16 September 2025

UAE Tourism Surges in 2025: Hotels Generate $7.1 Billion in H1

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The UAE’s tourism sector recorded another strong performance in the first half of 2025, with hotel revenues surpassing AED26 billion ($7.1 billion). According to Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, this marks a 6.3% increase compared with H1 2024, reinforcing the country’s position as a global tourism leader.

Strong Hotel Performance

  1. Hotel revenues: AED26bn ($7.1bn) in H1 2025

  2. Occupancy rate: 80.5% — among the highest globally

  3. Growth: 6.3% year-on-year increase

These results highlight the resilience and competitiveness of the UAE’s hospitality sector, contributing directly to the Tourism Strategy 2031, which targets AED450bn ($122.5bn) in GDP contribution by the next decade.

Driving Sustainable Growth

Bin Touq emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships and innovative initiatives in shaping the sector:

  1. Promoting sustainable tourism projects

  2. Creating exceptional visitor experiences

  3. Opening new opportunities for Emirati talent

  4. Strengthening the national tourism identity on the global stage

Global Tourism Investment Hub

The UAE continues to build its role as a global tourism and investment hub. Preparations are underway for the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit, scheduled for October 27, 2025, during the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS World).

  1. Ministers and officials from 53 African nations will attend.

  2. The summit will focus on infrastructure, sustainable hospitality, and tourism products.

  3. It will reinforce the UAE’s role as a trusted connector between African and global markets.

Looking Ahead

Local tourism authorities also reviewed progress from the past nine months and shared strategic development plans for 2026, aimed at reinforcing the UAE’s leadership as both a regional and global tourism destination.

Bin Touq reiterated that under the vision of the nation’s leadership, tourism will remain a key driver of non-oil GDP growth and a cornerstone of the UAE’s diversified economic model.

The UAE’s robust tourism growth not only boosts the economy but also strengthens demand for premium real estate in top destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah.

With hotel occupancy above 80% and rising visitor numbers, investing in hospitality-driven real estate has never been more promising. Contact SPI Dubai to explore prime opportunities in hotels, serviced apartments, and branded residences across the UAE.