Latest news with #MohammedbinRashidAlMaktoum
Filipino Times
20 hours ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
UAE ranks in world's top 7 for tourist spending
The United Arab Emirates ranked among the world's top seven destinations for international tourist spending in 2024, according to a report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). Visitors spent AED217.3 billion (US$59.2 billion) in the UAE, a 5.8% increase from 2023 and over 30% higher than pre-pandemic levels. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said, 'The WTTC report highlights the exceptional achievements of the UAE tourism sector. International visitor spending exceeded AED217 billion last year, with domestic tourism expenditure reaching AED57 billion. 'The UAE ranks among the world's top seven destinations for international tourist spending, surpassing countries that have been in this industry for centuries,' His Highness added. The report also showed that domestic tourism contributed AED57.6 billion (US$15.7 billion), bringing the total travel and tourism sector's impact on the UAE's GDP to AED257.3 billion. That amount represents 13% of the national economy and is one of the highest growth rates globally. The rise in visitor spending came from a wide mix of tourists, mainly from India (14%), the United Kingdom (8%), Russia (8%), China (5%), and Saudi Arabia (5%). The rest came from other parts of the world, showing the UAE's global appeal. Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said the country's achievements are the result of strong strategies, infrastructure upgrades, and international partnerships. He added that these efforts help create jobs and attract more investment in tourism.
Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Mohammed bin Rashid: UAE in top 7 for tourist spending
GDP The sector contributed AED257.3 billion (US$70.1 billion) to the national GDP, accounting for 13% of the economy. This marks a 3.2% increase from 2023 and a remarkable 26% growth compared to 2019, one of the highest growth rates globally and regionally in terms of tourism's contribution to economic development. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, praised the sector's achievements, stating, 'In a new indicator of the strength and diversity of our national economy, the WTTC report highlights the exceptional achievements of the UAE tourism sector. International visitor spending exceeded AED217 billion last year, with domestic tourism expenditure reaching AED57 billion. The UAE ranks among the world's top seven destinations for international tourist spending, surpassing countries that have been in this industry for centuries.' He added, 'We welcome tourists, delight in attracting investors, embrace talent, and build the best environment for living, tourism, and visitation. Welcome to the world.' Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, emphasised that the UAE has placed tourism at the heart of its strategy to drive economic diversification and sustainable growth. He credited the nation's success to proactive initiatives and strategic tourism plans that have positioned the UAE as a unique and attractive global destination. These efforts include strengthening infrastructure across the seven emirates, enhancing the appeal of tourism-related investments, and showcasing the country's rich cultural and experiential diversity. Significant improvements in airport and travel infrastructure have also contributed to the country's elevated standing in global travel and tourism. UAE achieved a historic milestone in the tourism sector Al Marri also noted, 'Just days ago, the UAE achieved a historic milestone in the tourism sector with the election of Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Today's WTTC results reaffirm the wisdom of our leadership's vision in enhancing the competitiveness of our tourism sector, creating employment opportunities for Emiratis, and further cementing our position as a global tourism powerhouse.' 'These achievements underscore that the UAE tourism sector is confidently progressing toward the goals set out in the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031. The strategy aims to increase the sector's contribution to the national GDP to AED450 billion and raise the number of hotel guests to 40 million annually by the next decade.' He noted that national efforts are ongoing to develop a fully integrated tourism ecosystem, guided by international best practices. These efforts include strengthening engagement with key regional and international tourism markets, expanding the range of tourism offerings, and enhancing service quality to provide comprehensive and enriching experiences for visitors from around the world. 