According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), international visitor spending in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is projected to reach a record AED 228.5 billion in 2025, marking a 37% increase from the 2019 peak.
The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) annual Economic Impact Research (EIR) predicts that the UAE’s Travel & Tourism sector will experience another record year in 2025. The sector is expected to contribute AED 267.5 billion to the national economy, making up nearly 13% of the country’s GDP.
Job Creation and Domestic Tourism
Travel & Tourism in the UAE is projected to support over 925,000 jobs by the end of 2025. In addition, domestic visitor spending is predicted to achieve a record high of AED 60 billion, a 47% increase from 2019. These figures highlight the robustness of the local travel market.
Driving Factors
The anticipated milestones reflect the UAE’s successful initiatives in fostering innovation, sustainability, and seamless connectivity across its cities and attractions. Noteworthy initiatives include smart city development, world-class infrastructure, and a focus on enhancing visitor experiences.
Statements from WTTC
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, praised the UAE for its leadership in global Travel & Tourism. She pointed out that the country is an example of how strategic vision can stimulate economic growth. Simpson lauded the UAE’s initiatives like the Tourism Strategy 2031 and the National Tourism Charter, which she believes are preparing the sector for a future rooted in sustainability and innovation.
2024 Retrospective
In 2024, the sector contributed AED 257.3 billion to the UAE economy and supported 898,600 jobs, constituting nearly one in eight jobs in the country. International travellers spent AED 217.3 billion, while domestic visitors contributed AED 57.6 billion to the national economy.
Decade-Long Outlook
The WTTC forecasts that by 2035, the sector will contribute nearly AED 287.8 billion to the economy, representing 10.4% of the national GDP. It also predicts that jobs in the sector will exceed 1 million, highlighting the vital role of tourism in economic diversification and national growth.
Tourism Growth in the Middle East
The Middle Eastern Travel and tourism sector is also expected to experience significant growth. In 2024, the region contributed US$341.9 billion to GDP and supported 7.3 million jobs. WTTC predicts growth throughout 2025, with the GDP contribution set to reach US$367.3BN and jobs expected to number 7.7 million.
