According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the UAE’s travel and tourism sector recorded a record $70.1 billion previous year, accounting for 13% of the country’s GDP. This represents a 3.2% increase over 2023 and a 26% increase from pre-pandemic 2019 levels, putting the UAE in the top seven worldwide destinations for foreign tourist spending. 

International visitor expenditure increased to $59.2 billion, up 5.8% from 2023 and 30.4% higher than in 2019. Domestic tourism spending rose to $15.7 billion, a 41% rise from 2019.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum praised the tourist industry’s achievements, citing improvements in welcoming guests and recruiting investment. Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri emphasised the UAE’s efforts to transform tourism into a significant driver of economic diversification, which are supported by investments in infrastructure and cultural offerings. 

The WTTC survey stated that leisure travel accounted for 84.7% of overall spending, while business tourism contributed 15.3%.

International tourists accounted for 79% of overall tourism expenditure, with India, the UK, Russia, China, and Saudi Arabia among the leading contributors. The sector generated $8.6 billion in tax income and created jobs.