Abu Dhabi aims to add 178,000 jobs by 2030

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has approved plans to create 178,000 jobs and aims to attract 39.3 million tourists.

The Abu Dhabi Tourism Sector Strategy 2030 aims to increase the sector’s contribution to non-oil GDP to AED90 billion annually by 2030.

The move is part of efforts by the government to enhance the UAE capital's position as one of the world's fastest growing tourism destinations.

During the Abu Dhabi Executive Council's meeting, Sheikh Khaled also reviewed the latest government plans, developments and initiatives, as well as a number of projects to enhance citizen’s wellbeing by strengthening infrastructure, facilities and community services.

In 2023, Abu Dhabi welcomed more than 24 million visitors, over 30 per cent more than 2022, significantly bolstering Abu Dhabi's economy, contributing AED 49 billion to GDP. The hotel sector alone contributed AED 6.4 billion.

The growth reflects the Emirate’s rising profile in the global tourism sector and lays a solid foundation from which to achieve the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030.

The strategy reflects Abu Dhabi’s vision to transform the UAE capital's social and economic landscape through sustainable development in line with the objectives of Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030. It also aims to develop talent in the tourism sector and strengthen the sector’s role in supporting the emirate’s economic growth.

The approved strategy will continue to support and encourage private sector investment in tourism development through a range of incentive initiatives and programmes, including facilitating and simplifying regulatory procedures.

It will also support sustainable tourism initiatives and drive innovation and technology integration to enhance tourism services and the development of unique attractions and experiences. These are among other strategy programmes and plans aimed at ensuring the growth of Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector in line with the emirate’s economic ambitions.