International visitor spend in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to reach a record AED228.5bn this year, 37% above the previous peak of 2019, according to latest research by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
Inbound tourism will contribute around 13% of the UAE’s GDP this year, the WTTC added. Tourism will also support more than 925,000 jobs in the region, according to the research.
Domestic visitor spend is also projected to reach a record high at AED60bn – 47% above 2019, highlighting the continued strength of the local travel market.
These milestones reflect the UAE’s leadership in driving innovation, sustainability, and seamless connectivity across its cities and attractions, powered by initiatives such as smart city development, world-class infrastructure, and a laser focus on visitor experience, the WTTC said.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The UAE continues to lead the way in global Travel & Tourism. From cutting-edge smart cities to exceptional hospitality and seamless visa systems, the country is a model of how strategic vision drives economic growth.
“With initiatives like the Tourism Strategy 2031 and the National Tourism Charter, the UAE is building a future-ready sector rooted in sustainability and innovation. With strong leadership and public-private alignment, 2025 is set to mark yet another chapter in the UAE’s remarkable tourism success story.”
The Middle Eastern Travel & Tourism sector, as a whole, continues to grow at pace. In 2024, the region contributed $341.9bn to GDP and supported 7.3 million jobs, according to the WTTC.
The WTTC is forecasting that Travel & Tourism across the region will continue to grow throughout 2025 with the GDP contribution set to reach $367.3bn. Jobs are forecast to reach 7.7 million.
