The 54th United Arab Emirates Eid Al Etihad celebration this year is not just a national holiday but a powerful reminder of the country’s extraordinary economic and tourism achievements. This milestone highlights the strong foundation of the UAE’s diversified economy, its thriving business environment, and its ever-growing global presence. The theme of this year’s celebration, “United,” perfectly reflects the nation’s unity and shared commitment to progress and prosperity.
A Celebration of Unity and Progress
Eid Al Etihad commemorates the historic union of the seven Emirates into one strong nation. It is a time to reflect on how the visionary leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the country’s founding fathers transformed the United Arab Emirates from a desert federation into a global leader in economic development, innovation, and quality of life.
The spirit of Eid Al Etihad this year resonates with the remarkable achievements the United Arab Emirates has made across various sectors. Economic diversification remains at the heart of the nation’s growth strategy, and the results are clearly visible in the country’s rising non-oil GDP contribution, which now stands at an impressive 77.5 percent. This shift away from reliance on oil showcases the UAE’s resilience and forward-thinking approach to building a sustainable future.
Strong Economic Growth and Diversification
The United Arab Emirates economy grew steadily in the first half of 2025, with a real gross domestic product increase of 4.2 percent compared to the same period last year. More importantly, the non-oil sector grew by 5.7 percent, signaling the strength of other industries such as finance, trade, technology, manufacturing, and tourism.
This growth is driven by a business-friendly environment that attracts investors and entrepreneurs from around the world. Over 220,000 new companies entered the UAE market between January and November 2025, a clear sign of confidence in the country’s economic stability and potential. Alongside this, the number of trademarks registered in the UAE increased by nearly 50 percent, underscoring the country’s growing reputation as a global innovation and trade hub.
Tourism as a Rising Powerhouse
Tourism is a key pillar in the UAE’s diversification strategy and has experienced exceptional growth this year. The country welcomed more than 23 million hotel guests in the first nine months of 2025, an increase of nearly five percent compared to the previous year. This growth reflects the UAE’s ability to attract visitors from all over the world with its unique blend of luxury, culture, entertainment, and natural beauty.
Hotel revenues also saw a significant jump, surpassing AED 36 billion, supported by an increase in both hotel room availability and occupancy rates. The number of hotel rooms in the UAE rose to over 216,000, spread across 1,246 establishments, while the occupancy rate climbed to nearly 80 percent. Visitors are staying longer, with the average length of stay increasing to about 3.4 nights, indicating a deeper engagement with the country’s diverse tourism offerings.
The UAE’s hospitality sector is becoming increasingly competitive on the world stage, ranking among the top destinations globally for international tourist spending. This success is further amplified by global recognitions such as the appointment of Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais as Secretary-General of United Nations Tourism and Masfout Village being named the World’s Best Tourism Village 2025.
Creating a Future Ready Economic Framework
Economic success is not just about numbers; it also depends on the quality of laws and policies that guide business and investment. The UAE government has made significant strides in updating and introducing new legislation to support the evolving economy. In 2025 alone, 11 new economic laws were enacted covering crucial areas like consumer protection, ecotourism, food security, air transport, and sustainability.
In addition, regulatory decisions related to competition, company governance, and fair trade practices have been strengthened to create a transparent, secure, and attractive environment for investors. This ongoing effort ensures that the UAE remains a leading destination for business and investment.
Vision for the Future: We the UAE 2031
The 54th Eid Al Etihad is not only a celebration of past and present successes but also a call to action for the future. The United Arab Emirates is focused on its ambitious We the UAE 2031 vision, which aims to double the national economy to AED 3 trillion within the next decade and position the country as a global hub for the new economy.
This vision includes investing heavily in technology, green energy, digital innovation, and knowledge based industries. It also emphasizes building a sustainable, inclusive society that offers a high quality of life for all residents. The unity and determination reflected in Eid Al Etihad fuel this journey towards a prosperous and resilient future.
Conclusion: Unity Drives Continued Success
As the United Arab Emirates marks its 54th Eid Al Etihad, the nation stands as a shining example of unity, progress, and economic transformation. The UAE Eid Al Etihad economic growth story is one of diversification, innovation, and global leadership. With 77.5 percent of gross domestic product coming from non-oil sectors, booming tourism revenues, and a thriving business environment, the UAE’s future looks brighter than ever.
The spirit of Eid Al Etihad reminds every Emirati and resident of the power of unity and collective effort. Under wise leadership, the country continues its journey towards excellence, building a legacy of growth, sustainability, and opportunity for generations to come.
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