1.4 Million Visitors Drive Abu Dhabi Tourism Growth in Q1 2025
Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector recorded 1.4 million overnight guests in the first quarter of 2025; a strong indication of sustained Abu Dhabi Tourism Growth. The emirate continues to attract travelers from India, China, Russia, the UK, and the US, reinforcing its global tourism appeal.
Hospitality figures reflect this upward trajectory. Hotels across Abu Dhabi generated AED 2.3 billion in revenue, marking an 18% year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, revenue per available room (RevPAR) surged by 25% to AED 484, signaling robust profitability. The city's hotel occupancy held steady at 79%, underscoring consistent demand amid broader economic shifts.
Abu Dhabi Tourism Growth Expected to Contribute AED 62 Billion to GDP
Tourism is becoming an increasingly vital pillar of Abu Dhabi’s economy. In 2025, the sector is projected to contribute AED 62 billion to GDP, a 13% increase from the previous year, supporting 255,000 jobs. This growth cements Abu Dhabi’s positioning as a global tourism powerhouse.
By 2030, Abu Dhabi aims to achieve AED 90 billion in tourism revenues, a long-term vision backed by the emirate’s comprehensive Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030.
Expanding Global Reach: 25 Tourism Markets Targeted
Abu Dhabi’s tourism strategy is evolving to embrace a wider audience. The emirate expanded its target source markets from 11 in 2023 to 25 in 2024, demonstrating its commitment to diversification. Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Japan, and Eastern Europe are now focal points for attracting international visitors.
This deliberate expansion aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader efforts to strengthen Abu Dhabi Tourism Growth, ensuring market resilience while reducing dependence on traditional visitor bases.
Cultural Investments Fuel Abu Dhabi Tourism Growth
Beyond hospitality and leisure, Abu Dhabi’s cultural expansion remains a defining factor in its tourism success. Mega cultural projects are reinforcing the emirate’s status as a premier destination where heritage, art, and innovation converge.
The latest addition, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, introduces a 17,000-square-meter immersive art experience, deepening the city’s artistic offerings. Meanwhile, the Saadiyat Cultural District is preparing to welcome the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum, further enriching the cultural landscape.
Looking ahead, the highly anticipated Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, featuring a global collection of modern and contemporary art, remains on schedule for completion in 2026, shaping Abu Dhabi as an artistic epicenter.
Unwavering Tourism Investments Amid Oil Price Volatility
Unlike traditional economic models tied to energy prices, Abu Dhabi’s tourism strategy is built for long-term sustainability. The emirate has reaffirmed its commitment to tourism investment, regardless of oil fluctuations. Officials have made it clear: whether oil prices sit at USD 55 or USD 100, Abu Dhabi will not scale back its tourism projects.
This confidence underscores the emirate’s vision to drive Abu Dhabi Tourism Growth beyond oil reliance, securing its place as a diverse, globally competitive economy.
Also Read: Abu Dhabi Green Economy Trends: Pioneering Sustainability Through Finance & Innovation
