49.21 billion dirhams in total hotel revenues in the UAE during 2025, with a growth of 9.7%

Minister of Economy and Tourism, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, affirmed that the UAE, thanks to the directives of its wise leadership, has been able to consolidate its position as a leading and flexible global model in managing and developing the tourism sector, by providing an exceptional experience based on proactiveness, high readiness, and rapid response in dealing with various crises.

He said that the UAE has proven its ability to protect national tourism gains, sustain this vital sector, and enhance its competitiveness.

This came during the second meeting of the year 2026 of the Emirates Tourism Council, which was held in Ras Al Khaimah under the chairmanship of Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, and the membership of the heads and directors of all local tourism bodies. It discussed new action plans aimed at accelerating the pace of recovery of the tourism sector and enhancing its growth and sustainability in the UAE during the coming period, in light of the current regional conditions and their impact on the movement of travel and tourism.

Bin Touq explained that the tourism sector in the country recorded a strong performance during the year 2025 after the number of guests in hotel establishments reached about 32.34 million guests, which is the highest number recorded in one year in the history of UAE tourism, compared to 30.75 million guests in 2024, with a growth rate of about 5.2%… while the number of nights stayed exceeded 110.62 million nights compared to 104.45 million nights in the previous year. With a growth rate of approximately 5.9%.

He noted that hotel revenues in the UAE markets increased by 9.7% to reach about 49.21 billion dirhams last year, compared to 2024, with a hotel occupancy rate of 79.3%, while the number of hotel rooms reached 217 thousand rooms by the end of 2025. He pointed out that these positive indicators reflect the importance of this vital sector in supporting the national economy and consolidating its competitive position at the regional and international levels, and represent a strong incentive to continue national efforts. To enhance the growth and sustainability of the tourism sector under the current circumstances.

The Council reviewed the efforts made by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and local tourism development departments from the beginning of the crisis until now, which contributed to enhancing the safety of visitors and ensuring the smoothness of their experience in the country, in addition to providing various accommodation solutions and integrated logistical support services. The efforts included strengthening institutional coordination between the various concerned parties to ensure a rapid and effective response to any emergency changes that the tourism sector may witness.

The Council stressed the importance of enhancing joint work and continuous coordination with the various federal and local authorities concerned, ensuring the integration of roles and unifying visions in dealing with various challenges, and thus enhancing the efficiency of the national response and supporting the continued development of the tourism sector and consolidating its readiness for various changes.