The UAE’s tourism sector generated AED 45 billion in hotel revenues in 2024, marking a 3% increase compared to the previous year, according to H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council.
Al Marri attributed the sector’s continued growth to the UAE’s forward-looking vision and the implementation of sustainable tourism strategies and policies. He emphasized that tourism remains a key pillar of the national economy, supporting the country’s shift toward a knowledge- and innovation-driven economic model.
Hotel occupancy across the UAE reached 78% in 2024, ranking among the highest globally. The growth was bolstered by the addition of 16 new hotels across the seven emirates, bringing the total number of hotels in the country to 1,251 by year-end.
The total number of hotel rooms increased to 216,966, reflecting a 3% annual growth. The number of hotel guests also rose significantly, with approximately 30.8 million guests recorded in 2024—a 9.5% year-on-year increase.
The surge in tourist arrivals represents 77% of the target set by the UAE’s ‘National Tourism Strategy 2031’, which aims to attract 40 million hotel guests annually by the end of the decade. This milestone has been achieved seven years ahead of schedule, highlighting the strength and resilience of the UAE’s tourism sector.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing the sector through continued investment in infrastructure, digital transformation, and sustainability-focused initiatives.
