The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is gearing up for another banner year in travel and tourism, with international visitor spending forecast to smash previous records in 2025. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) latest Economic Impact Research, international traveller expenditure is projected to reach AED 228.5 billion — a staggering 37% increase over the 2019 pre-pandemic peak.

This surge is part of a broader growth trajectory positioning Travel & Tourism as a major pillar of the UAE’s economy. The sector is expected to contribute AED 267.5 billion to the national GDP in 2025, representing nearly 13% of the country’s total economic output. Domestic tourism is also booming, with local visitor spend projected to reach AED 60 billion, up 47% from 2019, signaling strong confidence in the UAE’s internal travel market.

Driving these milestones is the UAE’s forward-thinking approach, blending innovation, sustainability, and world-class infrastructure. Initiatives such as smart city development, streamlined visa policies, and a laser focus on enriching visitor experiences have helped the UAE emerge as a global tourism leader.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, highlights the country’s impressive progress: “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.”

Simpson further notes that programs like the Tourism Strategy 2031 and the National Tourism Charter underpin a future-ready sector focused on 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.”

Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Strong Recovery

The data from 2024 underscores the sector’s resilience. Travel & Tourism contributed AED 257.3 billion to the UAE economy and supported nearly 899,000 jobs — equivalent to one in eight jobs nationwide.

International visitor spending accounted for AED 217.3 billion, while domestic tourism contributed AED 57.6 billion. This dual strength in both inbound and local markets sets a solid foundation for continued growth.

A Decade of Growth: WTTC’s Outlook to 2035

Looking ahead, WTTC forecasts the UAE Travel & Tourism sector will contribute nearly AED 287.8 billion to GDP by 2035, accounting for over 10% of the country’s economy. The workforce is expected to expand beyond one million jobs, underscoring the sector’s key role in economic diversification and job creation.

This optimistic outlook reflects not only robust demand but also strategic investments that enhance connectivity, infrastructure, and sustainability efforts.

Middle East Travel & Tourism: Regional Growth Momentum

The UAE’s success is part of a broader regional trend. The Middle East’s Travel & Tourism sector generated $341.9 billion in GDP and supported 7.3 million jobs in 2024.

WTTC projects ongoing growth, forecasting the region’s GDP contribution to reach $367.3 billion in 2025, with jobs increasing to 7.7 million. This growth highlights the Middle East’s rising prominence as a global tourism powerhouse.

Why the UAE’s Tourism Boom Matters

• Economic Impact: Tourism contributes nearly 13% of UAE GDP, a vital engine for economic diversification away from oil dependency.
• Job Creation: Over 925,000 jobs are directly supported, with expectations to exceed one million by 2035, reflecting the sector’s importance for employment.
• Visitor Experience: Investment in smart city technology, infrastructure, and streamlined travel processes enhances the seamless experience for millions of visitors.
• Sustainability Focus: The UAE’s Tourism Strategy 2031 and National Tourism Charter emphasize environmentally responsible growth, ensuring long-term sector health.

Key Takeaways for Travel Industry Stakeholders

• The UAE remains a top-tier destination with record-setting international visitor spend and domestic travel growth.
• Forward-looking government initiatives foster innovation, smart city developments, and visitor-centric experiences.
• Sustainable tourism is central to the sector’s strategy, attracting conscious travellers worldwide.
• Regional Middle East travel markets are thriving, with strong GDP contributions and job creation anticipated.

How Travel Businesses Can Leverage This Growth

• Adapt to Innovation: Embrace smart technologies and digital platforms to enhance customer engagement and streamline operations.
• Focus on Sustainability: Align marketing and operations with the UAE’s sustainability goals to appeal to eco-conscious travellers.
• Expand Market Reach: Leverage increased global connectivity and diversified visitor markets by targeting emerging source countries.
• Enhance Visitor Experience: Prioritize seamless travel, cultural authenticity, and luxury services to meet evolving traveller expectations.

Summary

The UAE’s Travel & Tourism sector is on track for record growth in 2025, with international visitor spend reaching AED 228.5 billion and overall economic contribution hitting AED 267.5 billion. This growth is underpinned by robust domestic travel, innovation-driven infrastructure, and sustainable development strategies. The sector supports nearly one million jobs, reinforcing its critical role in the nation’s economic future. Looking to 2035, WTTC forecasts continued expansion, with the industry poised to contribute nearly AED 288 billion to GDP and generate over one million jobs. This momentum aligns with the broader Middle East tourism boom, making the region a key player on the global travel stage.

For tourism operators, investors, and marketers, the UAE offers vast opportunities to capitalize on this upward trajectory by aligning with government initiatives and evolving consumer preferences.

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