The UAE’s tourism sector continued its upward trajectory in 2025, reinforcing its role as a key contributor to the national economy and a hub for international visitors.
The tourism and travel sector contributed Dhs257.3 billion to the UAE’s gross domestic product, representing 13 percent of the economy. Hotels welcomed 23.27 million guests in the first nine months of the year, a 4.9% increase compared with the same period last year. Total hotel nights exceeded 79.3 million, while hotel revenues rose 7.2% to over Dhs35.9 billion.
Average hotel occupancy reached 79.2%, with 46.17 million rooms occupied, up 3.5%. The average daily room rate increased 4.2% to Dhs557, supported by a total hotel capacity of 216,248 rooms across 1,246 establishments.
The aviation sector maintained strong growth, with Abu Dhabi Airports, Dubai International Airport, and Sharjah International Airport handling a combined 108.59 million passengers by the end of September.
New projects and initiatives
Several major tourism projects were launched or announced in 2025, including the Dhs2 billion Therme Dubai wellness and leisure destination, Abu Dhabi’s interactive Butterfly Sanctuary, Wynn Al Marjan Island hotel and resort in Ras Al Khaimah, and the Avani+ Fujairah Resort scheduled to open in 2028.
Other developments include Sharjah’s Dhs3.5 billion Al Tay Hills project, the second phase of the Umm Al Qaiwain Creek Waterfront, and the announcement of a Disney theme park and resort on Yas Island, one of the largest global entertainment projects.
The fifth edition of the “World’s Coolest Winter” campaign concluded in February under the theme “Green Tourism,” attracting over 4.4 million guests—a 62% increase from the previous edition—and generating nearly Dhs1.9 billion in hotel revenues, up 86.9%. The campaign reached 224.7 million people worldwide.
The UAE also renewed its membership on the Executive Council of UN Tourism for the 2025–2029 term. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais was elected Secretary-General of UN Tourism for the 2026–2029 term, becoming the first woman to hold the post.
In 2025, Masfout village was named “Best Tourism Village in the World,” and the UAE ranked among the world’s top seven destinations for international tourism spending.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
