Abu Dhabi, UAE – Recent findings from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) indicate that international spending by visitors in the United Arab Emirates is expected to hit an unprecedented AED 228.5 billion by 2025, marking a 37% increase from the peak level seen in 2019.
The annual Economic Impact Research (EIR) conducted by the global tourism organization suggests that the Travel & Tourism sector in the UAE is on track for another record-breaking year in 2025, projected to contribute AED 267.5 billion to the national economy, which would represent nearly 13% of the country’s GDP.
The study also notes that by year’s end, the Travel & Tourism industry will support over 925,000 jobs.
Domestic spending by tourists is also anticipated to achieve a new high of AED 60 billion, equating to a 47% increase from 2019, further demonstrating the enduring robustness of the local travel market.
These achievements underscore the UAE’s role as a leader in fostering innovation, sustainability, and efficient connectivity throughout its cities and attractions, driven by efforts like smart city initiatives, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and an unwavering commitment to enhancing visitor experiences.
The UAE remains a forerunner in the global Travel & Tourism landscape. With advanced smart cities, outstanding hospitality, and streamlined visa processes, the nation exemplifies how strategic foresight can stimulate economic advancement. Initiatives such as the Tourism Strategy 2031 and the National Tourism Charter are shaping a future-ready sector anchored in sustainability and innovation. Strong leadership and collaboration between public and private sectors will ensure that 2025 ushers in another remarkable chapter in the UAE’s tourism success story.Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO
Reflecting on 2024
The data reveals that in 2024, the sector contributed AED 257.3 billion to the UAE’s economy and supported approximately 898,600 jobs, which corresponded to nearly one in eight jobs available in the nation.
International tourists’ spending was recorded at AED 217.3 billion, while domestic travelers contributed AED 57.6 billion to the national economy.
Looking Ahead to the Next Decade
WTTC projects that over the next ten years, the sector’s contribution to the economy could approach AED 287.8 billion by 2035, accounting for 10.4% of the national GDP.
The industry workforce is expected to surpass 1 million jobs, highlighting the sector’s vital role in economic diversification and national development.
Regional Insights in the Middle East
The Travel & Tourism industry in the Middle East continues to experience significant growth. In 2024, the region contributed $341.9 billion to its GDP and sustained 7.3 million jobs.
Forecasts from WTTC suggest that Travel & Tourism will keep expanding throughout 2025, with GDP contributions projected to reach $367.3 billion, and employment anticipated to rise to 7.7 million.
Jobs supported by this sector increased to 898,600, reflecting that nearly one in eight jobs in the UAE is linked to Travel & Tourism.
For more details and to access the complete factsheet, including WTTC’s latest Environmental Social Research (ESR), please refer to WTTC’s Research Hub.
About WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global private sector of travel and tourism. Its membership includes 200 CEOs, Chairs, and Presidents of prominent travel and tourism companies worldwide, spanning various industries. For over three decades, WTTC has been dedicated to raising awareness among governments and the public regarding the economic and social importance of the travel and tourism sector.
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