In 2025, the UAE’s tourism sector recorded remarkable achievements, solidifying its position as a key contributor to the country’s prosperity. The sector contributed AED 257.3 billion ($70.06 billion) to the nation’s GDP, representing 13% of the overall economy.
Between January and September 2025, the UAE hotels accommodated 23.27 million guests, a 4.9% increase compared to the same period last year. Total hotel nights exceeded 79.3 million, while revenues rose 7.2% to over AED 35.9 billion.
Average occupancy reached 79.2%, with 46.17 million rooms occupied. The average daily room rate increased 4.2% to AED 557, supported by a total capacity of 216,248 rooms across 1,246 hotel establishments.
The UAE’s aviation sector mirrored this growth, with Abu Dhabi Airports, Dubai International Airport, and Sharjah International Airport collectively handling 108.59 million passengers during the first nine months of 2025.
Several key tourism projects were launched or announced in 2025, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to expanding its leisure and entertainment offerings:
- The AED 2 billion Therme Dubai wellness and leisure destination.
- Abu Dhabi’s interactive Butterfly Sanctuary.
- Wynn Al Marjan Island hotel and resort in Ras Al Khaimah.
- Avani+ Fujairah Resort.
- AED 3.5 billion Al Tay Hills project in Sharjah.
- Second phase of the Umm Al Qaiwain Creek Waterfront.
- A Disney theme park and resort on Yas Island.
In February, the fifth edition of the “World’s Coolest Winter” campaign concluded with the theme “Green Tourism.” The initiative generated nearly AED 1.9 billion in hotel revenues, marking an 86.9% increase from the previous edition, and welcomed over 4.4 million guests, a 62% rise. The campaign reached more than 224 million people worldwide.
Looking forward
The UAE’s tourism sector in 2025 demonstrates a powerful combination of strong economic contribution and projects that continue to attract global attention. With world-class infrastructure and strategic international engagement, the UAE is not only consolidating its position as a leading travel destination but also setting new benchmarks for sustainable and high-quality tourism worldwide.
In a market defined by rapid growth and long-term potential, we concentrate on guiding investors toward assets with strong capital appreciation, enabling them to make well-informed and confident investment decisions.
