Abu Dhabi hotels receive 4.8 million guests until October, a growth of 26%

Abu Dhabi hotels received 4.8 million guests from the beginning of the year until October 2024, recording a 26% increase in the number of international guests compared to the same period in 2023..

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi attracted more than 3.9 million visitors through cultural and artistic programmes, landmarks and event sites until the month of October, with an increase of 21% compared to the same period of the previous year, which highlights the success of cultural initiatives that are inspired by elements of modernity and contemporaneity in combination with the authenticity of ancient traditions and heritage. Cultural, and these achievements consolidate the emirate’s position as a global cultural and tourist destination, driven by the strategic vision of the department.

His Excellency Saud Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, confirmed that the tourism strategy (Abu Dhabi 2030) reflects the vision of the wise leadership in promoting sustainable development of the tourism and cultural sector and creative industries and plays a vital role in expanding the horizons of economic opportunities and achieving the highest levels of community development. .

In a media briefing, Al Hosani reviewed the achievements and initiatives of the capital, Abu Dhabi, and the strategic plans that are in line with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030 to enhance the emirate’s global position as a cultural and tourism destination. He said: We contribute to consolidating the emirate’s position and global leadership in the tourism and culture sector by crafting authentic experiences, developing our infrastructure, building capabilities and enhancing talent, inspiring and effective community participation, and national and global strategic partnerships..

He added that from January to October 2024, Abu Dhabi received about 4.8 million hotel guests, exceeding pre-pandemic numbers and achieving a 26% increase in the number of international guests from 26 major markets, including India, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia. The cultural sites, libraries and museums of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi witnessed more than 3.9 million visitors this year until October, an increase of 21% compared to In 2023.

He said that through its forward-looking vision for the future, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030 continues to chart its path for growth, aiming to attract 39.3 million visitors, create 178,000 new jobs in the tourism sector, and contribute 90 billion dirhams to the gross domestic product by 2030, while enhancing the emirate’s legacy as an incubator of traditions. Ancient and modern cultural exploration. These ambitious goals will be achieved through 25 targeted initiatives Through four main pillars of the strategy: offers and city activation, promotion and marketing, infrastructure and mobility, visas, licensing and regulation..

He added that the close cooperation between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and its partners is considered one of the main factors motivating the success of these initiatives, and benefiting from the existing foundations to unleash new opportunities for growth and progress..

The briefing session on tourism held recently in Abu Dhabi embodied the value of these partnerships, as it brought together senior officials from the Department of Culture and Tourism and stakeholders from the tourism and aviation sectors..

Al Hosani pointed out that Zayed International Airport is now served by 24 airlines, which strengthens the emirate’s position as a travel center with exceptional global connectivity, noting that Etihad Airways launched 10 new routes this year, while Wizz Air connects travelers to 35 destinations in 25 countries, and Al Arabiya It flies to more than 200 destinations from six strategic hubs spread across the Emirates, Morocco, Egypt and Pakistan.

He pointed out that the approach of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi depends on expanding into new international markets while strengthening its presence in existing markets..

Commercial initiatives such as promotional tours, training programmes, and collaborations with travel partners are being designed with the aim of raising Abu Dhabi’s global position as a major destination for entertainment, business events, arts and culture, heritage, etc. The emirate is also enhancing the hotel capacity to meet the growing demand and ensure an exceptional visitor experience..

Major entertainment and cultural projects under implementation include expanding Warner Bros. World by adding Harry Potter World, completing the Saadiyat Cultural District in 2025, developing Al Hudayriat Island as a hub for adventure sports, and enhancing Yas Waterworld. .