As the UAE continues to position itself as a global tourism hub, recent reports reveal that the tourism and travel sector in the UAE will add 26,400 jobs during 2025. This growth underscores the robust recovery and expansion within the sector, which is set to create a total of 925,000 jobs by the end of the year, marking a significant increase from the 898,600 jobs recorded the previous year. The upward trajectory in job creation presents a promising outlook for employment opportunities in the region.
Growth Projections for Tourism and Travel
According to the latest insights from the World Travel and Tourism Council, there is an expected rise in employment rates within the tourism and travel sector during 2025, reflecting a healthy recovery compared to 2024. Last year, the sector added approximately 24,000 new jobs. The data highlights the sector’s significance, with one in every eight jobs in the UAE linked to travel and tourism. This growth can be attributed to the nation’s strategic investments and its allure as a tourist destination.
UAE’s Share in the Regional Market
The UAE captured around 12.3% of the total jobs created by the tourism and travel sector in the Middle East, which accounted for approximately 7.3 million jobs throughout the region at the end of last year. The continuing influx of tourists and robust infrastructure development in the UAE position the country as a leading player in the regional tourism market, further solidifying its capacity to support job creation and economic growth.
Contributions to the National Economy
The World Travel and Tourism Council anticipates that the workforce in the UAE’s tourism and travel sector will exceed one million jobs in the coming years, reinforcing the industry’s pivotal role in economic diversification and national growth. As highlighted in the annual economic impact study, the sector is projected to inject an impressive 267.5 billion dirhams into the national economy in 2025, which constitutes around 13% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This figure is expected to rise to 14% by the end of 2025, with an ambitious target of 17% by 2031.
Hotel Industry Performance
According to data released by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, the UAE’s hospitality sector is witnessing steady growth. Hotel revenues reached nearly 45 billion dirhams in 2024, a 3% increase over 2023. The hotel occupancy rate rose to 78%, making it one of the highest in both regional and global contexts. By the end of 2024, the total number of hotels in the UAE had climbed to 1,251, with around 216,966 hotel rooms available, showcasing a 3% increase compared to the previous year. The total number of guests in the country’s hotel establishments reached approximately 30.8 million, reflecting a growth of 9.5% from 2023.
With the anticipation of adding 26,400 more jobs, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for both employees and employers in this dynamic sector. Its contributions not only boost the employment landscape but also significantly enhance the overall economy, paving the way for the UAE’s continued prominence in the global tourism arena.