TravTalk Middle East Online Magazine
International visitor spending in the United Arab Emirates is set to reach a record AED228.5 billion in 2025, 37 per cent above the previous peak of 2019, according to the recent data released by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Domestic visitor spending is also projected to reach a record high at AED60 billion, 47 per cent above pre-pandemic levels.
TT Bureau
Annual Economic Impact Research (EIR) of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) shows that Travel & Tourism in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set for another record year in 2025, with the sector forecast to contribute AED267.5 billion to the national economy, accounting for almost 13 per cent of the GDP.
According to the research, by the end of the year, Travel & Tourism will also support more than 925,000 jobs. Domestic visitor spending is also projected to reach a record high at AED60 billion, 47 per cent above 2019 levels, highlighting the continued strength of the local travel market. These milestones reflect the UAE’s leadership in driving innovation, sustainability and seamless connectivity across its cities and attractions, powered by several initiatives, such as smart city development, world-class infrastructure and a laser focus on visitor experience.
Julia Simpson, President & CEO, WTTC, said, “The UAE continues to lead the way in global Travel & Tourism. From cutting-edge smart cities to exceptional hospitality and seamless visa systems, the country is a model of how strategic vision drives economic growth. With initiatives like Tourism Strategy 2031 and the National Tourism Charter, the UAE is building a future-ready sector rooted in sustainability and innovation. With strong leadership and public-private alignment, 2025 is set to mark yet another chapter in the UAE’s remarkable tourism success story.”
According to the data, in 2024, the sector contributed AED257.3 billion to the UAE economy and supported 898,600 jobs, making up nearly one in eight jobs in the country. Spending from international travellers reached AED217.3 billion, while domestic visitor spending injected AED57.6 billion into the national economy.
Looking ahead to the next 10 years, WTTC forecasts the sector will contribute nearly AED287.8 billion to the economy by 2035, representing 10.4 per cent of the national GDP. The workforce is expected to exceed one million jobs, underscoring the sector’s central role in economic diversification and national growth. The Middle Eastern Travel & Tourism sector continues to grow at pace. In 2024, the region contributed $341.9 billion to GDP and supported 7.3 million jobs.
WTTC forecasts that Travel & Tourism across the region will continue to grow throughout 2025 with GDP contribution set to reach $367.3 billion. Jobs are forecast to reach 7.7 million. Jobs supported by the sector rose to 898,600, making up one in eight jobs in the UAE.
