Abu Dhabi, UAE: Recent findings from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) indicate that international tourist expenditure in the United Arab Emirates is projected to hit an unprecedented AED 228.5 billion by 2025, marking a 37% increase over the previous peak recorded in 2019.
The organization’s annual Economic Impact Research (EIR) forecasts another record-breaking year for the UAE’s Travel & Tourism sector in 2025, estimating a total contribution of AED 267.5 billion to the national economy, which will represent nearly 13% of the country’s GDP.
Based on the research data, the end of the year will see the Travel & Tourism sector support over 925,000 jobs.
Furthermore, domestic travel spending is expected to reach an all-time high of AED 60 billion – a 47% increase compared to 2019, underscoring the robustness of the local tourism market.
These achievements highlight the UAE’s prominent role in promoting innovation, sustainability, and efficient connectivity within its cities and attractions, driven by initiatives such as smart city projects, top-tier infrastructure, and a strong emphasis on visitor satisfaction.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, stated: “The UAE remains at the forefront of the global Travel & Tourism landscape. With its advanced smart cities, outstanding hospitality, and efficient visa systems, the nation exemplifies how strategic planning fosters economic development.
“Through frameworks like the Tourism Strategy 2031 and the National Tourism Charter, the UAE is setting up a future-oriented tourism sector grounded in sustainability and innovation. With robust leadership and collaboration between the public and private sectors, 2025 is poised to highlight yet another chapter in the UAE’s extraordinary tourism journey.”
A Recap of 2024
In 2024, the Travel & Tourism sector contributed AED 257.3 billion to the UAE’s economy and supported 898,600 jobs, equating to nearly one in eight jobs across the nation.
International tourist expenditure reached AED 217.3 billion, while local visitor spending contributed AED 57.6 billion to the national economy.
What Lies Ahead for the Next Decade?
WTTC envisions that over the coming ten years, the sector will boost the economy by nearly AED 287.8 billion by 2035, representing 10.4% of the national GDP.
The employment sector is anticipated to surpass 1 million jobs, highlighting the integral role of tourism in economic diversification and national development.
Overview of the Middle East
The Travel & Tourism industry in the Middle East continues to experience substantial growth. In 2024, the region contributed $341.9 billion to GDP and facilitated 7.3 million jobs.
WTTC predicts ongoing growth in the region’s Travel & Tourism sector through 2025, with the GDP contribution projected to reach $367.3 billion and job numbers expected to climb to 7.7 million.
The sector supported 898,600 jobs in the UAE, accounting for nearly one in eight jobs nationally.
For further details and access to the complete factsheet, including WTTC’s latest Environmental Social Research (ESR), visit WTTC’s Research Hub.
Editor’s Notes
- Figures for UAE Travel & Tourism EIR are expressed in AED.
- Figures for Middle East Travel & Tourism EIR are expressed in USD.
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