Abu Dhabi hotel sector booms with 5.8 million guests in 2024
2 June 2025 00:10
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi's hotel sector recorded strong performance in 2024, welcoming 5.8 million guests and achieving a 79% occupancy rate, according to the Department of Culture and Tourism's (DCT) latest report. Of the total hotel guests, three million were international visitors, with over 1.3 million arriving from key source markets including China, the UK, India, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the US.High-end properties — such as four- and five-star hotels and deluxe hotel apartments — were among the key drivers of revenue growth, the DCT said in its 2024 Hotel Performance Report. 'Room revenues accounted for 62% of total revenues and grew by 22%, driven by a 12% rise in ADR (average daily rate) and a 9% increase in occupancy rates,' it added. Apartments also welcomed a higher number guests, it said, with a 7.9% increase in arrivals.Supported by focused international marketing campaigns, strategic global partnerships, and an expanding range of high-quality hospitality offerings, the emirate's hotel industry grew in terms of both volume and value by the end of the year. Overall, guests stayed about 3.2 nights on average and spent about Dh497 every day (average daily rate), the report said. The number of hotels in the emirate has also increased to 171 establishments with more than 34,000 rooms. 'The increase in high-value (high-spend) tourism is reflected in the growth of both ADR and Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) — a strong indicator of Abu Dhabi's ability to draw visitors that seek exceptional hospitality experiences,' the DCT said.
Growth Across Regions Each of Abu Dhabi's three main regions — Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain Region, and Al Dhafra Region — contributed to the sector's success.Abu Dhabi City continued to lead as the emirate's primary tourism hub, reporting a 6.1% increase in guest arrivals and an 18.5% rise in total revenues.Al Dhafra Region saw a standout performance, driven by strategic rate adjustments and longer guest stays. The region achieved a 27% increase in average length of stay (ALOS) and a 35% surge in occupancy rates, resulting in a 16.6% year-on-year increase in total hotel revenues.Meanwhile, Al Ain Region, known for its cultural and historical attractions, also recorded a 3.6% increase in guest arrivals and a 9.9% growth in hotel revenues.
'Continued investments in these regions will be essential to further diversity Abu Dhabi's tourism offerings and ensure sustainable growth across the emirate,' the DCT said in the report.
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