The UAE’s tourism sector generated AED 45 billion in hotel revenues in 2024, marking a 3% increase from the previous year, according to H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council.
Al Marri credited the sector’s growth to the UAE’s forward-thinking vision and the successful implementation of sustainable tourism policies. He highlighted that tourism continues to be a cornerstone of the national economy, playing a key role in the country’s shift toward a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.
In 2024, hotel occupancy across the UAE reached 78%, placing it among the highest in the world. This growth was supported by the opening of 16 new hotels across the seven emirates, bringing the total number of hotels in the country to 1,251 by the end of the year.
The total number of hotel rooms also grew by 3% annually, reaching 216,966. The number of hotel guests saw a significant increase, with 30.8 million recorded in 2024, reflecting a 9.5% rise compared to the previous year.
This surge in tourist arrivals represents 77% of the UAE’s target under its ‘National Tourism Strategy 2031’, which aims to attract 40 million hotel guests annually by the end of the decade. The milestone was reached seven years ahead of schedule, showcasing the resilience and strength of the UAE’s tourism sector.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to further enhancing the sector through investments in infrastructure, digital transformation, and sustainability initiatives.
