The UAE tourism sector has made significant jumps in terms of growth in the number of visitors, hotel occupancy and contribution to the national economy. It has become a vital contributor to the national economy, reflecting the success of the country’s economic diversification policy, which is considered a key step to the country’s move towards post-oil era.

Within a short period of time, the UAE has transformed from a desert country unknown to tourists to become one of the most important tourism and leisure destinations in the region and the world, attracting about 21 million visitors every year. The tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP went from zero at the time of the country’s establishment to more than AED 161 billion today.

This contribution is expected to grow further to reach AED 234.2 billion by 2027, which is testament to the continuing development and growth in the tourism sector. From the beginning, the sector’s strategy is integrated to other aspects of the economy, supported by advanced infrastructure and investor-friendly policies by the government.

The tourism sector’s strong economic status is based on a number of essential factors which tremendously supported its quick recovery and resilience. The sector has always presented quality initiatives and enjoyed the unlimited support from the government, considering it to be one of the major drivers which will lead the country to a successful post-oil economy. Moreover, the UAE has capitalized its geographical location to provide a strategic link between the East and the West and offer a strong network of flights for many countries.

The huge investments in infrastructure, especially for entertainment, shopping, and business, played a major role in sustaining the growth of the sector. It must be noted as well that the country has a secure and stable system which are two of the most important factors for tourism recovery.

The success of tourism in the UAE has been an inspiring model for many countries, while it continuously strengthens its position on the global travel and tourism map as it eyes to become one of the most important and largest global tourist destinations.

The UAE exemplifies many tourism attractions that combine modernity, history, natural and industrial landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, Louvre Museum, Dubai Frame, the projects of Yas Island, Saadiyat, Al Qasba, Al Zorah Nature Reserve, Jebel Jais and several other landmarks that have become global icons. All of these developments have contributed to the sustainable growth of tourism and further consolidated its regional and global position among the world’s top destinations.

The UAE has successfully created a range of tourism offerings that meets the interest of families as a holiday and leisure destination, as well as an ideal business venue for incentive, conferences, exhibitions and festivals. Moreover, the country is making giant steps to create new niches such as medical, sports, and marine tourism.

Leisure tourism continues to be one of the most important segments supporting the development and growth of the UAE’s tourism sector, followed by exhibition and conference tourism, shopping tourism, desert tourism, ecotourism, and marine tourism. However, new segments such as medical, sports, cultural and artistic tourism, are rapidly gaining their grounds as well.