Abu Dhabi Welcomes 4.8 Million Guests in 2024: Cultural Tourism Grows by 21%

A New Milestone in Abu Dhabi’s Tourism and Culture Growth

In 2024, Abu Dhabi reaffirmed its position as a leading global destination. According to the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the emirate’s hotels hosted 4.8 million guests from January to October, marking a 26% year-on-year increase. Visitors from 26 key markets, including India, China, Russia, the UK, and Saudi Arabia, contributed significantly to this growth.

Cultural tourism also achieved remarkable success, with museums, libraries, and cultural sites in Abu Dhabi welcoming over 3.9 million visitors—a 21% rise compared to 2023.

Long-Term Development Strategy

Under the leadership of Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, the emirate is implementing ambitious plans outlined in the updated “Tourism 2030” and “Culture 2030” strategies. These initiatives aim to position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for tourism and culture, with tangible results already evident.

Al Hosani stated:

“We are crafting authentic experiences, advancing infrastructure, fostering talent, and building strategic partnerships. These efforts are transforming Abu Dhabi into a thriving global leader in the tourism and culture sectors.”

The “Tourism 2030” strategy includes the following key goals:

1. Attract 39.3 million visitors.
2. Create 178,000 new jobs in the tourism sector.
3. Contribute AED 90 billion to GDP by 2030.

The strategy is centered on four pillars:

1. Expanding tourist offerings and activating city experiences.
2. Promotion and marketing.
3. Infrastructure and mobility enhancements.
4. Visa, licensing, and regulation reforms.

The Role of Partnerships and the Aviation Industry

DCT Abu Dhabi actively collaborates with private and public sectors to achieve its objectives. A recent City Tourism Briefing brought together leaders from the tourism and aviation industries to align efforts.

Highlights of the aviation sector’s achievements include:

1. Expansion of Zayed International Airport, now serving 24 airlines.
2. Launch of 10 new routes by Etihad Airways.
3. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi connecting 35 destinations across 25 countries.
4. Air Arabia reaching over 200 destinations through six strategic hubs.

To further its reach, DCT Abu Dhabi is strengthening its presence in international markets through roadshows, training programs, and collaborations with travel operators.

Future Projects and Cultural Initiatives

To meet rising demand, Abu Dhabi is increasing hotel capacity and advancing new developments. Key projects include:

1. Expansion of Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi with a dedicated Harry Potter World.
2. Completion of the Saadiyat Cultural District by 2025.
3. Development of Hudayriyat Island as a hub for sports and adventure.
4. Enhancements to Yas Waterworld.

Conclusion

Abu Dhabi is steadily advancing, blending innovation with tradition to redefine its global appeal. The exceptional growth of its tourism and culture sectors in 2024 is just the beginning. With groundbreaking projects on the horizon, the emirate is set to become an even more attractive destination for visitors worldwide.

For those looking to explore investment or tourism opportunities in Abu Dhabi, contact DCT Abu Dhabi for expert guidance.