Abu Dhabi: The UAE is ramping up investments in its tourism sector with the aim of significantly boosting its GDP growth. As part of its strategic vision for economic diversification, the government is injecting substantial funds into expanding and enhancing the country’s tourism infrastructure.
Recent announcements highlight a series of ambitious projects, including the development of new luxury resorts, expansion of existing attractions, and the construction of state-of-the-art cultural and entertainment venues. The UAE’s tourism sector is set to receive a major boost from these initiatives, which are expected to attract millions of visitors in the coming years.
In 2023, the tourism industry accounted for 11.7 percent of the UAE’s GDP, amounting to AED 220 billion ($60 billion). This figure is projected to increase to 12 percent, or AED 236 billion ($64.2 billion), in 2024, according to data from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
By expanding its tourism offerings, the UAE aims to enhance its appeal and increase its share of global travel revenues. Experts predict that the increased investment will lead to a surge in more job availability, further boosting the local economy.
Dubai received 10.62 million tourists in the first seven months of 2024, reflecting an 8 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to recent data. In Abu Dhabi, hotels hosted over 2.87 million guests in the first half of 2024, resulting in revenue of AED 3.6 billion ($98 million)—a 19.5 percent rise from the previous year.
These figures underscore the effectiveness of the UAE’s sustainable tourism policies and its robust infrastructure. They also demonstrate the country’s diverse tourist attractions and its dedication to ongoing growth as outlined in the National Tourism Strategy 2031.