01 July 2025

UAE Tourism Hits $70 Billion in 2024 — A New Record

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According to a recent WTTC report, the UAE’s tourism sector generated AED 257.3 billion ($70.1 billion) in 2024, accounting for 13% of the national GDP. That’s a 3.2% increase compared to the previous year and a 26% surge from 2019 levels.

“We’ve surpassed countries that have been building their tourism industries for centuries,” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, highlighting the scale of the UAE’s progress.

Tourist Spending Breakdown: $59.2B International, $15.7B Domestic

  • International tourism spending reached AED 217.3 billion ($59.2 billion), up 5.8% year-on-year and 30.4% above 2019 levels.

  • Domestic spending hit AED 57.6 billion ($15.7 billion), a 41% increase from pre-pandemic times.

Of total tourism expenditure:

  1. 84.7% was spent on leisure

  2. 15.3% on business travel

  3. 79% came from international visitors

  4. 21% from domestic tourists

Where Are Visitors Coming From?

Top source markets for UAE tourism in 2024:

  • India – 14%

  • United Kingdom – 8%

  • China – 5%

  • Saudi Arabia – 5%

  • Other countries – 60%

This diverse mix reflects the UAE’s flexible visa policies and proactive global marketing strategies.

Tourism = Economic Diversification

UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq emphasized that tourism has become a cornerstone of the country’s diversification efforts. Strategic investments in infrastructure, culture, and world-class service have built a resilient tourism ecosystem.

“We’re creating jobs, building global reputation, and steadily moving toward our 2031 goal — $121.5 billion GDP contribution and 40 million hotel guests annually,” he stated.

Why Does This Matter to Real Estate Investors?

Sustained tourism growth is a powerful signal for investors considering property in the UAE. The high demand for short-term rentals, especially in popular tourist zones, ensures solid occupancy rates and attractive returns.

📍Most profitable assets today:

  1. Hotel-style apartments

  2. Studios in prime tourist districts (Marina, JBR, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown)

  3. Projects with branded services and premium amenities

Ready to Capitalize on the Tourism Boom?

At SPI Dubai, we help investors find high-yield real estate tailored to their goals and budget — whether for rental income or future resale.

📩 Contact us today — we’ll recommend the best units, calculate your projected ROI, and handle the process from A to Z.

Welcome to the world of secure, profitable investments. Welcome to Dubai.