Latest news with #Dh267.5
Al Etihad
26-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE tourism set for landmark year with projected Dh267.5b GDP contribution
27 May 2025 00:30 KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)The UAE is poised to achieve a landmark year in tourism, with the sector projected to contribute Dh267.5 billion to the national economy in 2025, representing nearly 13% of GDP, according to new data from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).This milestone comes alongside record-breaking international visitor spend, which is forecast to reach Dh228.5 billion, 37% above pre-pandemic levels. Domestic tourism is also surging, with Dh60 billion in spending expected this year - 47% higher than in 2019, underscoring the strength of the local travel market."The UAE continues to lead the way in global travel and tourism. From cutting-edge smart cities to exceptional hospitality and seamless visa systems, the country is a model of how strategic vision drives economic growth," Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO, said in a statement."With initiatives like the Tourism Strategy 2031 and the National Tourism Charter, the UAE is building a future-ready sector rooted in sustainability and innovation. With strong leadership and public-private alignment, 2025 is set to mark yet another chapter in the UAE's remarkable tourism success story." Abu Dhabi Sees Robust Growth in Q1Complementing the national outlook, Abu Dhabi's tourism sector is tracking exceptional growth. According to the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), the emirate welcomed 1.4 million overnight visitors in Q1 2025, building momentum toward its target of Dh62 billion in tourism GDP contribution this year, a 13% increase over sector performance has mirrored this visitor growth. The first quarter of the year saw Dh2.3 billion in hotel revenues in the capital, marking an 18% year-on-year increase, while revenue per available room jumped 25% to Dh484. Occupancy rates averaged 79%, including during the holy month of Ramadan."Our strategic approach to elevating Abu Dhabi as a cultural and tourism destination is delivering tangible results," said Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi."Sustained investment into data-led destination marketing, diversified programming, a culture-first ethos, and ever-improving visitor experience touchpoints have driven robust growth in Q1 2025, building on a strong 2024."DCT highlighted the importance of cultural identity towards Abu Dhabi's tourism strategy. This has largely centred around the Saadiyat Cultural District, already home to the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi and the newly opened teamLab Phenomena, which will soon be joined by the Zayed National Museum, and the Guggenheim Abu to WTTC forecasts, the UAE's travel and tourism sector is expected to continue its upward trajectory over the next decade, contributing nearly Dh287.8 billion to the economy by 2035. Employment in the sector is also projected to exceed 1 million jobs, further embedding tourism into the country's economic fabric. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Daily Tribune
20-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Do you know? 1 million job vacancies available in UAE
The United Arab Emirates is poised to become one of the world's leading travel and tourism powerhouses this year, with the sector expected to support more than 925,000 jobs by the end of 2025. This growth follows a strong post-pandemic recovery and is driven by ambitious national strategies and rising visitor demand, according to new data released by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). The WTTC's annual Economic Impact Research (EIR) report projects that international visitor spending in the UAE will reach a record Dh228.5 billion in 2025 — a 37% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Domestic travel is also on the rise, with local visitor spending estimated to hit Dh60 billion, up 47% from 2019. The sector is forecasted to contribute Dh267.5 billion to the UAE's national economy this year, accounting for nearly 13% of the country's GDP. "The UAE continues to lead the way in global travel and tourism. From smart cities to streamlined visas and world-class hospitality, it exemplifies how strategic planning can boost economic growth," said Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO. Simpson highlighted the UAE's forward-thinking approach through initiatives like the Tourism Strategy 2031 and National Tourism Charter, which focus on sustainability, innovation, and long-term development. Record Year for UAE Travel in 2024 In 2024, the travel and tourism industry added Dh257.3 billion to the economy, supporting over 898,600 jobs, or roughly 1 in 8 jobs nationwide. Dubai alone welcomed 18.72 million international visitors, marking a 9% increase compared to 2023. International visitor spending totaled Dh217.3 billion, while domestic spending reached Dh57.6 billion. Looking ahead, WTTC predicts the UAE's tourism sector will contribute nearly Dh287.8 billion to the national economy by 2035 and create more than 1 million jobs. Abu Dhabi's Expanding Attractions Abu Dhabi continues to position itself as a global leisure and cultural hub. Highlights include: Innovative attractions like teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, a digital art experience, have also added to the capital's growing tourism appeal. Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030 aims to attract 39.3 million visitors, reinforcing the UAE's position as a global tourism leader.
