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Arabian Business
4 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE tourism hits record $70bn in 2024, ranks among world's top 7 for visitor spending
The UAE's travel and tourism sector recorded a landmark year in 2024, contributing AED257.3bn ($70.1bn) to the national economy — 13 per cent of the country's GDP, according to a new report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). This marks a 3.2 per cent increase from 2023 and a remarkable 26 per cent jump from pre-pandemic 2019 levels, placing the UAE among the top seven global destinations for international tourist spending. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said the achievements had surpassed countries which had a head start of centuries. UAE tourism boom Sheikh Mohammed said: '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 AED217bn last year, with domestic tourism expenditure reaching AED57bn. 'The UAE ranks among the world's top seven destinations for international tourist spending, surpassing countries that have been in this industry for centuries.' 'We welcome tourists, delight in attracting investors, embrace talent, and build the best environment for living, tourism, and visitation. Welcome to the world.' في مؤشر جديد على قوة وتنوع اقتصادنا الوطني .. أشار تقرير المجلس العالمي للسفر والسياحة إلى انجازات استثنائية لقطاع السياحة الإماراتي .. حيث بلغ إجمالي انفاق الزوار الدوليين أكثر من 217 مليار درهم خلال العام السابق … بالإضافة لإنفاق سياحي محلي بلغ 57 مليار درهم … دولة الإمارات… — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) June 26, 2025 The report revealed that international visitor spending reached AED217.3bn ($59.2bn) in 2024, up 5.8 per cent from 2023 and 30.4 per cent higher than in 2019. Meanwhile, domestic tourism spending also surged to AED57.6bn ($15.7bn) — a 41 per cent increase over 2019 figures. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, highlighted the UAE's success in turning tourism into a cornerstone of economic diversification, thanks to major investments in infrastructure, cultural offerings, and service quality. Al Marri said: '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 AED450bn ($121.5bn) and raise the number of hotel guests to 40m annually by the next decade.' The report also highlighted that leisure tourism accounted for 84.7 per cent of total tourism expenditure in the UAE in 2024, while business tourism represented 15.3 per cent. 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 per cent of total tourism expenditure came from international visitors, while 21 per cent was attributed to domestic tourists. In 2024, the UAE welcomed tourists from a wide range of markets, with the top contributors being: India: 14 per cent UK: 8 per cent Russia: 8 per cent China: 5 per cent Saudi Arabia: 5 per cent Rest of the world: 60 per cent This diverse visitor mix reflects the effectiveness of flexible tourism policies and global outreach strategies. Despite rapid growth, the UAE has maintained its environmental commitments: Tourism accounted for just 13.3 per cent of national carbon emissions in 2023 Women made up 16.3 per cent of the sector's workforce Youth (ages 15–24) represented 9.7 per cent of tourism jobs Tourism also contributed $8.6bn in tax revenues, or 5.4 per cent of total government revenue, highlighting its fiscal importance. Worldwide, the travel and tourism sector contributed $10.9tn to global GDP in 2024, with 356.6 million jobs created. The WTTC projects that figure to reach $11.7tn in 2025, driven by pent-up demand, infrastructure investment, and a shift toward sustainable travel.
Gulf Business
09-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Dubai Metro Blue Line: Foundation laid for first station
Image credit: HH Sheikh Mohammed/X account Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has laid the foundation stone for the first station on the Dubai Metro's Blue Line. Read- The announcement was made on the Dubai Ruler's official X account. The Blue Line is projected to generate total benefits of Dhs56bn. أثناء وضع حجر الأساس لأول محطة ضمن الخط الأزرق لمترو دبي الذي تبلغ إجمالي منافعه 56 مليار درهم .. المحطة تمثل أيقونة معمارية تضاف لأيقونات دبي الحضارية وستكون أولى محطات الخط الأزرق الذي سيمتد 30 كيلومتراً ليصل إجمالي طول السكك الحديدية بدبي 131 كيلومتر و78 محطة.. مترو دبي نقل… — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) The station, an architectural icon, will become a new landmark in Dubai and will be the first on the Blue Line. The line will extend 30 kilometers, bringing the total length of Dubai's rail network to 131 kilometers with 78 stations. The The line will feature a combination of underground and elevated tracks, with a total of 14 stations along its 30-kilometer route. It will include three major interchange stations: Al Khor (Green Line), Centrepoint (Red Line), and International City (1). One of the standout features of the project is a signature station at Dubai Creek Harbour, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), which will showcase a unique architectural style. This station is expected to become a key focal point and will be designed to handle 160,000 passengers daily by 2040. The Blue Line will also include the Dubai Metro's first-ever crossing over Dubai Creek via a 1,300-metre bridge, adding a striking visual and functional element to the project. Benefits of the Blue Line The Blue Line is expected to reduce road congestion in key areas by 20 per cent, boost property values near stations by up to 25 per cent, and directly connect major hubs like Dubai International Airport (DXB) to residential areas. Al Tayer noted that the new line will offer more efficient travel times—ranging from 10 to 25 minutes — across various neighborhoods. It will also be integrated into Dubai's broader urban planning strategy, including the '20-Minute City' initiative, which aims to ensure over 80 per cent of services are accessible within a 20-minute commute. The Blue Line is designed to serve areas expected to house nearly one million residents by 2040, including key developments like Dubai Creek Harbour, Festival City, and International City.
Dubai Eye
21-03-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed praises exceptional employee
The outstanding service of a dedicated employee in Dubai, has caught the attention of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed praised Yousef Mohammed Abdullah, who is employed at a vehicle inspection and registration centre in Al Qusais, after a secret shopper report confirmed his proactive approach to helping customers. In a post on the platform X, His Highness said that Yousef's commitment to exceptional service has earned him praise from customers, with many expressing their gratitude for his efforts. Sheikh Mohammed congratulated Yousef and acknowledged the hard work of other young men and women who uphold Dubai's reputation through their dedication to public service. محمد بن راشد: في تقرير حديث وصلني للمتسوق السري .. ومن مركز خدمة العملاء لفحص وتسجيل المركبات في القصيص.. تابعنا يوسف محمد عبدالله .. شاب مجتهد .. بشوش .. مبادر لخدمة الناس .. حريص على إنجاز معاملاتهم .. يلتف حوله المتعاملون ويشكرونه على خدمته . تحية ليوسف .. نحن نتابعك ..… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 20, 2025
