The UAE’s tourism sector is set to enjoy a record-breaking year in 2024, with international visitors projected to spend a staggering $52.2 billion. This represents a robust 9.4% increase compared to the previous year, solidifying the UAE’s position as the 10th largest global recipient of inbound tourism spending. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) report highlights the UAE’s success, placing it second only to Saudi Arabia in the Middle East, which is forecasted to garner $68.3 billion in tourism spending this year.
The UAE’s tourism growth is fueled by a global surge in travel demand, evident in the significant increase in passenger traffic at UAE airports. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) reported a 14% rise in passenger traffic during the first half of 2024, reaching a remarkable 71.75 million travelers. This includes 20,274,694 arrivals, 21,090,750 departures, and 30,391,978 transit passengers. In response to this surge, the GCAA is actively collaborating with national airlines and partners to identify and explore new market opportunities. This proactive strategy aligns with the UAE’s strategic focus on air transport, having established agreements with over 90% of the world’s countries.
Looking ahead, the tourism sector’s contribution to the regional GDP is expected to grow at a significant annual rate of 3.9% from 2024 to 2034, outpacing the anticipated 2.4% growth rate of the broader regional economy. By 2034, the tourism sector is projected to contribute a substantial $744 billion to the regional GDP, accounting for a significant 7.8% of the total. This expansion is expected to generate an additional 2.1 million jobs, bringing total employment in the sector to 10.4 million, representing approximately one in nine jobs in the Middle East.
Globally, international visitor spending is predicted to rise by almost 16% this year, reaching an impressive $1.9 trillion. Several tourism destinations are experiencing significant increases in international spending compared to pre-pandemic levels. Saudi Arabia and Egypt stand out with remarkable surges of 91.3% and 22.9%, respectively, compared to 2019 figures. The UAE’s impressive tourism growth positions the country as a major player in the global tourism industry, with a bright future fueled by ongoing investments and a strategic focus on developing a world-class tourism experience.