'These initiatives are in line with the UAE vision We the UAE 2031, and they aim to elevate the country's status as one of the world's leading tourism destinations in the coming decade,' he concluded. UAE continues to assert its position as one of the world's leading travel destinations Regarding international tourism, the WTTC report highlighted that the UAE continues to assert its position as one of the world's leading travel destinations. In 2024, the country welcomed international visitors from a diverse range of key markets, including India: 14%, United Kingdom: 8%, Russia: 8%, China: 5%, Saudi Arabia: 5%, and rest of the world: 60%. This broad geographical distribution reflects the UAE's growing global appeal and the effectiveness of its flexible and inclusive tourism policies in attracting a wide array of visitors. UAE reached AED217.3 billion (US$59.2 billion) in 2024 The report further revealed that international visitor spending in the UAE reached AED217.3 billion (US$59.2 billion) in 2024, marking a 5.8% increase from 2023 and a 30.4% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Meanwhile, domestic tourism spending also witnessed strong growth, reaching AED57.6 billion (US$15.7 billion) in 2024, an increase of 2.4% over 2023 and a remarkable 41% rise compared to 2019. These figures underscore both the resilience and upward momentum of the UAE's tourism sector across international and domestic fronts, further solidifying its position as a premier global destination. The WTTC report projects that international visitor spending in the UAE will rise by 5.2% in 2025, reaching approximately AED228.5 billion. Meanwhile, domestic tourism spending is expected to grow by 4.3%, hitting AED60 billion by the end of the year. The report also highlighted that leisure tourism accounted for 84.7% of total tourism expenditure in the UAE in 2024, while business tourism represented 15.3%. This demonstrates the sector's adaptability and its ability to balance both recreational and commercial tourism demands. Moreover, the breakdown of spending showed that 79% of total tourism expenditure came from international visitors, while 21% was attributed to domestic tourists. The report further emphasised that despite the UAE's rapid tourism sector growth, the country has remained firmly committed to environmental standards and sustainability goals. In 2023, carbon emissions linked to tourism activities accounted for only 13.3% of the nation's total emissions, reflecting the UAE's strategic focus on integrating sustainability across its tourism landscape. Aligns with the UAE's broader vision to promote sustainable practices across all sectors This performance aligns with the UAE's broader vision to promote sustainable practices across all sectors — ensuring that tourism growth goes hand-in-hand with environmental responsibility and long-term ecological balance. On the social front, the report highlighted that women accounted for 16.3% of the direct workforce in the UAE's travel and tourism sector in 2023. Additionally, youth aged 15–24 years made up 9.7% of the total employment in the sector, reflecting its growing role in empowering both women and younger generations within the national labour market. From a fiscal perspective, the tourism and travel sector generated US$8.6 billion in tax revenues in 2023, representing 5.4% of total government revenues. This underscores the sector's increasing financial significance and its vital contribution to the country's public treasury. On the global level, the report stated that the travel and tourism sector contributed US$10.9 trillion to the global GDP in 2024, representing 10% of the world economy. This reflects an 8.5% increase compared to 2023 and a 6% rise compared 2019. Looking ahead, the sector's contribution is projected to reach US$11.7 trillion in 2025, which would mark a 6.7% increase over 2024 and a 13% growth over 2019, underscoring the sustained recovery and expansion of global tourism. The report also highlighted the sector's robust role in job creation, with 356.6 million jobs generated worldwide in 2024, accounting for 10.6% of total global employment. This represents a 6.2% increase from 2023 and a 5.6% increase from 2019.
Time Out Dubai
2 days ago
- Time Out Dubai
4 major Dubai changes in July: New law, reduced hours and visa-free travel
Dubai is constantly changing and it's no surprise that you can sometimes miss an update or two. Major Dubai changes are announced all the time, often a long time in advance, which is why we've rounded up the biggest changes to note that will arrive in July. In July, we'll enjoy a public holiday, some will see the benefit of a four-day working week, and there's even a brand-new law coming into play. Dubai changes in July Dubai's four-day working week begins (for some) Dubai will introduce a four-day working week and reduced hours for public sector workers from Tuesday July 1. It follows a successful initial trial scheme first introduced in 2024 for those working for government entities. Running until Friday September 12 2025, the scheme is designed to allow employees to have a greater work-life balance during the hotter months. You can read the full story here. A new public health law is coming into force Rolling out in July, there is a new public health law that was issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE back in April. Law No. (5) of 2025 on Public Health in Dubai seeks to minimise health risks by stopping the spread of illnesses and putting restrictions on travel for those with confirmed communicable diseases. The new law states that any travellers must adhere to official health protocols, provide requested information at Dubai's entry points and report any suspected or confirmed communicable diseases. Anyone who is infected or suspected of having a communicable disease must avoid contact that could spread their illness. The new law states that you must refrain from travelling or moving, except to healthcare facilities, without the approval of the Dubai Health Authority. You can find further information on the new law here. Travel to Armenia will be visa-free for UAE residents If you're looking for a last-minute summer holiday from Dubai, then you're going to want to know about the latest country to announce visa-free travel for UAE residents. Starting from Tuesday July 1, just after the Islamic New Year holiday, people