The UAE has become a global hub for tourism. In 2024 alone, the sector added a massive AED 220 billion to the country’s GDP. With tourism now accounting for 11.7% of the national economy, it’s clear just how big of a role it plays not only in driving growth but also in supporting the UAE’s push toward a more diverse and dynamic economic future. The tourism sector is not just about luxurious malls and architectural marvels; it’s a multifaceted industry with far-reaching benefits.
The numbers are staggering. By the middle of 2024, the UAE had already rolled out the welcome mat for more than 30 million international visitors. Dubai alone saw a huge crowd, over 5.18 million guests, just in the first quarter!
Iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque continue to attract large numbers of tourists. This increase in visitors helps the economy and supports over 809,000 jobs. This accounts for “one in every nine jobs” in the United Arab Emirate.
Tourist spending has skyrocketed! In 2023 alone, international visitors boosted their spending by 40%, bringing the total to a whopping AED 175 billion. And it’s not just travelers from abroad domestic tourism is booming too, with locals spending over AED 55.5 billion in 2024. Together, these numbers reinforce the UAE’s standing as a major player on the world tourism stage.
