Tourexpi
WTTC: International Traveller Spend in the UAE to Reach Record AED 228,5 Billion in 2025
According
to the WTTC’s annual Economic Impact Research (EIR), 2025 is set to be another
milestone year for the UAE’s Travel & Tourism sector. The industry is
expected to contribute AED 267.5 billion to the national economy, accounting
for nearly 13% of the UAE’s GDP, and support more than 925,000 jobs by
year-end.
Domestic
tourism is also experiencing robust growth, with domestic visitor spend
projected to reach AED 60 billion, 47% higher than 2019 levels—underscoring the
resilience and vitality of the local travel market.
Strategic
Vision and Global Leadership
Julia
Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, praised the UAE’s leadership:
“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.”
She
highlighted government-led initiatives such as the Tourism Strategy 2031 and
the National Tourism Charter as pivotal to fostering a future-proof,
sustainable, and innovative tourism sector.
2024
in Review
In
2024, the UAE’s Travel & Tourism sector contributed AED 257.3 billion to
the national economy and supported 898,600 jobs, accounting for almost one in
eight jobs in the country. International visitors spent AED 217.3 billion,
while domestic tourism contributed AED 57.6 billion.
Looking
Ahead to 2035
WTTC
projects the sector’s contribution to reach nearly AED 287.8 billion by 2035,
representing 10.4% of national GDP, with employment expected to exceed 1
million jobs, reinforcing the sector’s key role in economic diversification.
Regional
Outlook: Middle East
Across
the Middle East, Travel & Tourism added $341.9 billion to regional GDP in
2024 and supported 7.3 million jobs. For 2025, WTTC forecasts further growth,
with GDP contribution reaching $367.3 billion and jobs climbing to 7.7 million.
For
full insights and WTTC’s latest Environmental Social Research (ESR), visit the
WTTC Research Hub.
Image
Credit: © AA
The most interesting news
Read the News
Lufthansa Group expands payment options with Klarna and Adyen
New partnership introduces Pay Later and Financing solutions for travellers from mid-November 2025
Read the News
World Halal Summit and Halal Expo open in Istanbul
Event highlights innovation, unified standards and a global halal market now exceeding $8 trillion
Read the News
Ryanair unveils Winter 2025 schedule for Bologna
44 routes, 11 based aircraft and forecast growth to six million passengers per year
Read the News
IHG marks 50 years in Saudi Arabia
A milestone anniversary highlights renewed growth, expanded brands and deeper alignment with Vision 2030
Read the News
International MICE Summit 2025 opens with major announcements and 20 new deals
Event signals global investment momentum and rapid transformation of Saudi Arabia’s business events sector
Read the News
Thailand to host Global Wellness Summit 2026
Phuket confirmed as the next global meeting place for the wellness economy, 10–13 November 2026
Read the News
Thailand’s culinary scene ascends with the launch of The MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2026
New Three- and Two-Star promotions, rising talent, and expanded sustainability recognition strengthen Thailand’s global gastronomic stature
Read the News
Korean Temple Food: A Globally Recognized Model of Sustainable Cuisine
Korean Temple Food, recently designated a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, is gaining renewed international attention
Read the News
GNTB marks 20 years in the Gulf States
GCC confirmed as Germany’s third-largest overseas market with €2.3 billion in travel spending
Read the News
TAT Welcomes Air Arabia’s New Daily Sharjah–Krabi Service
New route boosts Middle East connectivity, supports high-value tourism, and advances TAT’s Airline Focus strategy
Read the News
Middle East Resorts Accelerate Investment in Aquatic Attractions as Tourism Surges
WhiteWater and Grand Hyatt Dubai unveil the region’s first FlowRider® Triple, anchoring a new wave of high-value leisure development
Read the News
Radisson Expands with the Opening of Baltic View Resort & Spa in Międzyzdroje
New Radisson Individuals property brings coastal design, spacious suites and wellness facilities to one of Poland’s most desirable seaside destinations
Read the News
Air France Launches New Non-Stop Service Between Phuket and Paris
Three weekly flights connect Thailand’s largest island with Paris-Charles de Gaulle / Boeing 777-200 deployed on the new route
Read the News
International tourist arrivals up 5% in the first nine months of 2025
Global tourism surpasses 2019 levels despite inflation and geopolitical tensions
Read the News
Steigenberger marks 95 years of hospitality and iconic moments
Anniversary year culminates in the reopening of the Europäischer Hof Baden-Baden
Read the News
Banyan Group celebrates its 100th global property with opening of Mandai Rainforest Resort
Banyan Group and Mandai Wildlife Group have officially opened Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, the Group’s first hotel in Singapore and a landmark addition to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Read the News
Taiwan: Asia’s Premier Destination for Cycling, Sustainability and Low-Carbon Travel
Island-wide cycling routes, world-class bike infrastructure and certified Bike-Friendly Accommodations attract riders from around the globe
Read the News
Hilton highlights record year for its luxury and lifestyle portfolio and previews openings for 2026
After reaching 1,000 luxury and lifestyle hotels worldwide in 2025, Hilton is preparing the next phase of global expansion
Read the News
Eurowings Expands Onboard Experience: Miles Payments, Premium Wines and a New Surprise Seat
Mileage payments launch in December • Motzenbäcker wines join the Wings Bistro • “Pauschal Airfrischt” seat adds an element of surprise / Shop Onboard Using Miles
Read the News
Marriott International Marks 700th Hotel in APEC with the Opening of Legacy Mekong, Can Tho
New Autograph Collection property in Vietnam highlights expansion into emerging destinations across the region
Read the News
Ryanair announces record growth in Pescara after removal of Municipal Tax
+80% annual passenger growth, two based aircraft and expanded Winter 2025/Summer 2026 schedules
