Mohammed bin Rashid: Welcome to the world in the UAE… We welcome tourists, delight in investors, and embrace talent. This motto resonates as the tourism and economy sectors flourish in the United Arab Emirates. According to a report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the UAE demonstrated strong performance in 2024, with the contribution of tourism to the GDP doubling, securing a prominent place on the global tourism map.
Significant Tourism Achievements
The report indicates that the UAE has made remarkable progress in the tourism sector, with the sector’s contribution reaching 257.3 billion dirhams ($70.1 billion) in GDP, accounting for 13% of the national economy. This increase from last year signifies a steady growth of 3.2% compared to 2023 and 26% compared to 2019, showcasing the UAE’s ability to sustainably enhance its tourism appeal.
Welcoming and Investing
Commenting on these achievements, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, stated: “Welcome to the world… We welcome tourists, delight in investors, and embrace talent.” This message reflects the UAE’s ongoing commitment to developing an attractive and conducive tourism environment for both investors and visitors.
Innovative Tourism Strategies
His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, noted that through a number of proactive initiatives and tourism strategies, the country has strengthened its position as a distinguished tourist destination. He added, “On the eve of our historic achievement of appointing Sheikha Al Nuaimi as the Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, we reaffirm the strategic vision of our leadership aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of this sector.”
A Promising Future for Tourism
The report anticipates continued growth in the UAE’s tourism sector, with international tourist spending expected to rise by 5.2% to reach 228.5 billion dirhams. To maintain this leading position, efforts are underway to develop new tourism projects that support cultural diversity and enhance the comfort and safety of visitors from around the world.
The UAE continues to align with global trends in tourism, leveraging its leadership and diversity. With all these plans and achievements, the UAE is firmly headed towards a promising and bright future in the tourism sector, in line with the “We Are the UAE 2031” vision.