Sign in
UAE targets 16% GDP contribution from tourism by 2031: The UAE is aiming for significant growth in its tourism sector, projecting it will contribute 16% to the nation’s GDP by 2031, up from 11.7% in 2023, Gulf News reports, citing Economy Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri’s statements during Dubai’s Future Hospitality Summit. To achieve this, the country aims to reel in AED 450 bn in hotel investments over the next seven years.
Almost there: The country expects tourism to contribute 12% to the UAE’s GDP this year, the minister said earlier this year.
Details: The strategy aims to diversify tourism offerings, focusing on significant growth in wellness and medical tourism. There’s also a push to enhance tourism initiatives across the Northern Emirates, including Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah.
On the supply side, the UAE plans to boost the number of hotel keys and hospitality offerings, and aims to extend the average visitor stay from 3.5 nights to between seven and eight nights.
Safety as a key advantage: Al Marri highlighted the UAE’s reputation for safety amid regional tensions, stating, “we are in the eye of the storm, but we have the highest safety and security protocols. Our numbers speak for themselves.” The UAE’s travel and tourism industry grew 26% last year, contributing AED 220 bn to GDP.
Domestic tourism: Al Marri highlighted the importance of fostering local tourism initiatives that engage residents, adding that the UAE is “working to balance international and domestic tourism at 50-50.”
