The United Arab Emirates’ tourism sector recorded strong growth in the first half of 2025, with hotel revenues reaching AED26 billion ($7.1 billion) and occupancy rates climbing to 80.5 percent, according to Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council.
Arabian Business reported that the figures mark a 6.3 percent increase compared with the same period in 2024, underscoring the resilience of the industry and its role in supporting the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031. The plan aims to raise the sector’s contribution to the national economy to AED450 billion ($122.5 billion) by the next decade.
Speaking at the council’s third meeting of the year, Bin Touq said tourism has become a cornerstone of the country’s non-oil growth strategy. “Through the Emirates Tourism Council, we continue our efforts to promote sustainable tourism development by fostering effective partnerships between the public and private sectors and launching innovative initiatives and projects,” he noted.
He added that ongoing efforts not only bolster visitor numbers but also create opportunities for Emirati talent and enhance the country’s profile on the global tourism stage.
The UAE continues to attract significant foreign direct investment into its tourism and hospitality sector. Major projects currently under development include Wynn Resorts’ multi-billion-dollar integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah, expected to open in early 2027, and MGM’s resort in Dubai, scheduled for the second half of 2028. Both projects highlight the confidence of global hospitality leaders in the UAE’s long-term tourism potential.
