UAE tourism sector notes admirable progress this year

In recent years, the UAE has turned into one of the most prominent tourist destinations globally. The Gulf state’s tourism sector noted admirable progress this year, putting substantial efforts into supporting the goals of the ‘UAE Tourism Strategy 2031’.

The UAE ranked first in the region and 18th globally in the 2024 Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI). The nation secures the first rank in travel and tourism data provision and air transport infrastructure.

The UAE ranks second in the infrastructure and services sector, and third in data comprehensiveness, efficiency of air transport services, and travel and tourism policy and infrastructure, as per official media reports.

UAE tourism sector’s contribution to national GDP

Experts recently forecasted that the UAE’s burgeoning travel and tourism sector’s contribution to the national economy is going to increase to Dh236 billion this year, representing a sizeable 12% of the country’s GDP.

During the first nine months of 2024, revenue from hotel establishments in the UAE increased to Dh33.5 billion. It represents a 4% rise compared to the same period last year. The average hotel occupancy rate across the UAE is also one of the highest globally.

UAE also has a notable focus on eco-tourism

The UAE has launched the ‘National Tourism Charter’ under the ‘UAE Tourism Strategy 2031’. The charter seeks to unify national efforts to ensure the country’s tourism sector notes more sustainable progress in the near future.

There is more to this charter. It intends to turn the UAE into a prominent player in the global tourism landscape by encouraging better collaboration among all the seven emirates across the country, including Dubai, Sharjah and Ras al-Khaimah.

The UAE also has a notable focus on eco-tourism. The Gulf state is advancing innovation and digital transformation in tourism to boost revenue and support local enterprises, using technology to reduce carbon emissions and meet climate neutrality targets.