living in Dubai and the other emirates can travel to Armenia without a visa. Previously only visa-free for UAE nationals, the latest announcement means that everyone living in the United Arab Emirates is able to holiday in Armenia hassle-free. You can travel for up to 90 days within any 180-day period – no paperwork, no visa-on-arrival, just pack and go. To qualify, your UAE residency must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date. Read the full story here. Dubai's school summer holidays will begin Officially wrapping up right at the end of June, July will see the school holidays properly begin for families across the emirate. For private schools, the school holidays will begin on Friday June 27 with a new term beginning on Monday August 25. If you like this: 52 brilliant family days out in the UAE For private schools, the summer break will begin on Monday June 30, and resume on Monday August 25. For all the school holiday dates to know, read the full story here. In other Dubai news UAE petrol price prediction July 2025: Will we see a drop? What you need to know RTA announces major expansion for Burj Khalifa–Dubai Mall Metro Station Big news for commuters 7 major Dubai visa changes you need to know about in 2025 New ways of getting a long-term stay
Dubai Eye
2 days ago
- Business
- Dubai Eye
UAE among top 7 destinations for international tourist spending
The UAE's travel and tourism sector delivered a standout performance in 2024, contributing AED 257.3 billion to the national GDP — 13 per cent of the total economy, according to a report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). This marks a 3.2 per cent increase from 2023 and a 26 per cent surge compared to 2019, placing the UAE among the top global performers in tourism-driven economic growth. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, praised the sector's achievements, highlighting the UAE's ranking among the top seven global destinations for international tourist spending. In 2024, international visitor spending exceeded AED 217 billion, while domestic tourism reached AED 57 billion. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, credited the success to strategic planning and proactive initiatives. He reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to tourism as a key pillar of economic diversification and sustainable development. The UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 aims to further boost the sector's GDP contribution to AED 450 billion and attract 40 million hotel guests annually by the next decade. The WTTC report also revealed the UAE's strong international appeal, with visitors coming from: India (14%), United Kingdom (8%), Russia (8%), China (5%), Saudi Arabia (5%), other markets (60%). Despite rapid growth, the UAE remains committed to sustainability. In 2023, tourism-related carbon emissions accounted for just 13.3 per cent of the country's total, reflecting efforts to integrate environmental standards across the sector. On the social front, the report noted that women made up 16.3 per cent of the UAE's tourism workforce in 2023, while youth aged 15–24 represented 9.7 per cent, underscoring the sector's role in empowering future generations. Globally, the travel and tourism sector added $10.9 trillion to the world economy in 2024, accounting for 10 per cent of global GDP. — UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) June 26, 2025
ARN News Center
2 days ago
- Business
- ARN News Center
UAE among top 7 destinations for international tourist spending
The UAE's travel and tourism sector delivered a standout performance in 2024, contributing AED 257.3 billion to the national GDP — 13 per cent of the total economy, according to a report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). This marks a 3.2 per cent increase from 2023 and a 26 per cent surge compared to 2019, placing the UAE among the top global performers in tourism-driven economic growth. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, praised the sector's achievements, highlighting the UAE's ranking among the top seven global destinations for international tourist spending. In 2024, international visitor spending exceeded AED 217 billion, while domestic tourism reached AED 57 billion. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, credited the success to strategic planning and proactive initiatives. He reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to tourism as a key pillar of economic diversification and sustainable development. The UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 aims to further boost the sector's GDP contribution to AED 450 billion and attract 40 million hotel guests annually by the next decade. The WTTC report also revealed the UAE's strong international appeal, with visitors coming from: India (14%), United Kingdom (8%), Russia (8%), China (5%), Saudi Arabia (5%), other markets (60%). Despite rapid growth, the UAE remains committed to sustainability. In 2023, tourism-related carbon emissions accounted for just 13.3 per cent of the country's total, reflecting efforts to integrate environmental standards across the sector. On the social front, the report noted that women made up 16.3 per cent of the UAE's tourism workforce in 2023, while youth aged 15–24 represented 9.7 per cent, underscoring the sector's role in empowering future generations. Globally, the travel and tourism sector added $10.9 trillion to the world economy in 2024, accounting for 10 per cent of global GDP. — UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) June 26, 2025
