Abu Dhabi - Mubasher: Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, affirmed that the UAE's tourism sector continues to grow and achieve positive results. He noted that the sector is a key contributor to enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the national economy and supporting the transition to a new economic model based on knowledge and innovation .

He said, "Hotel revenues in the country rose to nearly AED 45 billion in 2024, achieving a 3% growth compared to 2023. Hotel occupancy rates increased to 78% last year, which is among the highest rates regionally and globally," according to Al Khaleej newspaper.

He pointed out that 16 new hotels will open in the seven emirates during 2024, bringing the total number of hotels in the country to 1,251 by the end of last year. The number of hotel rooms will also rise to 216,966 by the end of 2024, a 3% increase compared to 2023 .

He added: "National efforts continue to develop innovative tourism initiatives and projects, and enhance joint cooperation with all relevant tourism entities and authorities inside and outside the country, to consolidate the UAE's position as the best tourism identity in the world by the next decade, and to provide distinctive tourism experiences that enhance the country's attractiveness to visitors and tourists from around the world."

The number of hotel guests in the country reached nearly 30.8 million last year, a growth rate of 9.5% compared to 2023. This has enabled UAE tourism to achieve 77% of the target number of hotel guests set by the National Tourism Strategy 2031, seven years ahead of schedule. With the continued increase in the current growth rates of our tourism sector, we will achieve the strategy's goal of attracting 40 million hotel guests .

This year is set to witness a variety of events and marketing tourism programs, aimed at highlighting the most prominent landmarks and distinguished tourist destinations enjoyed by the seven emirates of the country, especially in light of Al Ain being selected as the Gulf Tourism Capital for 2025.