The tourism sector in the United Arab Emirates continues to strengthen its potential to attract visitors from around the globe, thanks to the annual introduction of high-quality facilities and exceptional entertainment destinations.
This year has witnessed the launch of several large-scale tourism and entertainment projects across various emirates, aimed at enhancing the sector’s global appeal and competitiveness, while also increasing its contribution to the national economy.
The announcement of the development of the Disney World and Resort on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi stands out as the most significant event in the UAE’s tourism and entertainment sector for 2025.
After nearly a decade since the opening of its last destination worldwide, Disney has chosen Abu Dhabi to be its seventh city to host a Disney park and resort.
In addition to this landmark, Abu Dhabi is preparing to complete new tourism projects this year, including the cultural district at Saadiyat Island, which will house the Zayed National Museum, the Abu Dhabi Natural History Museum, the digital art museum “teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi,” and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
This year, Abu Dhabi will also see the inauguration of its first interactive butterfly sanctuary, part of the Abu Dhabi Butterfly Garden, which will feature over 10,000 butterflies in lush tropical landscapes contained within climate-controlled domes that replicate various global ecosystems.
Meanwhile, the emirate of Dubai has announced the launch of the “Therm Dubai” project, which includes a health resort and an interactive park, marking the first of its kind in the Middle East and the longest globally. This project will be executed in Zabeel Park at an estimated cost of 2 billion dirhams, with completion expected by 2028.
This initiative combines elements of relaxation, entertainment, family fun, health services, and a natural environment, covering an area of 500,000 square feet and reaching a height of 100 meters, with a capacity of 1.7 million visitors annually.
The project will feature areas for physiotherapy, various thermal baths, dedicated wellness floors, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and three waterfalls, each 18 meters high.
Dubai continues to progress on several significant tourism and entertainment projects, including the mountain walking path in Mushrif National Park, which is the first and longest of its type in the city, and will encompass “Mushrif Hub,” a recreational initiative offering an array of integrated entertainment services, as well as the Hatta Mountain Bike Trail, which spans 86 km with 21 bike tracks and 17 walking paths.
In Sharjah, the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has announced the “Klabaa Rock Art Centre” project, recognized as one of the largest and richest rock art sites in the UAE, providing insight into the region’s history through its inscriptions and artifacts.
Shurooq is also working on the “Klabaa Beach” project, which stretches over 700 meters and will include 11 commercial units featuring restaurants, cafes, kiosks, a prayer area, and an indoor play zone.
The authority unveiled the latest updates on the “Rahhal” project, set to be completed in the last quarter of this year, including a 7.44 km mountain walking path that features a moderate 5 km course suitable for beginners and professionals, along with a steeper 2.44 km route leading to one of Klabaa’s peaks for adventure enthusiasts.
In Umm Al-Quwain, the launch of the “Downtown Umm Al-Quwain” project has been announced, a comprehensive development along the emirate’s coast covering 25 million square feet, featuring an 11-kilometer waterfront, including 7 kilometers of natural beaches and parks.
Umm Al-Quwain has also opened the “Lux Glamp” project, a notable environmentally-focused tourism initiative located in the heart of the Umm Al-Quwain Mangrove Reserve, which will offer a unique accommodation experience blending tranquility with luxury, supported by recreational and service facilities that meet visitor expectations.
The Department of Tourism and Antiquities in Umm Al-Quwain has launched the second phase of the Al Khor waterfront project, one of the major initiatives aimed at developing the tourism sector in the emirate by integrating leisure, shopping, sports, and culture.
Ras Al Khaimah has announced the development of a new range of luxury hotels, including the NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island with 156 rooms, the Fairmont Marjan Island with 250 rooms, the Taj Wellington Mews Marjan with 336 serviced apartments, and the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Ras Al Khaimah at Al Marjan Island featuring 150 rooms.
The emirate has also welcomed the opening of the Rove Hotel on Marjan Island, a modern beach resort that reflects the elegance of the Rove brand, specifically designed to accommodate guests with disabilities while enhancing destination attractiveness.
The “Wynn Marjan Island” resort is among the highly anticipated tourism and entertainment projects in Ras Al Khaimah, expected to feature over 1,500 rooms and suites upon its opening, alongside a large beachside swimming area with various pools, water features, private cabana huts, and lush tropical landscaping spanning 3.6 hectares.
In Fujairah, Minor Hotels has announced the signing of an agreement to launch the “Avani+ Fujairah” resort, slated to open in 2028.
This beachfront resort overlooks the eastern coast of Fujairah and the Gulf of Oman, featuring 232 rooms with modern designs, as well as 16 spacious villas containing three to five bedrooms.