Abu Dhabi's Tourism Growth Accelerates

The emirate of Abu Dhabi has solidified its status as a prominent global tourism and cultural hub, with hotel guest numbers reaching 4.4 million in 2025 and revenues climbing to $1.59 billion, according to recent data. The tourism sector in Abu Dhabi has seen significant growth, driven by an array of attractions that encompass culture, heritage, nature, and entertainment. This diverse offering has positioned the emirate as a favored destination for travelers interested in both leisure and cultural experiences. The geographical expanse of Abu Dhabi includes historical landmarks, museums, and archaeological sites, as well as natural wonders such as deserts, islands, and gardens. Abu Dhabi is home to several renowned museums and art institutions, alongside major sports and entertainment venues. The emirate's annual events calendar features high-profile occasions such as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, and the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, which collectively enhance its appeal as a destination for both tourists and business travelers. The local tourism landscape has also been enriched by the contributions of entrepreneurs who have introduced innovative projects that reflect the emirate's heritage and future aspirations. The sixth edition of the World’s Coolest Winter campaign has further bolstered domestic tourism, reinforcing the UAE's position as a leading global tourism destination. Among the notable tourism enterprises is Premier Travel and Tourism, established by Emirati entrepreneur Saud Mohammed Sultan Al Darmaki. Recognized for his commitment to sustainable tourism, Al Darmaki's company emphasizes heritage, business, and incentive travel, supported by the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and strategic partnerships. His initiatives also include training programs aimed at increasing Emirati participation in the tourism sector. Another key player is Miral, founded in 2011 and chaired by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak. Miral is dedicated to enhancing Abu Dhabi's tourism profile through sustainable projects, with a portfolio valued at over AED 13 billion ($3.54 billion) currently under development. The company has created approximately 3,000 jobs in the leisure sector and has launched a sustainability strategy aimed at establishing a new regional standard for eco-friendly tourism experiences by 2030. In the first nine months of 2025, Abu Dhabi's hotel sector welcomed 4.4 million guests, marking a 2.9 percent increase from the previous year, while hotel revenues rose by 18.2 percent to AED 5.85 billion ($1.59 billion). These developments align with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to attract 39.3 million visitors annually, create 178,000 new jobs, expand hotel capacity to 50,000 rooms, and increase the sector's contribution to the GDP to AED 90 billion ($24.5 billion) by the end of the decade.

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