The hotel occupancy rates in Al Ain and Al Dhafra reached an impressive average of 70% in February 2026, reflecting a positive trend in the region’s hospitality sector. This report highlights the vibrant tourism activity, which welcomed over 50,000 guests throughout the month, according to data from the Abu Dhabi Statistics Center. The steady increase in hotel occupancy indicates a growing interest in these areas, strengthening their position as key destinations for travelers.
Occupancy Rates Overview
During February 2026, hotels in Al Ain achieved a notable occupancy rate of 74% for January and February combined, while Al Dhafra hotels recorded an occupancy of 68% for the same months. Overall, a total of 113,000 guests visited both areas during this two-month period. Specifically, Al Ain hotels reported an occupancy rate of 77% in January, contrasting with Al Dhafra’s 66% occupancy and an average guest stay of 3.4 nights.
Details of February Performance
The average length of stay in Al Ain hotels for February was two nights, with the average room rate at 315 dirhams, contributing to the overall occupancy rate of 70%. In Al Dhafra, the average stay extended to 3.2 nights, with the average room price at 757 dirhams, also reflecting a 70% hotel occupancy rate.
Growth Trends and Future Strategies
According to data from the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, Al Ain and Al Dhafra showcased remarkable performance in 2025, driven by enhanced marketing efforts both regionally and internationally. Al Ain attracted 473,100 guests, showing a 9% increase compared to 2024, while the occupancy rate also rose significantly, largely fueled by leisure tourism. Meanwhile, Al Dhafra welcomed 147,900 visitors, marking a 3% growth with a remarkable 19% jump in hotel occupancy, supported by the increasing momentum of leisure tourism. Plans for a dedicated strategy for this region are set to launch in 2026.
Hotel Facilities and Financial Performance
In February, Abu Dhabi’s hotel establishments welcomed a total of 465,000 guests, compared to 462,000 in February 2025, achieving an average occupancy of 86%. The total hotel revenues for February reached 874 million dirhams, with 562 million dirhams coming from room revenues and 258 million dirhams from food and beverage sectors. The average guest stay duration was recorded at three nights. As of February, Abu Dhabi boasts 172 hotels with a combined capacity of 34,526 rooms.
Record-Breaking Visitor Numbers
In a historic milestone, Abu Dhabi welcomed 26.6 million visitors in 2025, solidifying its status as a global cultural capital and favored tourist destination. This surge was driven by the emirate’s increasing international appeal and the growing number of visitors, contributing to a sustainable economic impact. Hotel revenues surged by 19.5% year-on-year, reaching 9.1 billion dirhams. Furthermore, Abu Dhabi recorded 5.9 million hotel guests in 2025, marking a 2.2% increase compared to the previous year. The hospitality sector also saw a 10% rise in international visitors from key markets, highlighting the critical role culture plays in fueling the emirate’s tourism growth.