The UAE’s tourism sector has reached a new high, with the country officially named among the world’s top seven global destinations for international tourist spending, according to the latest data from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
The figures highlight just how far the country has come in establishing itself as a key player in the global tourism economy. International visitors spent over AED 217 billion in the UAE last year, with an additional AED 57 billion coming from domestic tourism.
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His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, praised the achievement as a landmark moment in the country’s economic development.
“In a new indicator of the strength and diversity of our national economy, the World Travel and Tourism Council highlighted exceptional achievements in the UAE’s tourism sector,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote on his official X account.
He also noted that the UAE has now overtaken countries with tourism industries that have been in place for centuries. “We have surpassed countries that preceded us in this field by hundreds of years,” he added.
The WTTC’s recognition of the UAE’s tourism performance reflects the country’s growing international appeal and strategic investments in travel infrastructure, hospitality, events, and cultural destinations. From record-breaking visitor numbers in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi to ambitious development projects across the Emirates, the UAE continues to shape itself as a hub for global travellers.
With spending figures like these and continued focus on sustainable tourism, the UAE’s rise shows no signs of slowing.
