UAE Tourism Hits Record High With USD 70 Billion Revenue
International visitors spent AED 217.3 billion (USD 59.2 billion), up 5.8% from the previous year and 30.4% higher than pre-pandemic benchmarks.
Jun 29, 2025
The UAE's tourism sector posted record-breaking figures in 2024, with total revenues reaching AED 257.3 billion (USD 70.1 billion) and accounting for 13% of the national GDP—marking a 3.2% year-on-year increase and a 26% rise over 2019 levels.
International visitors spent AED 217.3 billion (USD 59.2 billion), up 5.8% from the previous year and 30.4% higher than pre-pandemic benchmarks. Domestic tourism also climbed sharply, contributing AED 57.6 billion (USD 15.7 billion)—a 41% increase compared to 2019. These gains placed the UAE among the top seven global markets for international tourism spending.
Authorities attribute the growth to improved infrastructure, expanded leisure and cultural offerings, and service upgrades under the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031.
Looking forward, the UAE aims to raise the sector's GDP contribution to AED 450 billion and draw 40 million hotel guests annually by 2031.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CairoScene
6 hours ago
- CairoScene
UAE Tourism Hits Record High With USD 70 Billion Revenue
International visitors spent AED 217.3 billion (USD 59.2 billion), up 5.8% from the previous year and 30.4% higher than pre-pandemic benchmarks. Jun 29, 2025 The UAE's tourism sector posted record-breaking figures in 2024, with total revenues reaching AED 257.3 billion (USD 70.1 billion) and accounting for 13% of the national GDP—marking a 3.2% year-on-year increase and a 26% rise over 2019 levels. International visitors spent AED 217.3 billion (USD 59.2 billion), up 5.8% from the previous year and 30.4% higher than pre-pandemic benchmarks. Domestic tourism also climbed sharply, contributing AED 57.6 billion (USD 15.7 billion)—a 41% increase compared to 2019. These gains placed the UAE among the top seven global markets for international tourism spending. Authorities attribute the growth to improved infrastructure, expanded leisure and cultural offerings, and service upgrades under the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031. Looking forward, the UAE aims to raise the sector's GDP contribution to AED 450 billion and draw 40 million hotel guests annually by 2031.
Mid East Info
7 hours ago
- Mid East Info
Dubai Land Department encourages Emirati citizens to join the Dubai Real Estate Broker Programme - Middle East Business News and Information
The programme has achieved a remarkable milestone to date, with the qualification rate of participants exceeding 180% compared to the annual target. The total value of real estate transactions completed through qualified brokers since the programme's launch has reached AED 500 million. 231 new real estate brokerage companies have been licensed. Granting qualified participants a 'National Broker' license valid for three years. Dubai, United Arab Emirates June 2025: Dubai Land Department (DLD) has announced that Emirati citizens interested in joining the 'Dubai Real Estate Broker Programme' can now register via a dedicated link on its official website. This follows strong interest since the programme's launch, which has already drawn a significant number of citizens keen to enter the real estate brokerage sector. The initiative continues reinforcing its role as a strategic platform for increasing national talent participation in this key industry. In this context, Dubai Land Department calls on developers and real estate brokers, particularly those who have not had the opportunity to join the Dubai Real Estate Broker Programme in its previous phases, to take part in supporting the programme's journey by presenting their proposals and initiatives that contribute to achieving its objectives as key partners in its ongoing success. DLD emphasises the importance of this collaboration in building an integrated ecosystem based on strong public-private sector synergy. This cooperation opens the door to high-quality opportunities for training and employing national talent, supporting the sustainability of the real estate sector, and reinforcing Dubai's position as a leading destination for talent and investment. To date, the programme has surpassed expectations, with the number of qualified Emirati brokers reaching more than 180% of the annual target. It has also delivered numerous specialised training courses in collaboration with accredited academic institutions. Upon completion of the required training, participants are issued an official real estate broker card valid for three years, allowing them to practice the profession in accordance with Dubai's legal and regulatory framework. These efforts have significantly boosted broker performance, resulting in real estate transactions exceeding AED 500 million from the programme's launch through the end