The United Arab Emirates tourism sector contributed approximately Dh251.3 billion to the national economy in 2025, marking a 3% increase from 2024 and a rise of over 22.2% compared to 2019.
International visitor spending accounted for about Dh209 billion of this total, emphasizing the significant role foreign tourists play in the sector’s revenue generation.
The Emirates Tourism Council, chaired by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, reviewed these figures during a meeting held at Arabian Travel Market 2026. The council evaluated sector performance and discussed policies to enhance the UAE’s competitiveness in regional and international tourism
markets.
Sustainability initiatives were central to discussions, focusing on the National Ecotourism Policy designed to balance economic growth with environmental preservation. The UAE currently manages 55 nature reserves and has rehabilitated 4,900 hectares of desert, mountain, and coastal zones to support nature-based tourism. The council is also working on establishing a unified safety standard for coastal areas, encompassing beaches, waterfronts, and marine activities.
Plans to diversify tourism offerings include expanding coastal and nature-based attractions. Each emirate will select a flagship experience to support this diversification. The council also reviewed cooperation efforts under the Emirates Villages project and engagement with the
United Nations Best Tourism Villages program to develop new destinations beyond major cities.
The National Tourism Strategy 2031 outlines goals to further increase the sector’s GDP contribution to Dh450 billion, attract Dh100 billion in new tourism investments, and achieve 40 million annual hotel guests.
Officials reaffirmed commitments to integrating the national tourism ecosystem and coordinating promotional campaigns to sustain the UAE’s position in the global tourism market.
