The UAE’s Travel & Tourism sector has reached new heights in 2024, breaking records in GDP contribution, jobs, and visitor spend. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Economic Impact Research, the sector contributed a record-breaking AED 220BN to the UAE’s GDP, representing 11.7% of the entire economy. This growth of more than 26% from the previous year showcases the sector’s pivotal role in the nation’s economic framework.
With more than 809,000 jobs supported by Travel & Tourism in the UAE, representing one in nine jobs in the country, the sector has seen a significant increase in employment since the 2019 highpoint. Domestic visitor spending reached over AED 55.5BN, while international visitor spending surged by almost 40% to reach over AED 175BN in 2023.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, praised the UAE’s strategic vision and commitment to enhancing its Travel & Tourism sector, highlighting the importance of sustainable and inclusive strategies in driving prosperity. The forecast for 2024 looks promising, with GDP expected to reach over AED 236BN and jobs increasing by more than 23,500 to nearly 833,000.
Looking ahead to the next decade, the WTTC predicts that the sector will grow its annual GDP contribution to more than AED 275BN by 2034, employing more than 928,000 people across the country. Across the Middle East, the Travel & Tourism sector grew by more than 25% in 2023, reaching almost $460BN USD in GDP contribution.
Flight booking trends in the UAE also show strong growth, with international arrivals at Abu Dhabi and Dubai surpassing 2019 numbers. Bookings to Abu Dhabi for the second quarter of 2024 are up 59% from last year, while bookings to Dubai have increased by 13%.
Overall, the UAE’s Travel & Tourism sector is thriving, setting new benchmarks for the global travel industry and solidifying its position as a top global tourism destination.