UAE among top 7 destinations for international tourist spending
The UAE's travel and tourism sector delivered a standout performance in 2024, contributing AED 257.3 billion to the national GDP — 13 per cent of the total economy, according to a report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
This marks a 3.2 per cent increase from 2023 and a 26 per cent surge compared to 2019, placing the UAE among the top global performers in tourism-driven economic growth.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, praised the sector's achievements, highlighting the UAE's ranking among the top seven global destinations for international tourist spending.
In 2024, international visitor spending exceeded AED 217 billion, while domestic tourism reached AED 57 billion.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, credited the success to strategic planning and proactive initiatives. He reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to tourism as a key pillar of economic diversification and sustainable development.
The UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 aims to further boost the sector's GDP contribution to AED 450 billion and attract 40 million hotel guests annually by the next decade.
The WTTC report also revealed the UAE's strong international appeal, with visitors coming from: India (14%), United Kingdom (8%), Russia (8%), China (5%), Saudi Arabia (5%), other markets (60%).
Despite rapid growth, the UAE remains committed to sustainability. In 2023, tourism-related carbon emissions accounted for just 13.3 per cent of the country's total, reflecting efforts to integrate environmental standards across the sector.
On the social front, the report noted that women made up 16.3 per cent of the UAE's tourism workforce in 2023, while youth aged 15–24 represented 9.7 per cent, underscoring the sector's role in empowering future generations.
Globally, the travel and tourism sector added $10.9 trillion to the world economy in 2024, accounting for 10 per cent of global GDP.
pic.twitter.com/BKilh4q25z
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) June 26, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Dubai Eye
4 hours ago
- Dubai Eye
UAE among top 7 destinations for international tourist spending
The UAE's travel and tourism sector delivered a standout performance in 2024, contributing AED 257.3 billion to the national GDP — 13 per cent of the total economy, according to a report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). This marks a 3.2 per cent increase from 2023 and a 26 per cent surge compared to 2019, placing the UAE among the top global performers in tourism-driven economic growth. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, praised the sector's achievements, highlighting the UAE's ranking among the top seven global destinations for international tourist spending. In 2024, international visitor spending exceeded AED 217 billion, while domestic tourism reached AED 57 billion. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, credited the success to strategic planning and proactive initiatives. He reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to tourism as a key pillar of economic diversification and sustainable development. The UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 aims to further boost the sector's GDP contribution to AED 450 billion and attract 40 million hotel guests annually by the next decade. The WTTC report also revealed the UAE's strong international appeal, with visitors coming from: India (14%), United Kingdom (8%), Russia (8%), China (5%), Saudi Arabia (5%), other markets (60%). Despite rapid growth, the UAE remains committed to sustainability. In 2023, tourism-related carbon emissions accounted for just 13.3 per cent of the country's total, reflecting efforts to integrate environmental standards across the sector. On the social front, the report noted that women made up 16.3 per cent of the UAE's tourism workforce in 2023, while youth aged 15–24 represented 9.7 per cent, underscoring the sector's role in empowering future generations. Globally, the travel and tourism sector added $10.9 trillion to the world economy in 2024, accounting for 10 per cent of global GDP. — UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) June 26, 2025
Dubai Eye
4 hours ago
- Dubai Eye
Dubai unveils policies to boost education, environmental standards
The Executive Council of Dubai has approved a series of strategic policies and projects aimed at strengthening the emirate's position as a global hub for education, business and sustainable development. These initiatives cover a wide range of sectors including higher education, career guidance, air quality, corporate dispute mediation and construction sector governance. The approvals came during a meeting of The Executive Council, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the importance of empowering youth, stating that Dubai continues to invest in world-class academic and research opportunities. He noted that the emirate is home to 37 international university branches, with plans to attract more as part of the Education Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. His Highness also congratulated students who completed their secondary education this year and wished success to those continuing their studies or beginning their careers. Among the key announcements: Academic and Career Guidance Policy: A new framework to support schools and universities in delivering career counselling, helping students transition from education to employment while fostering links with the business sector. Dubai International Mediation Centre: An initiative to position Dubai as a trusted global hub for corporate dispute resolution. Air Quality Strategy 2030: Aimed at protecting the environment and biodiversity while improving quality of life for residents. Governance Policy for Government Construction Projects: Designed to strengthen public-private partnerships and raise standards in government-led construction. Hamdan bin Mohammed approves an array of key strategic policies and projects during a meeting of The Executive Council. The initiatives spanning areas such as higher education, career guidance, air quality, corporate dispute mediation, and governance in the construction sector… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 26, 2025
ARN News Center
5 hours ago
- ARN News Center
UAE among top 7 destinations for international tourist spending
The UAE's travel and tourism sector delivered a standout performance in 2024, contributing AED 257.3 billion to the national GDP — 13 per cent of the total economy, according to a report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). This marks a 3.2 per cent increase from 2023 and a 26 per cent surge compared to 2019, placing the UAE among the top global performers in tourism-driven economic growth. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, praised the sector's achievements, highlighting the UAE's ranking among the top seven global destinations for international tourist spending. In 2024, international visitor spending exceeded AED 217 billion, while domestic tourism reached AED 57 billion. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, credited the success to strategic planning and proactive initiatives. He reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to tourism as a key pillar of economic diversification and sustainable development. The UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 aims to further boost the sector's GDP contribution to AED 450 billion and attract 40 million hotel guests annually by the next decade. The WTTC report also revealed the UAE's strong international appeal, with visitors coming from: India (14%), United Kingdom (8%), Russia (8%), China (5%), Saudi Arabia (5%), other markets (60%). Despite rapid growth, the UAE remains committed to sustainability. In 2023, tourism-related carbon emissions accounted for just 13.3 per cent of the country's total, reflecting efforts to integrate environmental standards across the sector. On the social front, the report noted that women made up 16.3 per cent of the UAE's tourism workforce in 2023, while youth aged 15–24 represented 9.7 per cent, underscoring the sector's role in empowering future generations. Globally, the travel and tourism sector added $10.9 trillion to the world economy in 2024, accounting for 10 per cent of global GDP. — UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) June 26, 2025
