by 4% to AED 33.5 billion during the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period last year.
The hotel occupancy rate also increased to 77.8%, one of the highest globally.
While hotel nights reached approximately 75.5 million from January to September 2024, an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah International Airports recorded more than 103 million passengers by the end of September.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority expects passenger traffic to reach around 150 million by the end of the year.
National Tourism Charter
The UAE launched the “National Tourism Charter”.
This initiative aims at unifying national efforts to enhance the sustainable growth of the tourism sector in the country.
The charter reinforces the country’s focus on increasing Emiratization in the tourism sector.
By strengthening cooperation with relevant entities to provide job opportunities in tourism for UAE nationals.
World’s Coolest Winter
The UAE also launched the fifth “World’s Coolest Winter” campaign, under the theme “Green Tourism”.
This was in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, the National Food and Agriculture Center, and local tourism authorities.
The Emirate of Dubai is preparing to launch more than 45 fireworks displays in 36 strategic locations during New Year’s Eve 2025, to include the most famous tourist, hotel and commercial sites. pic.twitter.com/DFdTdVHnyg
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) December 25, 2024
World’s Coolest Winter campaign aims to encourage community participation in sustainable agricultural practices.
And also to stimulate tourism visits to farms and agricultural projects across the seven emirates.
When it comes to tourism awards, Zayed International Airport (AUH) won the “World’s Most Beautiful Airport” award at Prix Versailles for Architecture and Design.
Dubai was also named the world’s best destination in the 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards by TripAdvisor, for the third consecutive year.
