Minister of Economy and Tourism: 44.4 billion dirhams in hotel revenues within 11 months in 2025
Madrid, January 23 / WAM / His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, participated in the international tourism exhibition “FITUR Madrid 2026”, which is being held from January 21 to 25, at the IFEMA Center in Spain, with the aim of strengthening international tourism partnerships with prominent markets regionally and globally, and consolidating the presence of the Emirati identity and tourism product on the international scene, as well as exchanging experiences in policy development. Sustainable tourism and improving tourist destinations.
His Excellency stressed that the UAE and the Kingdom of Spain enjoy strong and strategic economic relations, which reflect the vision of the two friendly countries in developing ways of cooperation and expanding the scope of joint partnerships at the economic, investment and tourism levels. He pointed out that the tourism sector constitutes one of the main pillars for strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, creating new opportunities for joint investment, and enhancing cultural exchange and tourism experiences, which contributes to pushing economic cooperation to broader horizons and promoting sustainable growth in both countries.
He said: “Today, the UAE tourism sector represents a fundamental pillar and a major driver of sustainable development in the country, as it contributes effectively to enhancing the gross domestic product of the national economy. His Excellency pointed out that the UAE, thanks to the directives of its wise leadership, has succeeded in consolidating its position as a leading global tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors annually from all over the world, and offering diverse and unique tourism experiences, through the development of advanced infrastructure, policies that support sustainable growth, and innovative initiatives that have enhanced the competitiveness of this sector.” vital regionally and globally.
He added: “During the year 2025, the UAE achieved a number of notable tourism achievements at the regional and global levels, including the Emirati Sheikha Al Nowais winning the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations Tourism Organization, as well as Masfoot winning the Best Tourist Village award. The city of Al Ain was also chosen to be the Capital of Arab Tourism for the year 2026, and was previously chosen as the Capital of Gulf Tourism for the year 2025, as these achievements reflect the UAE’s distinguished position in the tourism sector and its continuous efforts to enhance Tourism competitiveness and the development of sustainable tourism destinations at the regional and global levels.”
His Excellency reviewed the tourism performance indicators in the UAE during the period from January to November 2025, where hotel revenues increased to about 44.4 billion dirhams, recording a growth of 8.8% compared to the same period in 2024, driven by an increase in the average daily price. The number of hotel guests also increased to about 29.1 million guests, achieving a growth of 5.2%, while hotel overnight stays increased to more than 99.4 million nights, with a growth rate It reached 6% compared to the same period in 2024.
He continued: “The exhibition represents a prominent platform for exchanging the latest experiences and practices related to the sustainability of the tourism sector, and developing qualitative projects and solutions that contribute to enhancing the ability of the global tourism sector to face challenges and achieve sustainable economic and social development in the long term.”
He visited the Abu Dhabi and Dubai pavilions at the exhibition, where His Excellency stressed the strength and competitiveness of UAE tourism products and services, and their vital role in providing distinct tourism experiences that meet the aspirations of visitors to the country from all over the world. His Excellency also pointed out the importance of enhancing the presence of national tourism companies in international exhibitions and events.
It is noteworthy that the Vitor Madrid exhibition is one of the most important international tourism exhibitions that constitute a major platform for discussing new global trends in tourism, reviewing emerging market opportunities, in addition to highlighting innovative travel solutions, digital transformation, sustainable tourism, and smart travel experiences, in a way that reflects the rapid transformations that the sector is witnessing globally.
The exhibition aims to discuss the future of global tourism, enhance connectivity between international destinations, and exchange experiences in developing sustainable tourism policies. The exhibition brings together a wide selection of experts, executives, and representatives of major tourism and travel companies, along with government officials and policy makers. The event is expected to attract more than 10,000 exhibitors and more than 150,000 specialized trade visitors, making it one of the largest tourism gatherings in the world.
- For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Related
