Travel and tourism contributed approximately AED 251.3 billion to the UAE economy in 2025, up 3% from the previous year and 22.2% above 2019 levels. International visitor spending reached approximately AED 209 billion, according to figures reviewed by the Emirates Tourism Council.
The results come as the UAE works toward its National Tourism Strategy 2031, which targets an annual tourism contribution of AED 450 billion to GDP, AED 100 billion in additional tourism investment and 40 million hotel guests per year.
Original article: UAE tourism contribution reaches $68.4 billion as international visitor spending hits $56.9 billion by Economy Middle East.
Key Insights:
Hotel Guests Reach Record 32.34 Million
UAE hotels welcomed approximately 32.34 million guests in 2025, a 5.2% increase from 30.75 million in 2024 and the highest annual total reported by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism.
Guest nights exceeded 110.62 million, rising nearly 5.9%, while hotel revenues increased 9.7% to AED 49.21 billion. Average hotel occupancy reached 79.3%, reflecting continued growth across the country’s hospitality sector.
UAE Seeks Longer, Multi-Emirate Visits
Alongside increasing visitor numbers, the UAE is working to encourage travelers to visit multiple emirates during the same trip.
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism launched the Visit UAE identity and UAE Grand Tour platform during Arabian Travel Market 2026. The platform provides itineraries of up to 14 days across all seven emirates, combining accommodation, attractions and transportation with cultural, family, nature and adventure experiences.
The initiative is intended to encourage longer stays, increase visitor spending and distribute tourism activity across a wider range of destinations.
Aviation Supports Tourism Growth
The UAE’s aviation sector also recorded higher passenger volumes in 2025, with airports across the country handling 156.8 million passengers, up 6.1% from 147.8 million in 2024.
Dubai International Airport accounted for a record 95.2 million passengers, representing a 3.1% annual increase. The figures underline the scale of the country’s international connectivity as the UAE continues to expand its tourism sector and work toward its longer-term 2031 targets.
UAE Tourism Targets Further Growth by 2031
The 2025 figures show continued growth across the UAE’s tourism sector, with increases in its economic contribution, international visitor spending, hotel guests, revenues and airport passenger volumes.
The National Tourism Strategy 2031 aims to build on this growth by increasing tourism’s annual contribution to GDP to AED 450 billion, attracting additional investment and reaching 40 million hotel guests per year.
