39mn tourist footfall in Abu Dhabi by 2030

DCT Abu Dhabi to deliver Tourism Strategy 2030 to ensure emirate’s sustainable growth as global tourism destination. The strategy aims to attract 39 million visitors by 2030 and tourism sector to contribute AED 90 billion to UAE GDP. It will also boost global overnight visitors to 90 million.

TT Bureau

His Royal Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman, Abu Dhabi Executive Council, approved the new Tourism Strategy 2030 for the emirate. Spearheaded by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the ambitious blueprint signals a new era of expansion and strategic development in the travel and tourism sector. The strategy seeks to boost visitor numbers from 24 million in 2023 to 39.3 million by 2030 (overnight and same-day), with a 7 per cent year-on-year growth.

Moreover, it plans to elevate the tourism and travel sector’s contribution to the UAE’s GDP, raising it from approximately AED 49 billion in 2023 to AED 90 billion annually by 2030. The strategy will generate an estimated 178,000 new jobs by 2030 as the tourism infrastructure develops to meet this demand. It intends to almost double international overnight visitors from 3.8 million in 2023 approximately to 7.2 million in 2030, expand hotel room availability from 34,000 in 2023 to 52,000 by 2030, and enhance the holiday home segment to diversify accommodation options. “The Tourism Strategy 2030 marks a pivotal moment in Abu Dhabi’s transformative journey. Delivered alongside our key partners, the strategy underscores our commitment to fostering sustainable growth and strategic development in the travel and tourism sector. Through crafted initiatives, which will unlock economic opportunities, amplify our distinctive culture, and enhance the emirate’s value proposition, we are laying the foundation for a future that transcends generations,” His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman, DCT Abu Dhabi, said.

Fostering sustainable growth

To achieve the strategy’s goals, 26 key initiatives have been identified across four strategic pillars: Offering and City Activation; Promotion & Marketing; Infrastructure & Mobility; and Visa, Licensing, and Regulations. These pillars form the foundation of Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive approach to realising its ambitious tourism targets and fostering sustainable growth in the sector.

The initiatives will be unlocked through the vision of DCT Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi Airports Company, among others, who play in bringing Abu Dhabi’s tourism vision to life.

The first pillar, Offering and City Activation, looks to enhance the overall guest experience by unveiling cultural sites, theme parks, retails offerings and new hotel chains. The dining landscape will diversify significantly, offering expanded options, including introduction of culinary schools and training programmes.

The DCT Abu Dhabi will more than double its Promotion and Marketing efforts, expanding its global reach from 11 to 26 markets and enhancing synergy within tourism ecosystem of Abu Dhabi.

It will set up global partnerships with media outlets and well-known brands for high-profile collaborations, creating compelling, market-specific content across various touchpoints. The Infrastructure and Mobility pillar will increase hotel room availability across categories such as accessible and luxury options, glamping, and farm stays. Through valued collaborations, the emirate is set to enhance roads, public transport, and infra, simplifying travel within and boosting visitor inflow. Visitor experience and tourism
ops will be enhanced with streamlined Visa, Licensing and Regulation processes. In collaboration with relevant agencies, enhanced platforms and processes will reduce time frames for all applications and permits, to improve EoDB and attract investment.

Building on success in 2023

Last year, Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector saw a surge of 24 million visitors. The 27 and 54  per cent rise in hotel global guests contributed AED 49 billion to the UAE’s GDP.  Arrivals from markets such as India, Russia, UK, China and KSA, played a pivotal role in 2023, alongside the numbers attracted by the emirate’s vibrant array of 150 events, its pristine beaches, natural landscapes, and cultural sites, which attracted 8.7 million visitors.