By Staff Reporter
The UAE’s tourism sector recorded revenues of over AED26 billion in the first half of 2025, a 6.3 percent increase from the same period last year, according to Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism.
Hotel occupancy also reached 80.5 percent, underscoring steady growth in one of the country’s most dynamic industries.
Bin Touq announced the figures while chairing the third meeting of the Emirates Tourism Council this year, attended by senior officials and tourism leaders from across the country. He stressed that the sector continues to play a central role in driving non-oil GDP and supporting the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which targets a contribution of AED450 billion to the national economy by the next decade.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors, launch innovative initiatives, and promote sustainable tourism. These measures, he said, aim to enhance visitor experiences, create opportunities for Emirati talent, and elevate the UAE’s global tourism profile.
The Council also reviewed upcoming projects, coordination mechanisms, and preparations for hosting the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit on October 27 during the Future Hospitality Summit. The event is expected to draw officials from 53 African nations to explore cooperation in infrastructure, sustainable hospitality, and new tourism products.
With further initiatives in the pipeline for 2026, the UAE is positioning itself to reinforce its status as both a regional hub and a trusted global partner in tourism investment.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
