UAE Travel and Tourism Market Overview

Market Size in 2024: USD 61.3 Billion

Market Size in 2033: USD 163.4 Billion

Market Growth Rate 2025-2033: 11.0%

According to IMARC Group's latest research publication, “UAE Travel and Tourism Market Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2025-2033”, the UAE travel and tourism market size reached USD 61.3 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 163.4 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 11.0% during 2025-2033.

How AI is Reshaping the Future of UAE Travel and Tourism Market

  • AI-powered smart airports in the UAE now cut passenger check-in times by up to 30%, giving travelers a much smoother, stress-free start to their journey.
  • The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism uses AI to personalize visitor experiences, leading to an 18% boost in repeat visits compared to previous quarters.
  • AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants are now handling about 60% of customer queries for UAE hotels, freeing up staff for more meaningful guest interactions.
  • The UAE government's Smart Tourism strategy is rolling out AI translation tools in major attractions, helping international tourists communicate with ease and feel more at home.
  • Travel companies in the UAE leverage AI to analyze real-time data, improving demand predictions and raising average hotel occupancy rates by nearly 15% in key tourist hotspots.

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UAE Travel and Tourism Market Trends & Drivers:

The UAE travel and tourism market is thriving thanks to several powerful factors shaping its growth. First, the government's strong backing through initiatives like the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 and the National Tourism Charter creates a solid foundation by fostering sustainable tourism, enhancing infrastructure, and boosting global competitiveness. These policies help unify efforts across the Emirates, drive high-value job creation, and promote innovative tourism experiences that attract a wide range of visitors, thereby contributing nearly 13% to the national GDP and supporting over 925,000 jobs.

Second, the UAE's status as a global travel hub is cemented by its world-class infrastructure and strategic location, which continually attract a surge of international visitors. Recent data shows Dubai welcomed nearly 10 million international overnight visitors in just the first half of the year, marking steady growth supported by its airport connectivity, luxury hotels, and entertainment offerings. Additionally, international visitor spending is projected to surpass AED 228 billion, reflecting strong confidence in the destination's appeal and hospitality industry.

Third, emerging travel trends are shaping tourist behavior in the UAE, with a rising focus on personalized, wellness, and eco-conscious tourism experiences. More travelers now seek immersive cultural journeys, restful “sleep tourism,” and sustainable travel options, with 81% valuing pampering and 84% prioritizing eco-friendly choices. The market also sees a growing embrace of digital booking platforms paired with personalized services. These shifts are driving diverse tourism products, from cultural hubs in Abu Dhabi to experiential tourism in Dubai, creating fresh opportunities for businesses and enhancing visitor satisfaction.

The UAE travel and tourism market forecast offers insights into future opportunities and challenges, drawing on historical data and predictive modeling.

UAE Travel and Tourism Industry Segmentation:

The report has segmented the market into the following categories:

Type Insights:

  • Domestic
  • Inbound
  • Outbound

Service Offering Insights:

  • Ticket Reservation
  • Hotel Booking
  • Holiday/Tour Packages
  • Others

Purpose of Visit Insights:

  • Business
  • Leisure and Recreation
  • Education
  • Medical
  • Social Activity
  • Others

Booking Type Insights:

  • Travel Companies
  • Travel Agencies
  • Online
  • Others

Region Insights:

  • Dubai
  • Abu Dhabi
  • Sharjah
  • Others

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players.

Recent News and Developments in UAE Travel and Tourism Market

  • 2025: Dubai welcomed a record 9.88 million international visitors in the first half of the year, marking a 6% increase from the previous period. This surge is credited to strong air connectivity, diverse attractions, and high-profile global events that continue to position Dubai as a top global tourist hub.
  • 2025: The UAE tourism sector is embracing cutting-edge technologies such as AI-driven personalization in hotels, contactless check-ins via facial recognition, and mobile room keys, enhancing guest experiences while boosting operational efficiency and security across the industry.
  • 2025: Abu Dhabi is making strides in culture-led tourism with major projects like the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the BAPS Hindu Mandir, supported by data-driven marketing and luxury-focused offerings that target key visitor segments, including an emphasis on sustainability and premium desert experiences.

Note: If you require specific details, data, or insights that are not currently included in the scope of this report, we are happy to accommodate your request. As part of our customization service, we will gather and provide the additional information you need, tailored to your specific requirements. Please let us know your exact needs, and we will ensure the report is updated accordingly to meet your expectations.

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