of April 2025. Furthermore, 231 new real estate brokerage firms have been licensed. As part of its institutional collaboration efforts, DLD organised more than 10 meetings and gatherings with its 71 strategic allies from various real estate-related sectors. These include 26 real estate development companies, 38 brokerage firms, and four training and qualification institutes. This initiative has contributed to building an integrated network that enhances professional success opportunities for participants and strengthens the ecosystem supporting Emiratisation in this vital sector. As part of its efforts to stimulate the business environment and support the Emiratisation of real estate professions, Dubai Land Department will implement an incentive points system specifically for brokerage firms that employ Emirati citizens. These firms will receive additional points that will enhance their ranking within DLD's approved evaluation system, positively impacting their competitive position in the market. DLD affirms that the Dubai Real Estate Broker Programme is one of the key pillars aligned with the Dubai Social Agenda 2033 objectives. The programme aims to empower Emirati citizens to benefit from the economic opportunities available in the real estate sector by providing specialised professional training, issuing the 'National Broker' licence, allocating a percentage of real estate projects to programme participants, and enhancing their employment opportunities within active brokerage firms across Dubai. This programme serves as a comprehensive platform for developing national talent and preparing a new generation of qualified Emirati brokers in line with the highest professional standards. It contributes to reinforcing Dubai's position as a leading global destination for real estate investment and supports the sector's sustainability and dynamism. The programme also aims to increase the percentage of Emiratis working in real estate brokerage to 15% over the next three years, reflecting the Dubai Government's commitment to engaging national talent in high-value economic sectors. The programme's continued implementation and expansion reaffirm its vision's success in opening new horizons for Emirati youth and equipping them with the tools for competitiveness and innovation. This aligns with Dubai's broader development goals and contributes to building a more inclusive and sustainable economic ecosystem.
Mid East Info
2 days ago
- Mid East Info
Dreams Come True for DIB Customers Winning AED 3 Million in Prizes - Middle East Business News and Information
Two lucky winners won the Grand Prize of AED 1 Million each 200 winners walked away with AED 5,000 each Dubai, UAE – June 2025: DIB, the world's first Islamic bank and the largest in the UAE, recently concluded its Dream Bigger rewards campaign and announced the names of 202 lucky winners who collectively received prizes valued at a whopping AED 3 Million. Launched in January 2025, this mega, multi-million Dirham campaign was crafted with the objective of rewarding both Retail and Business Banking customers and thanking them for further cementing their relationship with DIB. Eligible customers entered the draw by increasing their average balances in their current and savings accounts or by making foreign currency transactions. For every AED 10,000 additional balance in their current or savings account or on additional foreign currency transactions of AED 10,000, customers received one extra entry into the draw, increasing their opportunity of winning. The four-month campaign saw a fantastic number of customers participating, and the promotion culminated with two customers winning the grand prize of AED 1 million each. In addition, 200 customers received AED 5,000 each. Sanjay Malhotra, Chief Consumer Banking Officer at DIB, commented: 'We are delighted to announce the winners of our Dream Bigger campaign, which was designed to acknowledge the enduring trust and loyalty of our customers. At DIB we are committed to delivering not only innovative Shariah-compliant financial solutions but also rewarding experiences that resonate with our customers. Campaigns like this reflect our belief in building long-term relationships, encouraging financial responsibility and making banking both meaningful and inclusive. A s we at DIB continue to expand its Retail and Business Banking footprint, initiatives like Dream Bigger reinforce the bank's mission to go beyond traditional banking, fostering deeper connections with customers through purposeful engagement. The core purpose of running such rewards campaign is to thank customers for their loyalty and the trust that they levy on the bank . Congratulations to all the winners.' The prize ceremony took place at DIB Academy, in the presence of senior management. The top winners, Ms. Chaltham Ali AlMannaei and 1515 General Trading Company, were formally recognized during the handover ceremony.
