UAE tourism generates AED 45 billion in hotel revenues in 2024

The UAE's tourism sector generated AED 45 billion in revenue in 2024, a three per cent year-on-year growth, according to Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri.

Al Marri highlighted the growth of the UAE's tourism sector, attributing it to the UAE's forward-looking vision, which led to the development of sustainable policies, strategies, and initiatives that drive the sector's progress.

Tourism remains a key pillar in strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of the UAE's national economy, supporting the country's transition toward an economy driven by knowledge and innovation, he noted.

Hotel occupancy rates also climbed to 78 per cent last year, ranking among the highest both regionally and globally.

The growth was supported by the opening of 16 new hotels across the seven emirates in 2024, taking the total number of hotels in the country to 1,251 by the end of the year.

In addition, the number of hotel rooms also grew, reaching 216,966 by the end of 2024, up three per cent and the number of hotel guests across the UAE reached approximately 30.8 million in 2024, reflecting a 9.5 per cent growth.

The milestone represents 77 per cent of the hotel guest target set by the 'National Tourism Strategy 2031' - achieved seven years ahead of schedule.