The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is on track to break tourism records once again, with international visitor spending expected to surge to an all-time high of $62 billion in 2025. According to forecasts, this milestone reflects not only the nation’s dynamic recovery from global travel disruptions but also its forward-thinking vision to anchor tourism as a cornerstone of economic development. As the UAE welcomes millions of global travellers, this projection underscores the country’s success in transforming itself into a world-class tourism, business, and lifestyle destination.
Global Tourism Spotlight Shines on the UAE
The UAE’s travel and tourism sector is expected to grow at an unprecedented pace, fueled by strategic government initiatives, large-scale infrastructure investments, and the nation’s appeal as a safe, modern, and culturally rich destination. The forecasted $62 billion in international traveller spend positions the UAE among the global leaders in tourism expenditure, outpacing numerous traditional travel hubs and further cementing its reputation as the gateway to the Middle East.
This surge in spending is not just a numerical achievement; it represents a complex interplay of policy, innovation, and global appeal that continues to attract high-spending visitors from all corners of the world.
A Resilient Recovery and a New Growth Chapter
The post-pandemic years have been transformative for the UAE’s tourism sector. With proactive recovery efforts, including one of the world’s fastest vaccination rollouts and seamless reopening strategies, the country saw a swift return of global travellers.
Dubai alone recorded over 17 million international visitors in 2023, with Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the northern emirates also experiencing sharp rises in hotel occupancy and tourism activity. By 2024, the industry had regained its pre-COVID momentum, and now in 2025, it is setting its sights even higher.
The anticipated $62 billion in traveller spend not only reflects increased tourist volumes but also a rise in average spending per visitor—a testament to the UAE’s evolution from a transit destination to an immersive, luxury-rich experience.
Key Drivers Behind the Spending Surge
Several factors are contributing to this exponential growth in international tourist spending:
1. Diversified Attractions: From iconic skyscrapers and world-class shopping to cultural heritage sites, desert safaris, and island resorts, the UAE offers something for every type of traveller. New openings, such as the Tiger Sky Tower, the world’s tallest wellbeing resort, and immersive entertainment zones, continue to raise the bar.
2. High-Profile Events: Hosting global events like COP28, the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix, and Dubai Expo legacies keep the UAE at the center of global attention. These events drive massive influxes of visitors while showcasing the country’s organizational prowess.
3. Strategic Partnerships and Marketing: The UAE’s tourism boards have aggressively promoted the country in key source markets like India, China, Russia, and Europe. Strategic airline partnerships, including those of Emirates and Etihad, have expanded connectivity and increased ease of travel.
4. Visa Reforms and Ease of Access: New visa categories for multi-entry, golden visas for investors and creatives, and on-arrival visa policies have significantly boosted inbound travel.
5. Luxury and Experiential Tourism: The UAE has successfully shifted its tourism brand towards high-value experiences. Ultra-luxury hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, cultural tours in the Al Fahidi district, and wellness retreats all contribute to higher spending per visitor.
Long-Term Outlook: A $97 Billion Industry by 2035
Looking beyond 2025, the forecasted growth trajectory is even more compelling. The UAE’s travel and tourism sector is expected to generate nearly $97 billion in international traveller spending by 2035. This continued expansion is part of the UAE’s broader economic diversification strategy under “We the UAE 2031” and Vision 2071, which aim to reduce dependency on oil by strengthening other pillars like tourism, technology, and sustainability.
To support this ambition, new mega projects are being launched across all seven emirates—from Ras Al Khaimah’s eco-tourism mountainscape to Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District and Dubai’s futuristic “Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040.”
Economic and Social Ripple Effects
The economic impact of this growth is vast. A surge in tourism spend translates into robust job creation, business opportunities for SMEs, and revenue generation for a wide range of industries, including hospitality, retail, aviation, food & beverage, and entertainment.
Hotels are expanding capacity, luxury brands are increasing their footprints, and new experiential businesses—from wellness startups to marine excursions—are emerging to meet evolving traveller expectations. The tourism multiplier effect will energize countless sectors, making the $62 billion forecast not just a milestone for tourism, but a driver for national prosperity.
Moreover, international spending also supports the country’s ambitious sustainability goals. With many new tourism projects focused on environmental stewardship and eco-tourism, the UAE is pioneering a model of tourism that balances economic gain with environmental protection.
The Role of Technology in Tourist Experience
Smart tourism technologies are further enhancing the visitor journey. From AI-driven airport experiences to digital hotel check-ins, multilingual virtual guides, and augmented reality cultural exhibits, the UAE is leveraging innovation to deliver seamless, personalized, and immersive experiences.
Mobile apps now allow tourists to plan entire itineraries, book attractions, hail transport, and even engage in guided tours—all from their smartphones. This digital edge contributes to satisfaction, efficiency, and ultimately, higher spend during the visit.
Government Commitment and Future Strategies
The UAE government has been a relentless supporter of the tourism industry, with policies designed to foster growth, innovation, and sustainability. The Ministry of Economy, along with local tourism departments, have implemented a unified tourism vision, aligning efforts across all emirates.
Looking ahead, the government aims to attract 40 million visitors annually by 2031 and increase the sector’s contribution to the national GDP to AED 450 billion. This would involve expanding the tourism workforce, enhancing destination offerings, and continually innovating to meet evolving global travel trends.
A Magnet for Global Travellers
In essence, the UAE’s record-breaking $62 billion forecast for international traveller spend is more than a numerical milestone—it is a reflection of a country that has mastered the art of hospitality, experience creation, and strategic growth. As global travel continues to rebound and evolve, the UAE stands out as a beacon of innovation, luxury, and inclusivity.
From first-time visitors marveling at the Burj Khalifa to repeat travellers seeking wellness escapes in the Al Hajar Mountains, the UAE’s tourism spectrum is broader and more compelling than ever.
This year marks a new chapter in the country’s tourism legacy—one that is not only shaped by numbers but powered by vision, diversity, and world-class experiences. As the UAE continues to enchant, inspire, and welcome the world, its travel sector is poised to remain a shining pillar of national pride and global admiration.
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