A recent report from the IMARC Group highlights that the UAE is emerging as a leading destination for tourism innovation worldwide. This is largely attributed to the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence technologies throughout various phases of travel, from booking and planning to transportation and accommodation. The report forecasts that the travel and tourism market in the UAE will reach $163.4 billion by 2033, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 11% between 2025 and 2033, after reaching $61.3 billion in 2024.
The report indicates that AI technologies have become essential tools for travel planning, with 68% of travelers in the UAE using AI tools for vacation bookings. This marks a significant increase of 57% compared to the previous year, according to data from Marriott Bonvoy, surpassing the global average of 48%. This suggests a growing technological awareness among travelers in the UAE.
In terms of guest services, hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have begun utilizing smart virtual systems, such as “Majd,” to handle routine inquiries. Currently, 39% of hospitality operators employ chatbots or virtual assistants to offer 24/7 support, provide recommendations, and manage administrative tasks, thereby allowing staff to concentrate on more complex interactions.
Moreover, Dubai is gearing up to launch an urban air mobility experience by constructing four dedicated vertiports for electric aircraft at Dubai International Airport, the city center, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah, in partnership with Joby Aviation. This service is expected to commence in 2026, with the capability to transport four passengers at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, reducing travel times from one hour to just ten minutes.
In the realm of smart tourism infrastructure, Abu Dhabi aims to become the first government globally to fully adopt AI by 2027, supported by major projects such as the Zayed International Airport, which has introduced the “Smart Travel” initiative using biometric recognition technologies. Additionally, “AI Park,” unveiled by Du during GITEX Week in Dubai 2025, aims to integrate AI into the tourist experience through intelligent recommendations and comprehensive digital services.
The travel and tourism sector in the UAE is witnessing steady growth driven by several strategic factors. These include supportive government policies such as the “UAE Tourism Strategy 2031” and the “National Tourism Pact,” which focus on promoting sustainable tourism, enhancing infrastructure, and improving the country’s global competitiveness. These initiatives foster cooperation among the various emirates, create quality job opportunities, and develop innovative tourism experiences, contributing nearly 13% to the GDP and supporting more than 925,000 jobs.
Furthermore, the world-class infrastructure and strategic location bolster the UAE’s position as a global tourist hotspot. For instance, Dubai alone welcomed about 10 million international visitors in the first half of this year, backed by an advanced airport network, luxury hotels, and comprehensive entertainment facilities.
On another note, emerging tourism trends are reshaping visitor behavior, with increasing demand for personalized, luxury, and eco-friendly experiences. A growing number of travelers are seeking in-depth cultural engagements, wellness tourism, and sustainable travel options, with 81% of visitors emphasizing the importance of self-care and 84% highlighting eco-friendly choices. These trends contribute to diversifying tourism products, ranging from cultural centers in Abu Dhabi to interactive experiences in Dubai, opening new avenues for innovation and enhancing visitor satisfaction.
In a significant digital initiative this year, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism partnered with Amadeus to enhance biometric technologies and improve passenger experiences at airports, in conjunction with the “Smart Travel” initiative at Zayed International Airport.